Om Shanti: Exercise for Every Body

College students experience an immense amount of stress– tell us something we don’t know. At Elon, the buzz of everyone checking things off their to-do-lists is constant, and admittedly it can be pretty difficult to de-stress and find that simple “me time”. We totally understand, which is why we're advocating for you to incorporate regular yoga practice into your busy life. We sat down with Elon Junior, and recently certified yoga instructor Kat Aulbach, to discuss her journey with yoga, and why other college students should consider giving it a go as well.

Kat began practicing yoga when she was in high school as she became more aware of her developing anxiety and depression. “It was a big anxiety release thing for me,” Kat said. When she came to Elon as a first-year, she felt lost as to where she could continue her practice. The immense amount of benefits from yoga practice felt too important to let go of– it’s scientifically proven that yoga reduces amounts of anxiety and depression– so she signed up for classes on campus. Through the years, and especially at Elon, the mat has been a place of solace for kat. “I’ve learned to breathe, destress, and deal with uncomfortable situations,” Kat offered. “This is all thanks to my commitment to this practice and its ability to allow me to live presently,” she added.

A year later, Kat took a big step in learning more about herself and her practice. She signed with the yoga studio Om Shanti in Burlington, N.C, and completed her instructors license in April of 2020. Now, Kat is able to share the gift of yoga with her peers, and she could not be more excited about it. “I hope people understand that every body type can practice yoga,” she said. She urges that “you don’t need to look a certain way to show up on your mat,” and “if you fear looking silly, or falling, commit to showing up on your mat anyways.” Kat also voiced that “yoga allows for college students to show up for themselves and no one else, and it makes a bigger impact than you’d ever imagine.”

Kat is teaching classes in-person twice a week at Om Shanti. The studio offers a very inviting and inclusive atmosphere with all levels and types of classes (heated, chair, restorative). On Monday’s, Kat teaches a power recharge class from 6:30- 7:30 and on Sunday’s a twist and stretch class. Kat would love to share this space with other Elon students who wish to start or continue their journey with yoga and hopes to help guide people along their wellness journey.

You can check out Om Shanti’s website here, for rates and schedules, but please do keep in mind, as we are still living in a pandemic, it is requested that you bring your own mat for class. Also feel free to check out Kat’s health and wellness Instagram (@kmariefitt) to learn more about her courageous journey with self love and yoga practice!