Nama-SLAY the Day with Yoga

The Health Benefits of Yoga

By Delaney Smith, Staff Writer

In an effort to improve students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being, Lynn University offers weekly yoga sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. EST in the Snyder Sanctuary, and soon in the recently opened Snyder Center for Health and Wellness.

Downward dog and child’s pose are two of the many yoga positions that can lead to a feeling of relaxation and provide fresh energy throughout the body. Practicing yoga regularly can connect the mind and body for optimum mindfulness. There are numerous forms of yoga practices, but most forms include breathing exercises, meditation and flexing of various muscle groups.

“There are so many health benefits such as mind, body, spirit and strength building. We do everything from core work to strengthening the legs,” said Elena McDonald, a certified yoga instructor at Lynn University. “It brings you calmness and helps with your mental health.”

The health gains from performing yoga can drastically aid college students in their welfare. Some health benefits include better sleep quality, less chronic pain, metabolic maintenance, increased flexibility and improved stress management.

“Some students are working in addition to going to school and I think putting your health and yourself first is really important,” said McDonald. “Taking time out of your day to do yoga twice a week for one hour is super important and it can help overall make your studying habits better and you’ll feel better.”

Additionally, many athletic coaches on campus, including the women’s and men’s lacrosse coaches, have implemented yoga into their allotted training hours so their athletes can reap the positive benefits. These benefits include injury prevention and calming the mind to improve athletic performance.

“I love doing yoga because it makes my body feel good,” said Diane Dholer, a Lynn student athlete. “If I’m sore, it helps to stretch out my muscles, and my body feels more awake.”

Regular yoga practice is extremely beneficial for everyone, including college students. Rolling out a mat and nama-slaying the day with yoga will leave you with a more positive outlook on life and a healthier body.

Below: Lynn University students attending a yoga session in the Snyder Sanctuary. Photo/D. Smith.