We are so excited to have gotten a chance to connect with Sarah Grace, UMD’s Coordinator for Fitness Programs, at University Recreation & Wellness. She has been working on a relatively new and very exciting fitness class that focuses on reconnecting the mind and body, and releasing trauma that has been stored in the physical form. This class is for everyone, and Sarah has lots of information to share about it.
TTC: Sarah, thank you so much for working with us to get the word out on Empowered Yoga! We’re super-excited to learn more about it and share with the campus community. Let’s get started by elaborating a little bit on how this program can support terp wellness.
- SG: This unique yoga class, which has been on our group fitness schedule for two semesters now, is offered solely to support student wellness and mental health! Empowered yoga is a trauma-informed class, which means that the instructors have been trained on PTSD, brain injury, physical and emotional trauma, how trauma is stored in the body, and how to help release that trauma. RecWell Fitness wants to help students re-claim their power through movement by providing a safe space to do so.
TTC: Wow, Sarah – it’s great that this class is trauma-informed. How would you say that provides support for students, in and out of the class itself?
- SG: We have partnered with the Health Center to ensure students, both instructors and participants, have the resources they need for both in and outside of our facility. A physical yoga practice is a beneficial addition to anything students may be doing in their daily lives currently to manage stress and/or the effects of trauma.
TTC: This sounds like such an incredibly valuable experience – and one that isn’t offered at many other places. How was this class developed and created?
- SG: Wellness encompasses many different dimensions, it is not just about the physical practice of yoga. RecWell Fitness wanted to start offering something different and more accessible to our UMD campus community, so we researched trauma-informed yoga. Through the YogaFit Warriors and YogaFit for Emotional and Physical Trauma trainings, our instructors now have a better sense of how to help students who may need more support than just a traditional yoga class.
TTC: Is there anything else you’d like them to know about it?
- SG: This class is truly for everyone – it is designed to reconnect the mind to the body. We also do not want participants to be alarmed by the trauma-informed name or concept. Whether someone has experienced trauma or not, all are welcome and no one else will know. So, grab a mat and come practice with us in a safe space.
TTC: I really hope our students take you up on that! Especially given the ongoing stressors and traumatic experiences that so many of us have experienced recently. Before we wrap up, can you give us some insight into what you do to maintain your own balance and wellbeing?
- SG: I ensure my health is my priority on a daily basis by getting regular exercise, sleep, and fulfilling my nutritional needs. As I enter into my early adult life, I have truly embraced the importance of self care as I have learned that I cannot care for those who are important to me (including my amazing and talented students!) if I do not take care of myself.
TTC: Great advice! I know many of us struggle with remembering to prioritize health, so this kind of reminder is definitely helpful. Now, I know things are weird this year due to COVID, but how can students access these classes if they’re interested? Is there anything else you think they should know?
- SG: This class will be on our weekly group fitness schedule during the Spring and Fall semesters, so stay tuned for our schedules as they are made and published at fitness.umd.edu.
TTC: Good to know! Well, finally, are there any last things you think our students should know?
- SG: A trauma-informed class is very similar to a restorative or slow-paced yoga class. We encourage you to try the class at least once, and you are not obligated to stay if you do not like it. Hopefully we see you in a class this Spring!