JESSICA MEDITZ
Special to The Leader
As the work and stress of the mid-semester arise, students might find themselves in a tough place mentally or emotionally.
Fredonia’s new Yoga Club may be the way to fix that — according to its president.
Kiera DeCotes, a senior music technology major, is the club’s founder and president.
Yoga has been a special part of her life for the past two years.
“It has helped me to overcome some serious challenges, and I feel as though it’s my duty, as president and founder, to help and bring that happiness to others,” she said.
DeCotes pushed to make this club available to students on campus because she wanted to “Create a safe and accessible environment for anyone who might be going through physical, emotional and mental challenges,” she said.
“Yoga Club will provide a healthy outlet — regardless of one’s athletic experience, any limitations that they may have, or their experience with yoga. It is to help anyone soothe their mind, body and soul.”
The club plans to offer weekly sessions with emphasis on different styles of yoga, such as heart-opening yoga flow and meditation.
They will also be studying a multitude of poses and hosting workshops, which will be announced in the future.
X’zaya Ivy, a junior B.A. applied voice major, is the Fredonia Yoga Club’s secretary.
She was inspired to become involved in Yoga Club because she finds yoga to be beneficial for her mental health.
“The club’s overall mission is to just give students an escape away from the stress and hustle and bustle that classes may be causing them,” she said. “Even if it’s for an hour, it’s nice to give students a breather once or twice each week.”
Although larger events are still being formulated as of now, DeCotes said that the club intends on collaborating with other clubs on campus — including athletes, dancers and musicians.
Another goal of the club is to collaborate with Yoga Underground, a yoga studio located in Dunkirk.
The club meets three times per week: Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. in Dods Hall 148.
Members will also have the opportunity to host a session if they please, in which additional sessions can be scheduled.
Fredonia Yoga Club’s full executive board consists of Kiera DeCotes, president; Noelani McAfee, vice president; X’zaya Ivy, secretary; Eden Bantum, treasurer; and Aterahme Lawrence, social relations chair.
Fredonia’s Yoga Club is open to everyone; students can join just by showing up.
Ivy says that she’s excited for what the club has to offer, and she looks forward to spreading the practice of yoga to the Fredonia community and giving back.
For more information and announcements, follow the club on Facebook at “Fredonia Yoga Club” and on Instagram @FredYogaClub.