East Lansing resident Katie Dalebout demonstrates a modified dancer pose on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 while holding Yoga books at Yoga State, 515 East Grand River Ave. Dalebout, who was a former State News Board of Directors member, has been working at Yoga State for six months.
When MSU graduate student Ghazala Imran transitions into her favored half-moon yoga position, she is at one with her body. The pose leaves her left leg and hand on the ground, while her right limbs extend into the air.
The position is one of Imran’s efforts to find her “center,” a meditative connection between mind and body. The soft background music and quiet camaraderie of other focused yoga students at Yoga State, 515 E. Grand River Ave., is all that is present during Imran’s yoga class.
There are no windows distracting her attention, there isn’t the chaos of college, and most importantly, there isn’t the added tension of day-to-day activities, including the stress of exams.
“The focus of breathing in and out allows you to focus on the part of your nervous system that helps calm you down,” she said. “You give your brain and nervous system that calming effect by breathing.”
Rebecca Kegler, MSU’s assistant director for recreational sports and fitness services, said yoga gives the brain time to rest, allowing a more concentrated focus later on. She said yoga and meditation can be especially energizing during heavy exam weeks.
“Anytime that you get stressed out … not only your brain gets stressed out, but it reflects in your body as well,” she said.
“The best way to give your brain a break is to put your body in motion. By shutting out the rest of the world and focusing inward for a moment, it actually gives your brain a break from that stress … It allows you to refocus better and re-look at those issues and address them.”
Two years ago, Imran’s doctor suggested she try yoga as a way to alleviate her knee pain. She found Yoga State while exploring campus and was impressed by the diversity in the classes, saying it helped improve her health, both in body and mind.
“I was super impressed by the diversity of people that came to the studio and how comfortable the environment was,” she said.
“The concept of breathing is very meditative and focused; it calms people. When they leave, they feel very energized and relaxed.”
Yoga State owner and instructor Jen Hayes said the presence of others during a session creates an inspiring atmosphere.
“There seems to be a shared energy, especially when we get partway through class and peoples’ bodies are getting fatigued,” she said. “They feel how strong their mind really is. … It’s really like a community effort.”
While studying for midterms, Hayes said students should embrace beneficial study breaks that include yoga with meditation. She said the environment of yoga classes is the refresher many students need to find success in their various pursuits.
“(Students) leave feeling a lot more clear,” she said. “Whatever they were working on really seems to come to them.”
Yoga State currently offers student rates for yoga classes. Classes also are available in intramural facilities on MSU’s campus.
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