Photo Provided by Lily Squires
Kevin Stanley has been the yoga teacher at South Salem High School for 3 years. Mr. Stanley started doing yoga for his body and the community of new people.
“My body was in a painful place after 4 years of basketball, so I needed something to help me loosen and strengthen my smaller muscles that I never strengthened throughout basketball. I also had a limited amount of friends when I returned home from playing college basketball in California, so I was looking for a group to connect with,” Stanley said.
Physically it has allowed Mr. Stanley the freedom from pain and discomfort from certain movements. Working on flexibility and not yoga specifically has allowed Mr. Stanley to avoid major injuries as he endured college athletics.
Other than yoga helping the body physically, it also helps mentally and can make a positive impact on mental wellness.
“Yoga can have a profound effect on mental health. It encourages us to slow down and enjoy the process of moving our body. It helps us start checking in with ourselves and how our bodies and minds are feeling. Our society is all about going fast and having information come at us. Yoga helps us destress and just focus on our breathing and movements,” Stanley said.
Although some people think yoga is just for athletes, yoga is a part of self care and a good thing for anyone.
“Yoga is definitely not only for athletes. It is for anyone with a body. I love yoga because it is a great way to exercise and improve your body’s overall capabilities regardless of who you are. Not everyone loves sports but people still need to move. Yoga is a great option for people of all ages to improve their flexibility, breathing, strength, and coordination,” Stanley said.
Yoga is also a part of self care and teaches people to focus on their breathing while moving their body.
“Strengthening our breathing and reteaching our muscles how to move correctly after sitting throughout our days is absolutely essential for self care. We only get one body in this life and making sure we take care of it inside and out is going to keep us happier and healthier. When we feel better we are going to better others which makes the world a better place,” Stanley said.
