Committing to the ancient Indian practice of yoga can reap numerous emotional, physical and cognitive benefits. After just one class, yogis can experience reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved brain function and increased flexibility. Yoga strengthens the mind-body connection which can help improve personal body image, emotional regulation as well as promoting feelings of psychological self-efficacy. Over time, and through continuous practice, yoga can help reduce blood pressure, chronic back and neck pain and improve lung capacity and overall muscle tone. If you have suffered a concussion or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), yoga can be of particular assistance, aiding physical and mental rehabilitation and positively impacting a practitioner’s overall quality of life as they adapt to their injury.
Luckily, UCD Gym offers free beginner and intermediate yoga classes at various times throughout the week – be sure to check the UCD Gym timetable on SisWeb for this week’s times! If you fancy taking things to the next level by trying your hand at hot Bikram yoga, Dublin City Bikram offer €10 off-peak, drop-in classes for students in their city centre studio (located above Starbucks on Drury Street), and offer a 10% discount for students purchasing monthly unlimited sessions.
Get the Gear
Yoga bag, €12 Penneys
If you don’t fancy using a communal mat or wish to practice at home, Dunnes Stores have produced a range of yoga mats, all €12 , for the new year.
When practicing yoga it is important to wear non-restrictive and comfortable clothing. Lululemon produce high-quality and long-lasting yoga gear but their range is out of budget for the average college student. For cheaper alternatives, check out H&M’s sportswear range, pictured below are Lululemon’s ‘Fast as Light Tight’ (€118) versus H&M’s yoga tights (€27.99).
Specialist yoga menswear can often come with a hefty price tag, but these ‘Slim Fit Leggings’ are a good alternative and are just €15 from Dunnes Stores.
Ciara Landy – LifeStyle Editor
