Yoga in residence
Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm, Walter Gage Residence of the University of British Columbia sees students come together to stretch, breathe, and relax under the guidance of Amanda, the yoga instructor.
With her friendly smile and inviting personality, Amanda makes students feel comfortable, even those who are trying yoga for the first time.
As students arrive, they are kindly asked to sign an attendance sheet and complete a waiver before joining the class.
They settle into their chosen spots, unroll their yoga mats, and prepare for the practice to unfold.
Unlike traditional yoga classes, these sessions are designed to be as accessible as possible. Students don’t need fancy gear or white yoga outfits—just a yoga mat and an open mind.
Amanda's yoga session begins with a moment of quiet introspection as students settle onto their mats, preparing their minds and bodies for the practice ahead.
The instructor guides the students through a deep breathing exercise and body scan with a calm voice.
The session progresses into a warm-up featuring gentle stretches and movements designed to awaken the muscles and improve circulation.
From there, the class moves into a flow of yoga poses or asanas in yoga-speak. These poses may include foundational postures like cat/cow, downward dog, warrior, tree, cobra and child’s pose. The session typically concludes with a cool-down phase of seated or reclined stretches, followed by savasana, where participants lie still to integrate the benefits of the practice.
Amanda provides different options for yoga practitioners to modify or deepen the poses depending on their ability.
Yoga classes foster a sense of community, bringing people together in a supportive environment. Some come to yoga seeking connection and friendship, while others want a deeply personal practice—a time to be with themselves, Amanda says.
Students value the time in the yoga class as a break from their hectic schedules, finding it a chance to move their bodies and reconnect with themselves. Here are William (a domestic student) and Mia (an international student from Uruguay) sharing their thoughts on the yoga class:
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