Flexible Elective Helps Students Stretch Their Schedules
CIRCLE UP! Yoga students sit on yoga balls before class. At the start of class, students like to take time to warm up and stretch so they are ready to move for the rest of class. Photo by Sarah Garrett
May 15, 2023
The yoga class at LASA is designed by dance director and yoga teacher Paige Edwards for students to find a moment of peace and relaxation within their busy schedules. The class is open to students of all experience levels. Additionally, LASA has recently introduced a yoga club for those interested in taking their practice further.
Sophomore Sadie Henderson took yoga as her elective last year. She had no prior experience before joining the class, but ended up appreciating the class more than she expected to.
“I think it’s a really peaceful class, and I think that it gives you a lot of free time for studying,” Henderson said, “I think that mentally it helps to clear my mind, and also I think it’s made me a lot stronger, and more flexible.”
Edwards said she carefully considers her students’ abilities and limitations, creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to practice yoga. She shares resources such as Headspace and Calm, apps that come with guided meditations and relaxation techniques, to supplement the course.
“I check in with students often to gauge what we need for the class time,” Edwards said. “I understand some days, students aren’t up to a more intense workout, so I try to tailor each day to fit the needs of the class. I encourage all students to listen to their bodies as I guide through movement classes, breathe fully, and take time to care for their entire wellbeing. ”
The class varies from gentle to fast paced yoga positions, with time for meditation and rest at the end, according to Edwards. She also emphasizes the philosophy and history of yoga, as well as the benefits of exercise and mindfulness.
“The benefits of yoga are vast.” Edwards said. “Taking time to focus on your breath can help you become more aware of where you hold tension in times of stress and provide movements of introspection to check in with yourself.”
I understand some days, students aren’t up to a more intense workout, so I try to tailor each day to fit the needs of the class. I encourage all students to listen to their bodies as I guide through movement classes. — Paige Edwards, LASA Yoga Teacher
Sophomore Chelsey Pence founded the yoga club this year after taking the class last year. She said she found the class to be a source of calm in her day.
“We were able to move and stretch and meditate,” Pence said. “It helped my mind and body.”
Pence said she started the club because she wanted to continue experiencing the benefits of yoga and share them with others. The club takes place every Monday in the dance room for the last 30 minutes of lunch.
“I decided to start the club because after last year, knowing the class was a one-year thing, I didn’t want this calmness in school and everyday life to go away for me,” Pence said, “and I also wanted other people to experience it too.”
In the club, members dim the lights and pull out mats to go through a series of stretches and poses to help their bodies, according to Pence. The club ends with Shavasana, or meditation to help their minds be calm and positive.
“I think yoga last year was so much fun, and it really helped me stay calm and keep my day positive with all the tests and work that I had during that time,” Pence said. “People should join this club because I believe, from my past experience, that it can truly make your day brighter and put you in a better place with school stress and other stress from life.”
