With summer right around the corner and the weather warming, Seattle University students are making their way into the sunlight for a variety of activities. From basking in the sun to intense games of volleyball, students are enjoying the break from the rain and cold.
Among all the fun activities taking place, one was somewhat out of the ordinary. While the sun was out during the afternoon of May 28, a University Recreation (UREC) sanctioned yoga class took place on the Union Green. At first glance, it seems peculiar to hold a yoga class away from the climate-controlled studios of the Redhawk Center. However, this class, led by third-year psychology student and instructor at UREC Andie Bernard, was a unique opportunity for participants to ground their minds and bodies, reconnect with nature and challenge themselves with distinctive, nature-themed yoga poses.
Students lined on rows of yoga mats attempt to lift themselves by their hands
(Roan Tierney)
Yoga is a great way to get active because it not only physically works and stretches the body; it also relaxes the mind and manages stress. People don’t only use yoga as a way to help with their physical health, but also with their mental health.
“[Yoga] has helped me tremendously with my mental health, my confidence and my strength overall—mind, body and spirit,” Avea Vasa, a third-year forensic psychology major, said.
With finals approaching, many students are starting to feel the pressure and stress of the last stretch of the school year; yoga is a great way to take some time to relax and unwind. It inspires and reenergizes people.
“I’ve been really, really stressed with finals coming up, and so yoga’s helped me feel like I can do it a little bit more,” Bridget Lawrence, a fourth-year strategic communications major, said.
Contrary to popular belief, yoga isn’t as easy as it looks. It takes continuous effort and time to master the poses and flow naturally between movements.
“I love seeing my students come every week and get skills they didn’t think were possible for them,” Bernard said. “It’s so rewarding to see them accomplish that.”
Participants of all skill levels showed up to the class, from experienced veterans to complete beginners. The environment was warm and welcoming for everyone. Yoga can be very beginner-friendly and has a light learning curve, making it easily accessible.
Some students believe that the UREC yoga classes are underadvertised and underutilized.
“I tell all the people that I come across to do yoga and to do the UREC activities,” Amy Lockwood, a first-year student said. “A lot of people don’t know it’s a thing or don’t realize how good it is.”
Students lean back and stretch with their arms in the air.
(Roan Tierney)
The yoga classes offered by UREC are free for all students and require no prior experience. All students have to do is sign up and show up.
“You can’t go to a gym and get these free yoga classes,’ Yui Schramm, a first-year psychology major, said. “[Students are] going to have to pay for a membership versus here where these classes exist for us, so [students] should definitely utilize that.”
Although yoga may seem intimidating to start, instructors are there to help people every step of the way.
“If you’re closed-minded, you’re not going to get anything from it,” Izzy Ingan-Hahn, a first-year marketing and management major, said. “But if you go into any experience with an open mind, then you’re going to get something from it.”
UREC holds yoga classes every week, and students are always welcomed and even encouraged to join. Class schedules are announced at the beginning of each quarter on ConnectSU.