Most people think of seemingly impossible and weird, twisted poses when they think of yoga. However, yoga is all about harmonizing the body with the mind and breath through the various breathing techniques, postures, poses and meditation, according to theartofliving.org, a website with a mission to serve society by strengthening individuals.
Plattsburgh State student Kellie Mccarron teaches a group section yoga at Memorial Hall on Mondays at 7 p.m. Mccarron, a junior majoring in nursing, started taking yoga in eighth grade because it helped her calm down, stay focused and eased her anxiety.
“I use it more as a mental practice,” Mccarron said. “A nice way to destress and exercise.”
She said she would classify yoga as an aerobic workout because the cells are using oxygen, moving stretching and breathing. From doing yoga, Mccarron has noticed that she has whole body strength opposed to having more muscle on one side of her body.
The New York Times said that aerobic activity is characterized by an elevated heart rate and an increase in the body’s use of oxygen. The article also mentioned that the practice of yoga in America typically consists of bodily poses interspersed with or followed by breathing exercises and meditation.
There are many different types of yoga for people to try. There is the hartha, which is best for beginners because it’s extremely slow paced. The iyengar is best for people who are detail-oriented because there is a huge amount of information shared to the class by the instructor during the sessions. Ashtanga is good for professionalist because it follows guidelines and a strict routine. The bikram is good for people who are new to yoga because it has a very predictable sequence, according to dailyburn.com, a website dedicated to helping individuals live a healthier, happier and more active lifestyle.
The New York Times article stated that bikram is one form of hot yoga, and it improves balance, lower body strength and range of motion for both the upper and lower body. It might even help improve arterial stiffness and metabolic measures, such as glucose tolerance and cholesterol levels, as well as bone density and perceived stress, according to the New York Times.
Hot yoga is good for people who are hardcore sweat lovers. This routine is tough and leaves one drenched afterward.
The New York Times said hot yoga is performed in a room heated anywhere between 80 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit and may be more physically rigorous than regular yoga, making practitioners susceptible to dehydration and muscle injuries.
The kundalini is best for people who are looking for spiritual practice. The yin yoga is good for those who need to stretch and unwind. It helps calm and balance the body and mind. There is also the restorative yoga, which is especially good for people who have a hard time slowing down or those who struggle with anxiety.
Another PSUC student who participates in the group yoga section is Coleman Perella. Perella, a freshman majoring in environmental science, said the reason why he does yoga is because he enjoys the meditative aspect of it.
“It keeps me in shape, it keeps me from getting hurt,” Perella said.
Perella said that he would consider yoga as an aerobic exercise. However, it depends on how hard one pushes him or herself. Some changes he has noticed with his body is being able to breathe better. He said he is able to calm down and stay flexible, which prevents him from getting hurt.
A lot of students might assume yoga is a girly routine, mostly for females to indulge in and improve their flexibility. However, there are many different types of yoga that targets several aspects such as the mind, body, soul and strength building.
Yoga can be a great way for students to calm themselves and recuperate after a long day of projects, assignments, events and many other things. It can be great for students who wants to find spiritual peace, as well as those who wish to build body strength. PSUC provides group yoga classes for students with gym memberships on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m, Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m., Thursdays from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m.
Email Raheal Neequaye at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
