With the exciting energy of welcome week and now the reality of being back in class, relaxation is valued amongst college students around this time.

The Center for Physical Activity strives to provide opportunities for students to take better care of themselves. Through different group fitness classes, free gym access and now a new Wellness Corner, the CPA works to help students prioritize their health, both mental and physical.

Through inhales and exhales participants were instructed, “You cannot share your light if you do not have the fuel.”

At 6:30 p.m., Sept. 7, many students filled up the ETSU football stadium with plans to unwind through yoga poses during sunset. Through inhales and exhales, students refreshed their minds and souls to focus on themselves amid the back-to-school rush. For students who had exams the next day, taking time to be on the field with friends and just breathe was very relaxing for them and enabled them to focus once back to studying.

Students enjoying sunset yoga before the rain. (Kellsie Hicks/East Tennessean)

While our time on the field was cut short due to the weather, the 30 minutes on the field felt calm and welcoming. Many students showed up with friends and laughed and enjoyed a good time.

“Sunset yoga was just what I needed after a long day of studying for an exam,” said Mia Hartsfield.

Sunset yoga was overall a unique experience for the average student who may be inexperienced in yoga. This provided an opportunity to have a sweet, slow night amid possible chaos. With exams already happening for some students, sunset yoga reminded students it’s okay to take a break for themselves.

The CPA offers yoga classes to all students through group fitness classes throughout the week. Classes such as restorative yoga, de-stress yoga and yoga 101 are accessible ways for students to incorporate yoga in their lives to help them feel focused and grounded.

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