And Breathe…Where to Take a Yoga Class and Why You Should Try It

Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress. We meditate, go for a walk or run, volunteer, call a family member or friend, or even resort to that oh-so-convenient last piece of chocolate cake. Sometimes we’ll try anything to relax and calm our nerves. Luckily for us collegiettes™, Eugene is all about bringing the peace and calm into daily activities, and yoga classes are slowly becoming more popular in our town.
 

It’s hard to say exactly when yoga started, but the practice originated in India and goes as far back as 26,000 years ago. Some scholars have even found evidence that suggests it was used during the Stone Age. Talk about a tradition!
 
However, no one said traditions couldn’t be modified, and the U.S. famously puts its own spin on things. Over the years, we have modified yoga to help pregnant women and seniors with disabilities, and we’ve also invented YogaHop. YogaHop is “fun, athletically fulfilling, and spiritually soothing” yoga, according to some sites. It incorporates hip hop, rock, and pop music with yoga poses for a high energy workout. Currently, the only YogaHop classes offered in the U.S. are in California, but knowing Eugene, I’m sure someone will start up a class soon!
 
When deciding which type of yoga to try, keep these key points in mind.
 
1. Hatha – Slow-paced and focuses on stretching. Some like it for the meditation and relaxation, while others say it’s too slow.
 
2. Ashtanga – A specific form of hatha yoga, it is fast-paced, challenging, and sweaty. Perfect for runners, bikers, and dancers.
 
3. Gentle –  I tried this at school and actually really liked it. It’s less strenuous than Hatha, great for beginners or those easing back into yoga, and you’ll learn techniques for quick relaxation and anxiety tactics.
 
4. Kundalini – Promotes flexibility, breathing techniques, and self awareness; also slower-paced.
 
Even celebrities practice yoga. Madonna practices ashtanga, Gisele Bundchen practices anusara, and even Jennifer Aniston practices a little bit of yoga after her workouts. She reportedly used yoga to help her quit smoking.
 
Yoga also boasts endless benefits, from increased flexibility to improved posture. The breathing techniques can help you not only fall asleep quicker, but also stay asleep (hello, insomniacs!). And yoga has even been known to lower blood pressure and heart rates! Why wouldn’t you try a class or two?
 
You know the old saying “Listen to your elders”? I’ve learned to take it with a grain of salt, but with yoga, it definitely applies. Take some advice from your Stone Age elders, and try a  yoga class or two. Here are some local Eugene hot spots that offer yoga classes:
 
University of Oregon – Big surprise, our very own university has quite the collection of yoga classes. It’s too late to register for a yoga class this term, but summer’s schedule is already up. If you’re at all athletic, try sports yoga. For stress relief, hatha would be more up your alley. Both classes are three weeks long and $65.
 
YMCA – The YMCA offers a wide range of yoga classes, from kundalini and hatha to low-key gentle yoga. There is a spring schedule up on their website from which you can decide which class fits with your schedule. All yoga classes are drop-in; just buy a day pass ($6) that will get you into any of the activities happening that day. Yoga mats are available to borrow from the Y, but get there at least 10 minutes before class starts to make sure one is available.
 
River Road Park & Recreation District – This budget friendly rec center offers a variety of drop-in yoga classes for just 5 bucks! Like the Y, River Road Rec also offers hatha yoga and gentle yoga for stress management. Their website lists both the morning and evening classes available, and if you decide to try River Road Rec, do bring your own yoga mat as they don’t have ones to borrow.
 
Oakway Fitness – Another great fitness center to visit, Oakway Fitness is known for having affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere. Their drop-in fees are little spendier at $15, but they have yoga mats to borrow if you don’t have your own, and their central location in the Coburg area conveniently offers nearby food joints and Starbucks. Who knows, while you’re there, maybe you’ll decide to start a seven-day trial at the fitness center!
 
No matter where you decide to take a yoga class from, remember to not be too hard on yourself if some of the positions seem too difficult, or you don’t feel as flexible as others in the class. From taking yoga at UO, I’ve learned not to compare myself to others in the room because we’re all at different skill levels, and we don’t all have the same body type. So relax! After all, that’s the point, isn’t it?