Yoga is In, and the Gym is Out
Inside Feel Better Yoga in Burlington. (Photo by Erica Payne)
Yoga seems to be increasing in popularity across campus. Students are less likely to hit the gym and more interested in signing up for yoga instead. Take a look at what keeps students coming back and why paying for yoga classes wins over the on-campus gym.
Claire Vacca is a current first-year who goes to Feel Better Yoga in Burlington. With unlimited two-week passes for $30, Vacca took her first class and was instantly hooked.
“I think what inspired me to go to Feel Better Yoga was the number of people I heard who go and feel they gain not only a better workout but also a better mindset,” Vacca said. “After going to my first class there, I completely agree with everything I had heard about it and hope to inspire others to go.”
Not only does Vacca enjoy going to yoga because it helps her feel less stressed, but she also said she likes being able to avoid the crowded school gym.
Inspirational wall at Feel Better Yoga in Burlington. (Photo by Erica Payne)
“I enjoyed the yoga class more because I knew exactly what to do since there was an instructor to guide the class,” Vacca said. “I also liked that the class had a set number of people so that it was not overcrowded or overwhelming.”
Feel Better Yoga also appealed to junior Carlie Davis because Elon does not offer hot yoga classes. Davis has been taking hot yoga classes for about a year and goes three to four times a week.
“Hot yoga is just so much better for me personally, and I genuinely wouldn’t go to a regular yoga class,” Davis said. “Another reason I go is that I’ve always been an athlete and find myself at my best when I’m consistently having a productive workout.”
Davis grew up playing soccer and prefers when she works out with a team or in a class, as opposed to exercising at the gym.
“Hot yoga is an all-encompassing workout, and the combination of mediation makes it addictive,” Davis said. “It just really makes you get out of your head, and I stand by all the things it does for your body and mind.”
Sophomore Olivia Mitchell has been a yoga instructor for two years. She works for Campus Recreation and Wellness as a GX instructor but is currently working on becoming certified to work at yoga studios.
“I was a dancer all throughout my life, and I used yoga as cross-training,” Mitchell said. “When I retired from dance I started to practice yoga more and make it an integral part of my life.”
Mitchell has noticed an influx in the number of students practicing yoga.
“I think people tend to like working out at studios or group classes because it’s more structured and something to keep people more accountable,” Mitchell said. “Since there is a monetary aspect to the membership, people are more likely to go and push harder, which, in turn, will result in a better workout.”
Senior Emily Sheridan prefers going to yoga over the gym and has been taking yoga classes for about two years.
“I like it better because it’s less busy than the gym is, and I don’t see as many Elon students,” Sheridan said. “You can always rely on being drenched when you leave, and I feel rejuvenated after.”
Outside of Feel Better Yoga Burlington. (Photo by Erica Payne)