Recently, yoga has grown increasingly popular. It is easy to see why; you get to wear cute clothes, it isn’t harsh on the body and you are able to forget about your worries while you practice. Coming off of a stressful period of my life, I found a studio near my school that offered a free week of unlimited yoga. I did different yoga classes every day for that week.
While it may seem like a short period of time, I felt that I went through a mini transformation in that week. Here are some reasons to try yoga as a college student:
1. It releases toxins.
If you have done hot yoga then you know what I am talking about when I say that you will sweat. You will sweat so much that your next shower will feel dry. Something amazing happens as you sweat; you feel all the negativity and unwanted junk in your body slip out. After a fun weekend there is nothing sweeter than feeling that “fun” exit your body for good.2. You’ll be sore in places you didn’t know existed.
Yoga works every single muscle of the body. It works muscles that you didn’t know existed. You may not be able to brush your hair the next day because your arms are so sore, but really, if you aren’t sore did you even workout?3. You’ll catch yourself NOT thinking.
As college students, we are usually thinking 24/7. Even in my sleep I’m thinking about all the things I have to do. Yoga seems to cast a weird spell over you, allowing you to turn your brain off and only focus on the task at hand. An hour of mental relaxation can rejuvenate the mind and body immensely.4. You’ll eat healthier.
Yoga makes your body feel amazing. You sweat and tone at the same time, which combines all the great parts of working out. As your body is physically improving, you’ll naturally gravitate towards healthier foods because you won’t want all your hard work on the mat to go to waste.
5. You’ll appreciate your body.
Yoga pushes your body to achieve things that were once unnatural to you. You will walk out of class with gratitude for your body. You will see your body as amazing and accomplished rather than looking at your insecurities.
6. You’ll exercise but it won’t feel like exercise.
There are so many different yoga classes you can take. Some are simple stretching while others are intense with weights and heat. Regardless of what type of yoga you do, you are exercising your mind and body. Going to a yoga class is far different from gearing yourself up to attempt to workout at the crowded campus gym.7. You’ll be rewarding yourself.
College is stressful and we often forget to reward ourselves for the hard work we do everyday. Yoga is a great way to treat yourself while also bettering yourself. Every time I walk out of a class I feel refreshed and rewarded.Many studios offer student discounts and trade programs in which you can work at the studio in exchange for free yoga. Get a couple friends as accountability partners and try a week of yoga. Your body and mind will thank you greatly. Namaste.
