After an arduous day of strenuous work, what can be more satisfying than to drain all tension out of the body? Believing that yoga dispels stress, many have pursued this ancient Indian art form with hopes of allaying their burdens.
Yoga is soaring to new levels of popularity, reaching a wider audience every year. Yoga studios seem to be opening within blocks of each other; the city of Palo Alto boasts three full-fledged centers. With this growing trend, the size of Paly’s own yoga class has doubled since last year.
“I think it [yoga] is being adapted to fit in with people’s schedules and life styles,” Paly yoga instructor Kamal Vilms said. “The benefits of a regular yoga practice have found a large following. Since it is non competitive, it allows people of all levels and abilites to progress and move forward at their own pace.”
Paly students hear announcements advocating the benefits of yoga every Wednesday on InFocus, yet the mere fact that Paly offers yoga classes remains unknown to many. What with AP tests around the corner and the 2005-2006 school year coming to a close, now is the opportune time to take up yoga.
With about eight regular attendees, yoga sessions are held every Wednesday in the English Resource Center (ERC). This fairly small group is led by former Paly parent and current special education aide, Kamal Vilms. Having studied the art for over 20 years at the Santa Cruz Institute of Yoga, in addition to spending eight years in India where she received intense training, Vilms has gained many personal benefits from yoga.
"It [yoga] helps with everything," Vilms said. "It’s one of the few disciplines that you can start late in life."
Vilms, who has a teaching cridential for young adults, specializes in the Iyengar style of yoga. According to her, yoga has a very profound effect on a person’s physical capabilities.
"You can definitely see a difference in your body within four months [of practice]," Vilms said. "There’s an immediate increase in stretching and flexibility. It brings elasticity to the body."
Not only does yoga have the power to facilitate physical growth, strengthen muscle coordination, and build stamina, but it acts as an immunity booster.
"Yoga is helpful with chronic ailments such as asthma, sinus-related problems, arthritis, and back pain," Vilms said. "The breathing techniques are a tool for concentration that bring you to a level of stability and calmness."
Above the obvious physical degree, yoga evokes a certain awareness in those who practice it. Many consider yoga synonymous to meditation, while others perceive yoga as a form of meditation.
"There’s a mental aspect to it too,” Vilms said. “It brings the mind into focus and a gives you a handle on life."
Paly’s yoga classes were introduced two and a half year ago by English teacher Trinity Klein. The classes were put into operation after the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an organization that accredits all schools below the college level, suggested conducting activities to alleviate stress.
"I try to slightly alter the routine every time,” Vilms said. “Nothing is fixed. I do however always include some sort of balancing pose and many rest periods. In general I try to maintain a gentle routine and prevent physical injuries.”
Vilms believes that yoga’s various attributes can both improve the body’s physical alignment and create an emotional balance within a person.
“Yoga teaches discipline, regularity, and consistence,” Vilms said. “The rewards you can obtain depend on what you give and take from it. It’s important to recognize your potential and have some kind of image of where you want to go.”
According to Vilms, it is imperative that people do not pass judgment on the competence of their bodies. Instead she encourages her students to follow their own comfortable paces.
“It’s very much an individual endeavor,” Vilms said. “It’s not at all competitive; it’s more of a buildup. 30 to 45 minutes of practice is ideal for a beginner. But even 10 minutes can make a prominent difference.”
As it appears, the students in the class find yoga both stimulating and soothing to the senses.
“I think it’s so appealing because it’s not aerobic so I don’t get very tired,” said freshman cheerleader Jenna Lose. Lose initially entered the class to fulfill her extra hours of conditioning, but later realized that she was getting much more out of it.
“Overall it’s just so calming,” Lose said. “I mainly go because it helps me relax.”
Head custodian Hok Ky, who is a regular member of the class, couldn’t help adding to the praise.
“With the suicides that happened a couple years ago, Paly was going through a rough time,” Ky said. “It [practicing] just makes me feel good. It takes my mind off of everything else.”
Vilms hopes that the students to whom she has imparted her skill will continue to include yoga in their daily routines. As for herself, yoga will always be an integral part of life.
“I’m addicted!” Vilms exclaimed. “But I still can’t do a head stand. I’m working on it.”
If you are interested in joining or would like additional information, visit the ERC any Wednesday after school at 3:15 p.m.