Classes end this week for spring quarter for my yoga students at CWU. I have given students the opportunity to share on my blog about any benefits or insights they have received during the quarter of yoga, and how yoga benefited their body/min,etc.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share yoga with college students at the University. I first started doing yoga when I was a college student at CWU, I was also a mother of a 3 year old boy, who is now 20...wow! Anyway, it helped me clear my mind and relax deeply so that I could keep my focus on being a Mom and student. Now, I get to give back the gift that was given to me so freely:)
Thanks again everyone for practicing yoga with me.....
Have a great summer:)
I started this yoga class not knowing anything about yoga and I have learned this quarter not only about yoga but about my body's strengths and weaknesses. Some times when I am stressed about classes it felt like a chore to go to yoga because I looked at it like another class but every time i left yoga I felt refreshed, less stressed, and filled with a new sound energy. I am an athlete so from time to time my muscles get a bit tight and yoga really helped me relax and stretch out each part of my body. I also used to have a lot of lower back pain, but ever since i started yoga it has gone away. Yoga has improved my balance, flexibility, and also in a way my attitude. I loved this learning experience and will continue it in the future.
ReplyDeleteI was first introduced to yoga in High School and I loved it. I became flexible and focused and I felt really good everyday. Unfortunately, I stopped including it in my regular day to day schedule and, over the years, I've developed a lot of pain in my back and joints. I was excited to sign up for yoga this quarter in order to get back into the regimen of physical exercise. I think, as college students, we are so wrapped up in exercising our minds that we sometimes forget to exercise our bodies and it will take a toll on us if we're not careful.
ReplyDeleteI loved going to yoga because I left feeling refreshed and happy. At the beginning of the quarter I had a lot of back pain, but it hasn't been back since I've started practicing yoga. There were also some stretches and balancing postures that I couldn't quite do at the beginning of the quarter, but I have found that my body is more centered and flexible now. I loved this class and only wished that it was more than just two days a week! This is definitely something that I will continue to practice in the future.
Mitch-that is fantastic! So glad you benefited from class, and your comment did post:)
ReplyDeleteKristina-So glad you loved yoga and you have found your way back to it!!!
Well this was my first time ever trying yoga. I have always been interested but this year I finally decided to take it. The one thing that I feel has really changed for me in this class is how patient I have become. Before I was always trying to get everything done as fast as I could. But now yoga has helped me learn to just breathe and take my time. Also starting with a new job I have found I am getting lower back pains. Yoga really helps me relax those muscles and helps me stretch them out. Lastly I have always wanted to be more flexible, and with yoga I feel it has set me up with some good tools to become better at being flexible. Now that I have a mat I am going to start waking up early to stretch and do some yoga before getting ready in the mornings. :D
ReplyDeleteBefore taking this class I had taken a few yoga classes, but I had never done it consistently. Over the course of this quarter I have grown to love yoga and all of its benefits. Yoga has helped me stay grounded in my day to day life. Many of the techniques I learned in class have been useful for me. There have been several stressful days in which I sat down and practiced the three-part breath and meditated to clam my nerves. Additionally, I have had issues with overly-tense muscles in my hips and lower back. Many of the yoga poses I learned in class have helped release tension in these problem areas, and I feel like my muscles are longer and stronger than before. Overall, this experience with yoga has helped me learn the strengths of my body, and the areas that need more care and attention. I plan to continue practicing yoga, even after this class has ended. It is something that I can see doing for the rest of my life. I will miss this class, but I look forward to my future yoga ventures.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first experience taking a yoga class and it was enjoyable. This class was helpful it helped me live a better relaxing life that promotes peace. I have a lot of homework each day so lots of stress, but by going to this yoga class it helped me forget about all my homework and too have a calmer mind. I also have trouble with my back because of a past injury the exercise this class provided helped my body and back pain be more fitter and to feel less pain. After taking this class, I know I will be taking yoga for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteMarisela
Rebecca Groffman-
ReplyDeleteThis is my second time taking this class from Kristin Harper. I really enjoy taking yoga and how relaxed it has made me feel through this busy quarter. Taking yoga has also helped with my upper body strength and since taking this class my upper body strength has gotten stronger. Yoga has also helped with my back and whenever we are done with class my back feels rejuvenated. I also have enjoyed the meditation aspect of this class, it really helps me relax and not think about what I have going on for the rest of the day. Overall yoga has helped me build strength, relieve pain, and help calm my mind down. I highly recommend yoga to everyone since it has benefited me in so many different ways.
I have really enjoyed your yoga class and feel much stronger, relaxed and energized. I use the breathing techniques all the time...Focus On The Breath...
ReplyDeleteYour class is truly a gift!!
Thank your so much !!
Tracy Wise ~:-)
This was my first yoga class I have taken. I didn’t know what to expect the class to be like, or what we would do for the two hours. Yoga has taught me a lot about my body, how to strengthen and relax it. Also what my strength and weaknesses were. I am not very flexible, but I realized you did not have to be, however it did help me become more flexible throughout the quarter. Many Thursdays I did not feel like going to yoga because I thought of it as another class that I was required to go to. But, after each class I realized I was wrong. It is nothing like other classes, it teaches you how to relax and stretch which I think everyone needs. Leaving class I always felt so relaxed and loved every part it. One benefit that I did get was my lower back is always tense, but yoga has helped relax those muscles and stretch them. I did enjoy this class very much, it was nice to have two hours of my day to focus on myself and not worry about other homework and my job. I do see myself taking yoga classes in my future.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first yoga experience. I was a bit hesitant at first to sign up for the class but did so anyway based upon the recommendation of friends. At first I was skeptical if yoga would actually help me. The first day I felt somewhat awkward. After several classes though I noticed my frequent lower back pain no longer existed. This is a huge deal for me as lower back pain has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My joy of not having to deal with it anymore can even be put into words. That was when I really started to believe that yoga was an activity that greatly improved my quality of life. I really like the fact that my flexibility has been slowly improving and over all I generally feel more relaxed. The breathing exercises without a doubt help me relax and regain my composure even when stressed out. Yoga will without a doubt be an activity I continue even after I graduate. – Ian Goralnick
ReplyDeleteI have been practicing yoga off and on for over ten years, needless to say I know the poses and flow of yoga but I am always learning something new. The last quarter I took a yoga class at Central I learned that yoga was about releasing control and not gaining control. This quarter I have noticed the importance of the breathe in yoga, over doing the poses correctly or completely. This skill has worked its way into other aspects of my life and helps to keep me balanced and mindful even when I am not standing in mountain pose devoting all of my energy to that balance. The longer I practice the more I learn, the more I appreciate different poses and my body’s response to those poses. I have my favorite poses but the list keeps growing.
ReplyDeleteI have also gained a deeper appreciation for the control that the mind has over the body, and the control that we each have over our minds. Meditation has been a key tool in dealing with some insomnia. Here is a link to my favorite video...
http://life.gaiam.com/video/5-min-meditation-insomnia
Thanks for another great quarter Kristin!
Deborah Kerr
Yoga was an amazing experience unlike anything I have ever done. It was relaxing, challenging, mind-opening, strengthening, and a great workout! The days we did the more up-beat yoga, I would break a sweat and feel great afterwards. The days that we did the more relaxing and phemonen yoga, I felt relaxed, meditated, and focused. It was interesting to learn and practice the moon and sun salutations which were made up of a series of poses. I also loved doing individual poses and holding them for longer times to get deeper into it. Overall, yoga gave me the tools I needed to
ReplyDeletecalm myself down in times of anxiety with several different breathing exercises. It also gave me different tools like the Breath of Joy to energize. I loved this experience and am very grateful for learning pieces of the practice. Thank you so much Kristin!
(this is a post from a student who asked me to cut and paste to the blog for her....)
I am so glad that I enrolled in this CWU yoga class. From this class I have gained strength, flexibility, and the ability to allow myself time to relax. College classes can be very stressful and this class has given me an escape from this hectic time. I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone who is looking for a good workout that doesn’t put too much stress on the body. I have had multiple surgeries from sports injuries and have not been able to find a routine that allows me pain-free activity. This class has done that, so thank you Kristin for this amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteI was very skeptical at first but I ended up really enjoying yoga. I have always had a difficult time with it but I have learned through this class that I don't have to push my body farther than it can go. It is important to test myself and try to reach new levels and get better but at the same time I felt comfortable knowing my bodies limit. I also felt very calm after leaving every class. One technique I have been using outside of class is when trying to relax to flex all of my muscles and then letting go, it really helps me clear my mind and really quiet myself. Overall this class has been amazing, showing me ways to relax while also giving me a great workout! I have definitely developed an appreciation towards yoga and would love to continue it through out my life! Kristin you should teach a class at the rec center!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take yoga to help me relax. A few of my friends are really into yoga and promised that it would help. I was nervous about all the different poses because I knew that if I thought I looked silly, I would burst out laughing in the middle of class. Thank God that never happened. Yoga was something that I had never done until this quarter and I am so glad that I took this class. You were an awesome teacher that never made me feel uncomfortable or pressured to do poses that I was not ready to do. I noticed over time that I was becoming more relaxed in difficult situations and even catch myself doing the 3-part breath when I am mad at my boyfriend (it really works). I never thought yoga would be something that I would continue doing outside of a class in college, but now I am signed up to take hot yoga classes this summer back home! Thank you so much for all of your help! I honestly can't thank you enough for the peace of mind you have given back to me.
ReplyDeleteI used to do yoga in middle school as a class. At the time I did not think it was anything great, but I have really been enjoying this class. I was surprised that after the first day of class I left feeling really relaxed and continued to feel that way through the day. I started to look forward to class. When I broke my hand and could not go to class I noticed that I was feeling more tense than usual. It was really nice to be able to come back to class and get back into the stretches and the breathing exercises. I really enjoyed this class.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second quarter taking from Kristin, and I LOVE IT! I have a hard time clearing my mind and focusing on yoga. This quarter the class has given me the chance practice clearing my mind, and I have noticed improvement. I set a goal of being able to do a half shoulder stand, and I am happy to say that I am able to do one now! My favorite part of yoga would be how it helps my muscles relax so I have less back pain. These classes have helped me physically and mentally, and I plan on continuing.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second yoga class I have taken here at CWU and I have enjoyed both. I had dabbled with yoga before, but mostly just trying it out and not really committing to it. Having it as a class was a great way to stay on track and truly experience the benefits it has on one's body. It heightened my energy for the day, increased my flexibility, and gave me a new perspective on what yoga is all about. I feel that the exercises that we performed have also propelled my progression in the weight room as I have been lifting weights on a regular basis for about 2 years now. Overall, the class was great and I am excited to continue these methods in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time ever doing Yoga and it has been an amazing experience. Yoga has taught me how to relax and clear my mind. Which is really hard for me to do because I am constantly doing things or thinking about things and my mind is always going. The corpse pose and deep relaxation time has really helped me with this things because it has taught me to just let go and become one with the universe. Yoga has also helped me by making me more flexible and loose after workouts I usually feel sore but ever since doing Yoga my muscles and joints feel relaxed and not loose.
ReplyDeleteI am a Yoga 2 student this quarter and have already taken Yoga 1 with Kristen Harper. The first yoga class I took with Kristen was my first yoga class ever, and I loved it! It was incredible to me how less stressed I felt every time I left yoga class. This quarter was going to be a hard one for me so I decided to take yoga again to help me relax. The quarter got so busy that I started to feel like I really didn't have time for this yoga class, yet I forced myself to go and it always was a rewarding experience. My mind felt so much more clear and calm every night after yoga, and it really sent me into my weekend in a better mood! One night I must have really slept wrong because I woke up really sore in my neck and back...I was so excited to get to go to Yoga the next day! I knew yoga would help relax my neck and back, and it did. I felt so much better. I just love the way yoga makes my mind and body feel. I am a person who tends to stress easily and yoga really helps me calm down. During and after this yoga class my body also feels amazing, I feel like I could run a marathon! I am truly happy that I decided to take this class! I will continue to partake in yoga in the future!
ReplyDeleteI always have a hard time motivating myself to get up and do some sort of exercise. I also have back pains often which makes it even harder to want to work out. I chose yoga hoping to strengthen my body as well as stretching my back out. It definitely helped with my back and I often use the same moves during the week when it starts hurting again. I also use the sun salutation when i have trouble waking up in the morning. Yoga is definitely a good way to wind down the week especially when its been a very difficult week. I plan to go home (since i'm graduating this year) and teach what i have learned to my family. I would like to continue yoga in the future. I especially like the downward dog pose. It has definitely helped strengthen my arms which i need. I also love the corpse pose. I borrowed one of the cds from the teacher that we usually listen to when doing the corpse pose and now i instantly fall asleep.
ReplyDelete~Amanda D
Over the last 4 or so years, the amount of stress I've gone through every day has accumulated to the point where I was willing to try anything to help me relax. Just before Spring Quarter 2011 was about to get underway, my girlfriend Amanda mentioned how yoga could be very helpful in helping me relax and take my mind off of stressful topics. Throughout the quarter I've amerced myself into a more relaxing state of mind and my body has begun to show fewer stress-knots, all thanks in part of taking your yoga class ! This is a big step in getting where I want to be and I'm considering taking an intermediate yoga class next year, and will likely continue to to take yoga after I graduate. After 4 years attending classes at Central, this has been the most relaxing class I've taken.
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ReplyDeleteI started Yoga about a year ago. I began practicing out of my house, to gain more flexibility. Within the year I was able to also gain relaxation, which I never thought I was capable of. But something was missing.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I decided to take this yoga class at the end of our senior year. Unfortunately after attending a few of the first classes we realized how we had missed out on, all previous 11 quarters. As I started this class I was looking for flexibility and relaxation. Never did I think I would gain a sense of inner beauty and strength. Yoga means many different things to everyone. But I am glad that I was able to be a part of this class.
(Lacey Gualco)
The above post is by Lacey Gualco using Jesse Galligan's Account :)
ReplyDeleteI actually looked forward to every Yoga class I had this spring quarter. Not all exercise classes elicit the same feeling. Yoga just feels good, not just during the session but well after. We carry a lot of heavy loads around with us unconsciously in our modern, busy lives. Yoga relaxes me by bringing greater self awareness. The breathing exercises, quiet my mind from the days worries. I have learned that although breathing is automatic, it is also controllable when we become aware of it and need to alter our state of being. Yoga forces me to concentrate on “now”.
ReplyDeleteYoga is a balance between effort and ease .The gentle stretches ease tensed muscles, making me more flexible, and the effort makes me stronger. The twisting poses feel especially good. Yoga is an art form that can be practiced throughout a person’s life. There are many, many poses. I do not believe a person could ever feel that there was not more they could learn from the practice of yoga. I especially like that about it.
Becoming aware of how your mind and body works and the relationship between mind and matter is a great asset, especially to me as a Health Science student. I have already passed on some of this knowledge by recommending yoga to others who have stress or physical related complaints.
I started yoga in high school to improve my track and football skills. My coach strongly suggested it to the entire team. Many of the guys were leery and did not show up. I feel lucky that I was able to practice and discover how yoga is helpful in all aspects of my life. This class has helped me push myself in my yoga poses. It has also help me relax and improve my running abilities. During life a stress reliever is always needed and I feel that yoga has helped relieve that stress. I will continue to do yoga for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteJesse Galligan
This is the second class i have taken from you and i have enjoyed both immensely. The first class i took was with you last spring. I have tried to do it on my own but it's just not the same. I first decided to take the class because of the advice of a friend and i have learned to enjoy it a lot. i know i have mentioned to you before how it seems to help with my back problems and toward the end of the quarter my back feels much better than when we started. And by the way, I am really liking this yoga blog idea.
ReplyDelete-Matt Gray
I have taken yoga in the past at several different places on the west side. This quarter I decided to give it a try here at Central. I am so happy that I got to experience this yoga class as yoga has always helped to relax me and refresh my mind. It was a great way to start my day 2 days a week andf I personally recommend that people with any stress in there lives try to take some kind of yoga class. This quarter was great for relaxing me as it is spring quarter and everything seems to be rushed. I have always liked yoga and this quarter has made me realize that I need to continue taking it on or off campus.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Sarah Houk
I had done some yoga before taking this class but it was just a class here or tv workout one there. I really liked taking this class and doing yoga continually. It gave me something to look forward to in the middle of my day and through out the week doing it at 12 on tuesdays and thursdays. I always came out of yoga feeling relaxed and more comfortable in my skin. Plus my flexability has improved alot. Thanks for holding the class, I really enjoyed it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Alisha Bowen
The last two comments by me were copy and pasted by students who had some trouble with getting on the blog.....
ReplyDeleteThe feedback from you all has been so wonderful...I am so grateful for all of you:)
At the beginning of this year I would have never thought I would take a yoga class. I had no idea what yoga was about or what to expect. One of my friends told me she was joining your class and i decided to join as well. I am so thankful that I decided to join. This yoga class was so helpful to me in so many ways. I have become more in touch with myself, I can stay focused and relax so much easier. I use the breathing techniques you showed us everyday. This experience was the greatest and I can honestly say I will keep yoga in my life forever. Thank you so much for an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteMichiela Boukalis
Since starting college I have become a lot more stressed with amount of work. A few friends and I were thinking about taking a yoga class and decided to start this quarter. I have never taken a yoga class before and have come to find out that I love the class. I have noticed that I look forward to taking the class every week. Each time the class is over I feel relaxed and stress free, and not to mention to great workout. Yoga has helped me relieve much of my stress from classes. I plan on continuing yoga classes all summer long until fall quarter where I can sign up again.
ReplyDeleteAbby Loiseau
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ReplyDeleteI loved the opportunity to do this yoga class, especially with a hectic quarter. It reduced my stress and was able to take on a whole different perspective in my other classes. I have taken yoga and pilates before and definitely needed to get back into something that would slow down my life for at least an hour or so. I learned new techniques that I could use at home and was able to understand why we used certain poses. I am planning on taking more classes in the future so I can hopefully become a yoga instructor myself. I believe that people feel better, understand more, and live longer with yoga added into their daily lives. It has sure helped me a lot!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what CD's you used, especially for the meditation part at the end. There is one specific song with the piano and a male singer and would really like to add that to my collection of yoga songs!
Thanks again!
Katherine Bell
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second yoga class with Kristin. I have really enjoyed the opportunity and have truly benefited from learning the practice. I have seen improvements in my flexibility and have learned about the strengths and weaknesses of my body. I first thought yoga was more about flexibility, but overtime, I learned it is also about strength. The scheduled block of relaxation and stretching helped me to relax and clear my mind; which was much needed this busy quarter. I can now practice many of the exercises at home, but it isn't the same as the in-class instruction, atmosphere of Raw Space and great music. I will miss attending your sessions!
ReplyDeleteAndrea Harrison
Yoga strengthens the mind and spirit. Yoga teaches people to focus their mind, by doing this you concentrate on specific parts of the body. An example of this is an instructor might ask you to lay in corpse pose and focus on one point in your body. This allows you to let all unnecessary worries or thoughts just float through your mind which allows you to relax. When doing this you’re not forgetting about your worries, instead you're just not letting them bother you at that point in time. When you can teach your body to relax you can calm yourself easier in everyday life. I know that is one of the biggest things that this past quarter of yoga has taught me. I have learned to relax myself by closing my eyes and focusing on one point for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I feel that the most important part of yoga is the spirit. Yoga may just be an exercise for most people but for the people who really do appreciate yoga have learned that the smaller aspects of yoga are what counts more than just the poses. Yoga combines all body, mind, and spirit with controlled breathing. Pranayamas is the name used for breathing techniques. Prana means energy or life force, and Andyama means social ethics. This type of breathing is known to control the energy flow in one’s body, focusing on the muscles that are working, calming your mind, slowing your heart rate, and sense of relaxation.
-Chantel Coleman (Yoga I MW 9AM)
from Destiny:)
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed stretching my body and relaxing for 50 minutes 2 times a week. I have a really stressful life so it was nice to take time out and focus on me. The breathing that I learned in class really has helped me when I run and when I am put in stressful situations. My favorite breathing is when I make the ocean sound with the back of my throat. Yoga will alway be a part of my life because it adds balance. Destiny Turner
Taking yoga Spring quarter was amazing. I have had back problems for years and the mix of active and relaxing yoga helped my pain tremendously! I now know which positions to use to get the best results. This knowledge came in handy right before a huge final. ;) The most important thing that I got out of Yoga class was a deeper sense of self confidence. The warrior poses were the reason for the personal growth. I don't know how to describe the amazing sensation of energy surging through my veins every time I took a warrior position because I feel like words are inadequate to capture the experience I had. All I know is I am much more confident in myself than I was in the beginning of the quarter, and I have yoga to thank for that!! Thank you for a great experience!!
ReplyDelete-Kaylie Darfler
Yoga 2 TH 7PM
Having suffered a fairly major back injury recently, yoga was intimidating for me to take. Happily, it seems to have improved things. I try not to push the stretches too much, just a bit beyond comfort. I feel my core strength and balance has benefited. I liked the slow pace of the class and the emphasis on focus and concentration. I certainly felt more relaxed after the class than before. I look forward to perhaps taking another yoga class next quarter.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Kristin. Have a great summer!
Tom
Thanks everyone for all the kind words. Happy summer to everyone:)
ReplyDeleteFor the past two years, Ive been taking yoga for Kristin Harper. It is perfect because every week I get my stretching in for football and it helps me recover every week. At the end of each class, the yoga class gives me a lot of energy to finish the day without being tired. I have looked forward towards every quarter because I love taking yoga, and for my last quarter in the fall. I will be taking yoga again with Kristin.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristin, Ill be seeing you in the fall!
Justin
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