Yoga for the Dorm

There is a little secret about getting in shape: despite the multi-billion dollar diet industry, staying fit and healthy doesn’t cost that much money, nor does it require a lot of space.
If there is one thing students have experience in, it is lack of space and money, so if you’re looking to get into shape in school or reduce stress, look no further than the four walls of your dorm room and the 5,000-year old Indian tradition of yoga.
What you’ll need:

• Yoga mat
• Yoga DVD
• Laptop or television with a DVD player
• Peace and quiet is preferred, but probably not realistic

What you’ll do:
To do yoga in the dorm, you will need to clear out a large enough space for you to lay out your yoga mat. Do this simple real estate test: stand at the top of your mat (or large bath towel, if you don’t have a mat) and raise your arms over head, then out into a T. If you’re swatting a bunk-bed, roommate or empty can of beer, re-situate your mat or remove the hindrance.
If there is clearance for your arms in both positions, you’re free to pop that DVD in your television or computer and follow along.
Extra tips:

• Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Wait two to three hours after eating before you start downward-dogging.
• Yoga is best practiced sober. Shake off that hangover before you roll out your mat or else your practice will significantly magnify the nauseating effects of last night’s dollar pitchers.
• Guys dig girls who do yoga. If you’re vocalizing that you’ll be doing yoga in your dorm, be prepared for an enthusiastic audience of onlookers.
• Move slowly and with thoughtfulness. If the last time you did a headstand was right after you started eating solid foods, you probably want to refrain from standing on your noggin. While practicing yoga doesn’t take much space, you’re pushing some boundaries in your closet-sized dorm room by peforming balancing postures.
• If you really want to tackle a twisty or inverted posture, head to your campus gymnasium and ask the captain of the cheerleading team for a spot. College tuition is expensive, so don’t make your parents also pay for a cracked skull and cracked loft bed.

Yoga is a great way to escape the pressures of the day and get into shape, so get your ‘om’ on.