Yoga opportunities abound at NSU

Jacob Hartman

All across campus students are becoming more involved in yoga activities. Gym-goers,

hard-studiers and even the RiverHawks golf team have taken to the trend that has been on the

rise in recent years.

Whether the goal is to clear away those pesky rambling thoughts or to improve the

connection between body and mind, there are opportunities for all kinds of students seeking a

slice of inner peace.

Official yoga classes are offered at the NSU Wellness Center several times a week to suit

anyone’s hectic schedule.

“If they get to a point where they’ve had a really stressful day they’ll try to make time to

go because it helps them unwind,” said Brianna Cook, yoga instructor at the Fit.

Cook added that the benefits extend beyond the physical aspects that her well-rounded

class aims to boost.

“The biggest thing I get from athletes that come to my class is that they sleep so much

better at night after they go to yoga,” said Cook.

Though athletes may be more inclined to try yoga, a regular practice can help anyone,

especially the average stressed-out college student who could use a little anxiety relief or a better

night’s sleep.
 “It’s a moment where you leave everything off the mat,” said Rachel Archer, Tahlequah

junior. “I think that’s very healthy and I don’t think a lot of students or people in general have

found that safe space.”

Students are not the only ones who have picked up on the mental health benefits, but

faculty too. Professors and staff alike face daily challenges that might upset the balance they

need in their lives.

“It’s centering, it’s grounding making you a little bit more present and being able to have

that time for yourself,” said Sarah Burkhead Whittle, instructor of library resources. “No matter

your personality or how you work we all kind of have to have those moments to recharge.”

Though students and faculty can certainly find a mental break with yoga practice, the

physical benefits are not to be overlooked. While many head to the Fit for their weekly dose of

deep stretching poses and even deeper breathing exercises, the RiverHawks golf team has made a

more concerted effort to incorporate yoga into their training regimen.

“It’s a huge asset to us,” said Scott Varner, golf coach. “From a physical standpoint it

pays dividends.”

The members of the RiverHawks golf team agree wholeheartedly.

“It’s really helpful to be flexible so we don’t pull a muscle,” said Ebba Moberg,

Sundsvall, Sweden senior. “It makes me calmer and reduces stress a lot for me personally and I

feel good after I do it.”

Though yoga might seem intimidating to someone unfamiliar with deep breathing

methods or the poses, traditionally called asanas, Moberg insists everyone should give it a shot.

“Just do it, it’s fun. A lot of people think it’s too hard but you can do it on your own

level,” said Moberg.

 It may be challenging to quantify the benefits of yoga but the team adamantly believes it

helps their performance. The RiverHawks golf team is coached weekly through a specially

tailored yoga session designed to improve their golf game by focusing on flexibility and body

awareness. They added yoga to their training routine in the spring semester of 2018 after Teri

Cochran, director of student financial services, was asked by Varner to lead the custom made

yoga class.

Cochran, who recently earned her official yoga certification, recognizes the benefits in

her own life as well, saying that yoga helps her, “remain in the present moment.”

“If you can breathe you can do yoga,” said Cochran.

The simplicity and ease in yoga seems to have appealed to many students already. A

recent free yoga event sponsored by the NAB was held at the UC on Jan. 26. Free yoga mats

were handed out to the attendees who quickly filled the room to capacity.

“We had exactly 50 students at the event,” said Elizabeth Potts, NAB current events

chairman. She added that she felt encouraged to sponsor more events like this in the future due to

the high turnout.

Yoga events have been held on campus before but extra guidance was needed to teach the

class to this surprisingly large group of students.

“That was the biggest class I’ve ever taught,” said Chelsea Greenfield, Wagoner senior,

who instructed the class held at the UC.

Greenfield noted that many who attended the class were trying yoga for the first time but

she was glad to see so many indulging their newfound interest in the practice. Those interested in

any new kind of activity might feel nervous or reluctant to begin but Greenfield offered soothing

advice.
 “Come in with no expectations and learn to love change,” said Greenfield to mitigate

their fears.

While diving into something unfamiliar can be nerve wracking, do not be afraid to try,

great things may come of it.

For more information on classes held at the Fit, email the Fit offices at nsufit@nsuok.edu

If students have suggestions for future events for the Northeastern Activities Board, email

the NAB at engagement@nsuok.edu