Every Tuesday in the basement of Hillside House on the Briarcliff campus, students participate in the weekly yoga sessions provided by the Body and Mind FIG (First Year Interest group) that resides in Hillside. The yoga room is fully equipped with the tools for the students to fully experience yoga and all its benefits. Also on Thur., they have Pilates, which is a form of strength training. Professor Jane Collins sponsors the FIG and provides students with healthy ways of living.

Freshman environmental studies major, Haylei Peart attends the yoga and Pilates sessions every week.

“Before [yoga] I feel excited. It’s something to look forward to. During and after, I feel relaxed and calm. It’s a good stress reliever,” Peart said.

A few weeks ago, Dr. Collins introduced a meditation session in substitute to yoga when instructor Lauri was unavailable. It involves deep breathing for at least five minutes at a time with eyes closed.

“Meditating before yoga enhances the experience as it puts you in the relaxed mindset be- fore even beginning,” Peart said. When asked to compare both yoga and Pilates, Peart found it difficult to decide which she preferred.

“Yoga is more of deep breathing and stretching while Pilates is strength training, however I like them both equally,” Peart said. “They are a nice way to relax and an alternative to traditional gym workouts.”

Dr. Collins introduced smoothie and juicing workshops to expand students’ horizons on easy ways to get daily nutrients. She provides residents with a Vita-Mixer and leftover ingredients from the workshops to make on their own. Students have found them very beneficial when living a healthy lifestyle. While these workshops are held through the Body and Mind FIG, any resident of Hillside House can participate and create their healthy and delicious concoctions.

Students who would like to participate in the events provided by the Body and Mind FIG, can just take the Pace shuttle over to Briarcliff and start living life with a new healthy perspective.