By VERONICA GRAY
Black lights, glow sticks and body paint. No, this isn’t a list of items needed for a rave. In this case, they’re all things you need for yoga. The Fitness and Recreation Center, and Balance UT (part of Live Well UT), present their second Flow in the Dark yoga event on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. This is an event for any level of yoga student, no previous yoga experience required. All that is needed is white attire.
The event is taught by senior public health major Laura Andujar. She led the event last year and has brought the idea to life as the student coordinator of Balance UT: Mind, Body & Spirit. Andujar also teaches Slow Flow Yoga classes at the fitness center at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays for all levels of yoga.
Andujar says she does the event “to give students an opportunity to practice in a different environment. Flow in the Dark attracts those who are new to yoga as well. My goal is to engage as many students as possible to yoga, so they can explore the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits yoga has to offer.”
Andujar explained the event opens the doors for more students who might be a bit hesitant to try yoga. She also said the event provides students a fresh place to practice their yoga moves and a chance to invite friends to join them.
That includes junior psychology major Andrea Brunetti, who enjoys doing yoga regularly and will be bringing friends to Flow in the Dark.
“I do it because sitting on my mat and doing my practice is the only time of the day that is entirely about me and for me. It is the time where I silence my mind and listen to my body,” Brunetti explained. “I am excited about the entire concept of doing yoga, which is something already amazing, while glowing in the dark and seeing everyone around me glowing too while on their yoga poses.”
Also attending is sophomore communications major Adriana Ranieri. She found out about the event through a friend and invited her entire sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, to join.
“I hope that if this event turns out to be a success, that they will do more creative things that allow people to work out, while also having fun,” Ranieri said.
Andujar explained that the event is different from her regular yoga classes not just by having participants glow. The black-lights and different music that is used during the event create a new energy flow for participants.
“It’s a good social activity to go with a group of friends,”Andujar said. “It engages those who are new to yoga. It promotes physical activity.”
Some of the other benefits that yoga can offer, besides stress relief, include body awareness and confidence and better posture and breathing, according to the University of Mary Washington.
Whether you need a stress reliever when assignments pile up or you’re just looking for something new to try with a couple of friends, grab your white t-shirt and favorite pair of neon yoga pants and get ready to stretch.
Flow in the Dark yoga takes place tonight at 8 p.m. in the Yoga Room at the Fitness and Recreation Center. If you have any questions about the event, you can contact Andujar at laura.andujar@spartans.ut.edu.
Veronica Gray can be reached at veronica.gray@spartans.ut.edu
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