DeKALB | As a way to reduce stress, I participated in the yoga and Pilates classes offered at the Campus Recreation Center. I learned about the health benefits of both.

Yoga

At first I thought I was in the wrong room, since all the lights were off in Activity Room 1 of the Rec. Then I heard peaceful music and saw instructor Deborah Brandt teaching a yoga position to two students; their hands and feet were planted on the mat with their head and back angled down.

Though I’ve been participating in yoga classes in my hometown for a few years, this class was the first time I used yoga blocks for balance with some of the more difficult postures and lunges. Brandt advised using the blocks to avoid straining muscles.

My favorite yoga position is the Spinal Twist, which helps relieve back pain. I also learned a new position that sets your back flat on the mat and your legs angled up against a wall. This not only helped relieve my back pain, but I learned it helps relieve headaches and other ailments.

After doing combinations of stretching positions, lunges and breathing exercises, the class ended with five minutes of meditation.

Pilates

About two hours after going to yoga, I participated in the Pilates class taught by instructor Tamara Newquist. Like yoga, the lights were dimmed and peaceful music was played. Students were asked to place their mats in a circle around the room, and were taught a variety of deep breathing and core exercises. Though this was my first time participating in a Pilates class, I found some of the stretching movements similar to yoga, but slightly more fast-paced.

The class began with the basic breathing exercises, which Newquist said to use during each exercise. She advised students to keep their stomach muscles “imprinted,” or tightened, during each exercise to increase core strength. During one exercise, students were told to curve their back like the letter “C” and angle their body on the mat while holding the position and focusing on breathing. After doing a few repetitions of this, I noticed my back and stomach muscles tightening while I tried to stay upright. Another of my favorite Pilates and yoga postures to help relieve back pain is the Cat, done by stretching your core muscles up toward the ceiling and down toward your mat.

Relaxation

After attending both classes, I noticed I was breathing easier and was very relaxed. The classes also improved my concentration for the rest of day and helped me to become more aware of my posture. I enjoyed yoga and Pilates and would recommend them to anyone looking for an alternative exercise.