By Nicholas Proch
The first time that Ta’rin’ii got me into the ‘happy baby’ position I thought I was going to pass out. My legs, back, arms and core were under so much tension that I could have snapped into pieces. In case you’re wondering, I didn’t.
Yoga is one of the many classes that RECentral offers. They are taught by Ta’rin’ii who has been teaching classes at the school for quite some time.
“We offer about 50 classes a week between all the things that we offer,” said Ken DeStefanis who is the Recreation Specialist for RECentral. “Everything from yoga, boot camp, cycling and even aquatone in the pool.”
This is the fourth year that RECentral has been in operation as a full-time initiative, according to DeStefanis.
In the winter of last year I started going to yoga classes to see what they were like. I had never taken anything like that before. At this point, I try and go once or twice a week. It’s a much harder workout than most people think it is.
I’ve done a lot of fitness classes and training and this is up there in terms of total body exertion. If you’re looking to get in shape and clear your head, this is a great place to go.
When I first started going, there were no more than ten people in the class every time. Now I need to make sure that I show up at least ten minutes early to make sure there is a spot for me.
“We outgrew the small fitness center in the basement of Kaiser, then the dance studio,” said DeStefanis, “now we’re in Davidson just to accommodate the crowds. Typically we turn people away once we hit 40 in the room.”
Guys, if you’re worried about going and being embarrassed by your female counterparts, don’t be. Not only is the environment very inviting and stress-free, but you won’t be the only male in the class. Typically there are a good amount of men in each class.
If you don’t know the moves, it doesn’t matter. Ta’rin’ii will help you.
According to DeStefanis, “She has a great following and can really be teaching anywhere in the country; we’re lucky to have her here.”
If you think that you’re too macho to come down and get intimate with the mats, then you should rethink that. I guarantee you will leave covered in sweat and completely relaxed.
This kind of stress relief is very important in a college atmosphere. Between the rush of classes, work and whatever else it is that you do, taking some time for your body and mind is never a bad idea. And if you don’t know what the happy baby position looks like; then you should look it up and imagine how it feels to sustain that pose for several minutes at the tail-end of your workout.
The schedule for yoga and other fitness classes can be found on RECentral’s website, which is on CCSU site. Yoga classes are taught in Davidson 123 throughout the week.
