Yoga for physical and mental health

Weekly yoga classes at Green Templeton ran during term time throughout academic year 2022-23 thanks to the valuable support from Annual Fund donors.

The classes led by Kamila Nigmatulina provided an excellent opportunity for the college members to explore, learn and benefit from yoga for free which can be very costly in Oxford. They have become a remarkable! Classes are always very busy, with 10-15 people attending even during busy times for students with exams, assignments, etc. The classes have provided an environment for  students to try yoga for the first time and/or develop their practice further. There is always a welcoming atmosphere and energy for those attending.

Yoga classes are open level suitable for different abilities and levels. They provide space to improve health, performance, and mental state. They offer a combination of poses and sequences that combine balance, strength, flexibility, meditation, and power. Options were given for making each pose more challenging or simpler as each person chose.

One of the key benefits of yoga is to learn how to use breathing to stay calm and positive no matter how busy the schedule becomes – that is even more useful for the students who need to study, adapt to new conditions as well as enjoy the social life of the University of Oxford.

After the classes, participants have provided excellent and inspiring feedback, including:

• ‘These classes help me stay focused on my research and DPhil challenges’
• ‘These classes are one of the best ways to stay calm and flexible for the rowing training sessions’
• ‘I feel so much better and so much calmer after the classes’