OM: Yoga provides stress relief on campus

There is a growing interest in yoga among the Luther community. Students can participate in this stress-relieving activity by enrolling in a physical-education skills class or through a course offered by the Wellness program.

Mary Beth Gallant, instructor of health and physical education, teaches Yoga I and II. Each is a seven-week, one-credit course that gives beginners an introduction to Iyengar yoga, a form that helps students focus both physically and mentally.

Gallant, who also owns The Yoga Studio in Decorah and is a former professional ballet dancer, is in her fourth year of teaching yoga at Luther. She has practiced yoga for 28 years. She began teaching Iyengar Yoga 15 years ago and is one of 800 teachers in the US to be certified by the Iyengar Yoga Association of the United States.

“At first what drew me to yoga was that it is a way to relax mentally and physically, and it countered the repetitive movements of dancing,” said Gallant.

A typical class begins by drawing one’s awareness inward and becoming present in the moment. The rest of the class period focuses on asanas, which are the postures, or poses, in yoga. Students may use props such as belts, blocks, chairs and bolsters to assist them in these poses.

Members of the class find it challenging, yet enjoyable. Mike Byrd (‘10), who had no previous experience with yoga, is glad he chose this class.

“[Yoga is] the most relaxing part of my day,” Byrd said. “I’m forced to concentrate on one thing. It was difficult at the beginning because I was working muscles that not even athletes normally use.”

Students are also asked to complete several reading and writing assignments throughout the seven weeks.

“I create these assignments so students can see that yoga can be a life-changing experience and that it is meant to improve the whole person,” said Gallant.

These classes are popular so they fill up quickly, but all is not lost if those interested in yoga cannot get into the skills course. Jenna Halverson (‘12) is the new instructor for the Wellness class that meets every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Regents Center dance studio.

Halverson has had extensive exposure to yoga because her mother has instructed yoga and Pilates for six years. She was recently hired to instruct the class and hopes to become certified this summer.

“This class is a great way to lower stress, relax and work on strengthening the core,” said Halverson.

Through the Wellness class, beginners can gain exposure to yoga without a large time commitment.At last Wednesday’s class, 35 students were in attendence, many for the first time.

Allison Croat (‘12) had been to the class before and said yoga was an excellent study break.

“I think I can actually focus better after the class because I’m so calm,” Croat remarked.

Although many students arrive with their own yoga mat, mats are available for use in the back of the studio. For more information about yoga and other Wellness classes, such as kickboxing and Hapkido (a form of martial arts), check out http://recsports.luther.edu.