As the stress of classes begins to weigh on Baker students, many are attempting to find any possible way to relax. Fortunately, there may be a solution for those searching for a way to wind down.
Professor of Spanish Sandra Schumm teaches a beginner-level yoga course that she says “helps with relaxation and anxiety.”
Schumm, who began doing yoga 10 years ago, said that in order to become a certified yoga instructor, one must take 200 teaching hours, which is the recommended amount of time suggested by the Yoga Alliance.
Schumm said that being certified “ensures [the] quality” of yoga that the student is being taught.
The class, which meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, is becoming increasingly popular among students, who range from soccer players to art students. It is becoming so popular, in fact, that if students do not register for the class quickly enough, they not receive a spot.
“The class usually gets filled up before the freshmen and sophomores can get to it,” junior Tim Laughlin said.
Students who take this course not only learn basic yoga stretches and poses, but the philosophy of yoga as well. Schumm’s class is largely based on the Iyengar program, which emphasizes the importance of learning each pose correctly before advancing to actual exercises.
“We read a lot of the yoga philosophy, as well as breathing techniques,” Schumm said.
Learning all of the poses may seem daunting and somewhat arduous, but many find it to be relaxing and even fun.
“My favorite pose is halasana,” senior Sydney Doster said. “It’s when you lay on your back, lift your feet over your head, and rest the balls of your feet on the floor behind you.”
Schumm will be offering two separate yoga classes in the spring, one beginner and one advanced.
Yoga classes meet in Mabee Gym, and students are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat, blocks and bands.