Dance teacher Micki Kolberg is now offering yoga classes for students at 1:45 on Wednesdays.

A certified yoga instructor since 2010, Kolberg wants to share the benefits and joy she gains from yoga with the students of Sacred Hearts Academy.

“Yoga means ‘union’ which is basically an individual’s connection to the world and others. It can help individuals become aware of their true potential, ingraining an open-minded attitude and a calm state of mind while nourishing one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition,” Kolberg said.

“Many physical and mental benefits are found when one participates in yoga. It provides a safe, aligned method of strengthening and stretching which is beneficial for the muscles and physical structure of the body.

Yoga also teaches meditation to calm and discipline the mind and is beneficial for relieving physical stress which contributes to mental and emotional stress. The body and mind are directly related, and stress is often the root cause of disease. Yoga is a way of loving yourself while doing something good for your body. Beginning to love yourself is essential to healing, and yoga provides a way to do that,” she said.

Students involved in dance also took Kolberg’s yoga classes over the summer have benefitted through her lessons.

“My muscles got stronger I became more flexible and I have more endurance because of taking yoga with Ms. Micki,”  said senior Arsenia Myaji.

Junior Megan Garcia said, “Because of Ms. Micki’s lessons I don’t stress over problems as much and I have learned to deal with them in a calm manner.”

Students are encouraged to attend if they have free time after school on Wednesdays.