Senior finds new way to stay in shape

Tue, 13 May 2008 18:12:00 GMT

By Molly Sammon

Photos by Michael Peddycord

Senior Brittney Corley practices basic yoga meditation. She has been practicing yoga for several years.

What do the sitting dog, a happy baby, and a flying crow all have in common? It might seem like absolutely nothing, but they are all yoga positions. The actual meaning of the term has been lost in centuries of translation. To some cultures, it means “unite” or “control.” Going back farther into history, it means “conjunction” or “manner.” But to people today, it’s called “yoga.” An estimated 16.5 million people in the U.S. practice yoga as a means of exercise. Senior, Brittney Corley does regular toga classes during the day. She is able to manage being an avid member of the band program at school, rank in the top ten of the senior class, and participate in many after school clubs. She, like many other students, lives a busy life, and does not have time to participate in school affiliated sports too. However, she does not let that stop her. It is crucial to find different ways to stay in shape when dealing with an already active schedule. “I usually go on Saturdays and Sundays,” Corley said. “I also like to before tests.” The activity is certainly not designed for the faint of heart. “Yes, yoga is definitely hard. The flexibility that is needed does not come easily,” Corley said. One of the hardest parts os getting accustomed to the yoga lifestyle is managing the breathing techniques. “There are many different breathing techniques associated with yoga. You have to focus on breathing extremely slowly and evenly. The key is to not let your mind wander far from the breathing,” Corley said. The activity of yoga is a series of stretches and breathing exercises to promote overall muscular toning and relaxation. Many people often participate in classroom settings, but it has become increasingly popular to do yoga stretches in home basements. Omni 41 offers classes on our area. There is also a variation called “hot yoga” where the class takes place in a sauna. “I absolutely love hot yoga. We start by letting our minds release by listening to chants. As the room heats up, the different poses get harder and harder. It’s always a relief to walk into the cold air,” Corley said. Yoga is an just one way to stay fit, relaxed, and calm. It can help release the stress in the busy lives of those who simply do not have the time to keep up with a school sport.