Feature: UC Yoga Club & Upcoming MoveU Events

For this week’s post I interviewed David London, the founder of the University College (UC) Yoga Club. David is a 3^rd year undergraduate student studying computer science. He says he founded the club because he had a lot of friends who were interested in doing yoga but couldn’t afford to take a class. Knowing it was something David practised, it was his friends who brought up the idea of starting a club. David says he loved the idea because he wanted to teach but couldn’t do it full time. The UC Yoga Club is very accessible to students, which was always the club’s goal. With no associated costs and mats being provided, it’s an easy way to de-stress at the end of your week. The club even rewards students who attend regularly with some cool club merchandise! When asked about the membership, David explained that about half of those in attendance each week are regulars and the club has grown a lot since its inception in January 2014. The weekly class is held at the Multi Faith Centre from 3:30-5pm most Fridays. The club uses their Facebook group to confirm numbers but they rarely cancel a class. To join, search UC Yoga on Facebook. No experience is required! If the Friday time slot doesn’t work for you this term, David suggests joining the group anyway as they’ll be taking a poll to determine the best time slot for next semester’s sessions.

I asked David, “Why yoga?” He pointed out that it’s particularly good for students because we spend a lot of time sitting and that doesn’t do good things for our posture. It’s not only good for the body, but it also encourages deep breathing and promotes relaxation. I don’t know about you, but I could use some of that. David says yoga has helped him personally to become a more positive individual.

The UC Yoga Club is just one example of students promoting and participating in physical activity on campus. If yoga isn’t your thing, check out ULife for a list of athletics clubs, you won’t be disappointed! I asked David why he personally thinks it’s important to stay physically active as a student. He explained that all our time spent sitting makes the body stiff and more prone to injury. Stretching keeps the joints lubricated and makes the body more prepared for those extended periods of sitting when they’re unavoidable. I’ve been doing lots and lots of sitting lately, so I’m excited to join David for a yoga class this Friday. I’ll report back next week, though I encourage you to come try it out for yourself! Free is good, my friends. Free is good. If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends this week, your MoveU Crew invites you to Fun Friday #3: Innertube Waterpolo! That takes place tomorrow from 9-11pm at the Varsity Pool. Personally, I’m excited to skate again. On November 27^th from 9:30-10:45pm, come out to Varsity Centre Arena for another free skate! The theme is “Skate N’ Create” this time around, with button-making and other crafts on top of yummy hot chocolate. Remember to show up early as the skate rentals are in high demand! Hope to see some of you there!