Paddleboard yoga

If you find yoga too easy, Campus Recreation Services has a new class that ups the challenge: paddleboard yoga.  

Stand-up paddleboard yoga, or SUP Yo, is a new fitness class at Eppley Recreation Center. It consists of traditional yoga poses done while balancing on a large, flat surfboard in the Natatorium pool, and though it was introduced this summer, it’s already become one the CRS’ most popular classes.  

Each class is limited to nine participants, who must sign up in advance. Attendees gets their own paddleboards to use for the 45-minute class.  

The classes have been extremely popular with students, said Tami Bergan, fitness programs coordinator with CRS. Registration for the fall dates opened at the beginning of the semester, and each class was filled to capacity within a week, she said.

“It’s a new idea. Paddleboarding in general is becoming more popular,” Bergan said. “It’s an additional way to get a better workout.”

Performing traditional yoga moves while trying to maintain balance on a paddleboard works the core muscles and increases concentration, said Michelle Regius, one of the fitness instructors. 

“You have to think about what your body is doing because you’re balancing on a board,” said the senior Spanish major. “It makes you focus on your breath, which is an important part of yoga.”

Regius has been a yoga instructor for a year, but this is her first time teaching on a paddleboard. 

“It’s definitely different than regular yoga,” she said. “On the ground, it’s more spiritual and calming, but SUP Yo is definitely challenging and fun.” 

Students seem to really enjoy the classes, she said, sometimes even attempting to do handstands on their boards. 

CRS will offer more sessions over the winter as well as next semester, so students who are interested should keep an eye on the website to be sure they get a spot, Bergan said. 

Yoga is a very valuable form of exercise and relaxation, especially for college students who are constantly stressed, Regius said. We often forget that our minds and bodies are connected and we need to take care of both in order to be healthy, she said.

“Mental health and physical health are very intertwined,” she said.