“I’ve Stopped Getting Those Ridiculously Painful Headaches”
In class we did a lot of breathing techniques, also known as Pranayama. At first I could barely take a 15 second breath. However, after practicing I finally managed a 22 second breath. This increase in breathing ability has helped me in yoga poses because it calms me down when a pose is extremely difficult and it also has helped me in track practice. It allowed me to slow down my breath and recuperate quicker allowing blood to flow throughout my body, helping me to stay calm and not get the ridiculously painful headaches I used to get. Overall, this practice of Pranayama has increased my breathing abilities and has helped me in and outside of yoga class.
~Undergrad – Track & Field
~Undergrad – Track & Field
“The Numbers Speak For Themselves”
The numbers speak for themselves; I started the class only being able to take a 15 second breath. At this point, I can take a 25 second breath. Through twists and other asanas I’ve learned how to breathe to different areas of my body, which can help me deepen my focus and relaxation. Thank you so much for a great class!
“My Parents Actually Thought I Had Grown!”
Now that I’ve completed a semester of yoga, I’ve found, among other things that I can relax and fall asleep easier. At the beginning of the semester I almost always had some degree of back pain due to my scoliosis (I saw a chiropractor last summer which helped a lot but I hadn’t really been doing my stretches). Yoga has lessened my back pain and given me new ways to relieve the tension in my back muscles (and strengthen them too). I’ve found that I’m a lot more flexible than I previously thought and that if I push myself just a little I can make a lot of progress and get stronger and more fit. I also find that my posture has improved – my parents actually thought I had grown!
“I’ve Noticed Great Improvment in My Upper Arms and Hips”
I had practiced yoga a little bit in the past, but I was only able to practice it once a week with my volleyball team. Now that I’ve completed a semester of yoga I find I’m stronger in muscles that I neglected before. I’ve noticed great improvement in my upper arms and hips. The exercise that probably helped my upper arm strength the most was the block push up that we practiced. At the beginning of the class I could only do a block push-up on my knees and I was amazed at the improvement in such a short time span. I’m also better able to calm myself down by using some of the breathing techniques we learned in class. I can now take longer breaths and that has helped me a lot in terms of stress levels. ~College Volleyball Player
“I’ve Found It Easier To Focus Deeply While Playing Baseball”
This wasn’t my first experience with yoga, but taking it this semester has helped me in many physical and mental ways. As a baseball player I’ve found it easier to focus deeply while playing. Also, I feel more relaxed at night and I feel better rested in the morning. The breathing practices have helped me increase my endurance. I plan to continue practicing yoga as a way to better myself as an athlete. ~College Baseball Player
“It Was An Amazing Experience To Embrace My Breath”
Being so fed up with the workloads, I’d forgotten the ways to focus on my breath. It was an amazing experience to finally give myself a moment to embrace my breath and pay attention to what goes on inside my body. I was also fascinated by how much improvement in the length of my breath the practice of breathing techniques taught me.
“My Balance Was Off, Breath Was Short & Flexibility Was Limited”
Before this class, I’d never attended a yoga class or practiced yoga. During the first evaluation, I realized that my balance was slightly off; my breath was short as I breathe quick breaths through the mouth and my flexibility was limited. I realized that certain muscles were never employed by my daily actions and others were overused (that’s why child’s pose feels so good). This course helped me work on all of these areas. I have now been able to strengthen the left side of my body, improving on my balance overall. My breath has lengthened by learning how to breathe through my nose and into the back of my body. From 10 second breaths to ~22 second breaths, it has made a difference. All of the poses I did in this class have helped me be more flexible accessing muscles that need to be toned and used, including the backside of my legs and arms.
“It Really Is Possible To Let It All Go”
The practice of savasana at the end of every class has opened my eyes to the fact that it really is possible to “let it all go.” I’m a pretty nervous and tense person, and my brain is constantly fixated on something – I never really switch off. But, when I was forced to just lie down and focus on my breathing, I found that my head slowly cleared itself, my muscles relaxed and I felt really at peace with myself and the world. It was actually kind of rejuvenating – when class was over, I felt less stressed and more prepared to tackle the rest of my day.
“Initially, I Had A Very Hard Time Controlling My Breathing”
Initially, I had a very hard time controlling my breathing. Now at the end of the semester, I’ve improved and I’m able to inhale and exhale for almost 30 seconds. I’ve also found it helpful to breathe slowly and deeply when relaxing or prior to sleeping. The full breath really seems to release any tightness and relaxes my body. ~Collegiate Swimmer
“Ending Class With Savasana Was An Amazing Experience”
Ending class with savasana was an amazing experience. It taught me how to block out the chaos of the world and focus on myself and my wellbeing. Savasana has helped me to thank my body. I acknowledge that my body goes through so much stress and tension that from time to time it is important for me to stop and allow it time to relax. Savasana has opened my eyes to the need for “me time”. The time during which I tune out everything else and just focus on myself. Thank you so much, Julie, you have been an amazing mentor!!
“I Feel Like I Have More Strength”
I feel like I have more strength now and it’s easier to hold myself up with good posture. I’m glad that everything we learned is something I can do any time on my own.
“I Used To Run Out of Breath During Intense Cardio Workouts”
First, I’m now more aware of what my breath is doing at all times and able to control and direct it to where it is needed. The ability to control my breath in this way has made it much easier for me to relax and recover from workouts or any other stress my body is subjected to. I’ve also noticed a significant increase in my overall lung function and capacity. While I used to run out of breath during intense cardio workouts and because of this have to stop, now I’m limited by muscle fatigue. Together with the improved strength and flexibility I’ve gained from doing yoga, these breathing techniques have made me feel like a much healthier and well-rounded person.
“I’ve Had Sleeping Issues For Years”
Relaxation completely changed my ability to relax and separate from the stress of daily life. I’m finally able to focus strictly on my body and let my mind drift from the constant worries that accompany everyday life. For example, I’ve had sleeping issues for years but once I started trying the breathing exercises in bed, I’ve been able to fall asleep more easily. I also gain energy by being able to truly relax and decompress. It allowed me to feel less burdened.
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