By Reagan Russell
In my first year at Bishop’s, I was on the women’s rugby team. Clearly a superstar of the season, I was concussed in my first and last varsity game and left the team at the end of the academic year due to health reasons. While recovering and feeling trapped in my own body, and unable to do much physically, I was forced to question what lower-impact exercises I could do. During the pandemic and fueled by likely the beginning of some disordered eating tendencies, I was locked away in my room silently attempting the Chloe Ting two- Week Shred challenge on YouTube. Post-concussion and looking to become active again, I started more modern Pilates workouts again.
Photo courtesy of Reagan Russell
Like so many wellness endeavours, Pilates has become so expensive. A workout that was born in internment camps using limited equipment has become the “it girl” workout. I am fortunate enough that my area back home has free weekly yoga and Pilates sessions in the park from spring to early fall. This is what made me realize that we could have a Pilates and Yoga club on campus for students.
Recently, I began my Pilates Instructor Certificate course through a Pilates studio in my hometown. Completing this hybrid course requires me to teach sessions to participants. While I could’ve found a paid role elsewhere, I thought to revive the now-defunct Mindfulness, Yoga and Meditation Club and start the Bishop’s Yoga and Pilates Club, providing free, student-led Pilates and yoga classes on campus.
Pilates has helped me so much overall as someone trying to be active. My flexibility has improved, I’m able to lift heavier, and I can understand breathing more during my workouts. Instead of holding my breath when lifting, I’m actually able to move with my breath. Yoga and Pilates are lower- impact workouts that couple well with other sports. You don’t need any equipment, despite what social media may show you. Bring a yoga mat, towel, or just yourself and come to move your body in a way that feels good and challenges you.
If you’re looking for a way to meet new people, move your body in a low-impact yet still challenging way, or want to improve your flexibility for other sports, please consider joining the Bishop’s Yoga and Pilates Club, which will hopefully be ratified soon on campus. We are hoping to have weekly sessions as well as bigger events open to the entire Lennoxville community. There are vacant Executive Team roles to be filled, so please refer to the Instagram account, @bu_yoga.pilates, for the most up-to-date details!
Namaste!
