Student cancer survivors have a new outlet for relaxation. In a new class, students learn basic yoga techniques centered on breathing, relaxation and movement.
Daniel Snider, a second-year psychology major, designed the yoga class specifically for cancer survivors, patients and any student affected by cancer.
The class, which is offered on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 240 of Atwell Hall, stemmed from Snider’s desire to improve the well-being of those struck by terminal illness.
The concept of the class started when Snider decided thesis research on the impact of yoga on health.
CAMERON SHARP/THE LANTERNSophomore Meredith Martelli demonstrates the yoga position “hero” before her yoga class at the Recreational and Physical Activities Center Tuesday. Some studies say yoga can improve emotions, increase focus and produce relaxation among participants..“Yoga is a way to reconnect with your body. It helps to establish conscious control of your experience, so decisions you make can better enhance your life and create peace,” Snider said.
Snider was also inspired to start this project after taking the course “Body/Mind Go to School,” taught by Dr. Maryanna Klatt, an assistant professor in the School of Allied Medical Professions and the College of Medicine. The class focused on the impact of emotions on healing and how the body and mind can work together.
Snider also participated in a research project with Klatt called “Move-Into- Learning,” a program that taught yoga to second graders in Columbus inner city schools. The goal of the program was to = foster in the children a better sense of self-control, focus and attention.
Snider designed the class using a variety of sources, including exercises and techniques he learned from yoga classes he took last year, tips from books by his favorite authors, from his own experiences and with help from Klatt.
Eighteen students are signed up for the class, a combination of undergraduate and graduate cancer survivors, patients and other students.
Tara Knauff, a freshman in middle childhood education, found out about the class after seeing a flier in Morill Tower and through a friend.
“I really need to exercise and always wanted to try yoga,” Knauff said.
Even though Knauff is not a cancer patient or survivor, she has been affected by the disease, as her father had cancer while she was growing up.
“I like how you can share your story with other people,” Knauff said.
The other portion of the class will focus on community building through sharing ideas of what has helped the cancer patients through their treatments and experiences, Klatt said.
“It’s an individual thing. Yoga means to be able to refocus, to feel refreshed and to be ready to take on things in your day,” Snider said.
Klatt said she has not heard of any other yoga classes offered for college-aged cancer survivors. She said studies are still being conducted to determine any physical benefits of yoga to help cancer survivors through treatment.
“The jury’s still out. We don’t know that yet,” Klatt said.
Despite this, Klatt still sees the benefit of a yoga class for students affected by cancer.
“Learning the breathing techniques, the meditation, the acceptance of the moment and whatever it brings, and to do that with people who are going through the same things is very powerful,” said Klatt. “It’s a support system.”
Danielle Devery can be reached at [email protected].
