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Yoga Article Final Final Draft Jacob Hartman
Yoga Article Final Final Draft Jacob Hartman
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
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
Official yoga classes are offered at the NSU Wellness Center several times a week to suit
“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
“The biggest thing I get from athletes that come to my class is that they sleep so much
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
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
“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
“It’s a huge asset to us,” said Scott Varner, golf coach. “From a physical standpoint it
pays dividends.”
“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
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
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.”
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
Yoga events have been held on campus before but extra guidance was needed to teach the
“That was the biggest class I’ve ever taught,” said Chelsea Greenfield, Wagoner senior,
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,
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