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Show 12 Signpost Tuesday, June 2, 1987 WSC students use yoga to obtain degree of fitness Sue Hiatt Staff Reporter What do Raquel Welch and approximately sixty WSC students each quarter have in common? They are using hatha yoga as a method to obtain a degree of physical fitness. Welch has tried jogging, aerobics and weightlifting before settling on yoga, according to an article in USA Weekend Feb. 27-March 1, 1987. She studied hatha yoga for nine years at the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills, California. A recently released yoga-based fitness video, "A Week With Raquel, 7-Day Wake Up and Shape Up Program" includes seven different 15-minute routines, one a day. "Fifteen minutes a day," Welch says, "is better than killing yourself once in a while." Here's good news for those who can't study yoga in India or Beverly Hills' or who don't want to purchase Raquel's video: A course in hatha yoga is taught at Weber State College. Margaret Waterfall, an instructor in the PE department teaches two sections of yoga each quarter. "I started teaching this class in 1974," Waterfall said. "There have always been two sections offered each quarter during the regular school year and they are always full." This summer is the first year yoga is included on the Summer P.E. schedule, according to Waterfall. "Yoga is a timeless, pragmatic science evolved over thousands of years. It deals with the physical, moral, mental and spiritual well-being of man as a whole," Waterfall said. Hatha Yoga emphasizes the physical control and postures, and is widely practiced in the Western world. The work "hatha" is divided, Ha equals sun and tha equals moon, or solar and lunar yoga. The Asana (posture or exercise) tends to normalize the functions of the entire organism. ."This affects the working of the glands and the organs as well as the nervous system and the mind," Waterfall said. One student was surprised when he took the class. "I visualized it as more mental than physical it is more like an exercise class," said Richard Larsen. "I would recommend anyone take it. It's a good way to get the knots out of your body." Sheila Potter, a non-traditional student agrees. "I reall like it, I wish it were more than twice a week," she said. "It's not jerky and I really enjoy the relaxation. I especially like her method of teaching." Potter has also taken a stress management class from Waterfall.This class is taught in subdued lighting to facilitate concentration, relaxation, self-awareness and introspection. Talking and visiting during "Quiet time" before the programmed instruction begins is not allowed. Quieting of the mind and body and focusing inward are preparations for experiencing yoga. "Yoga releases the tensions that have accumulated in the body," Waterfall said. "There is total peace and quiet when effort ceases." There are many benefits that come from learning and practicing centuries-old yoga techniques. ; "You can expect to trim, firm and strengthen your entire body as well as regain youthful flexibility and elasticity," Waterfall said. Relief from tension, nervousness, insomnia and an increase in energy and vitality are additional benefits. As one student explained it, during a hectic day, as tension mounts she stands in "Tadasana," (a yoga posture) for a few minutes to relieve the tension. "As the tension leaves and the calm returns, I think, I think to myself 'I can handle this,'" she said. The 1987 summer yoga class is taught on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:50 a.m. in the Dance Studio of the Swenson Gymnasium. . f, I t r .-s4. -N' 4 r ! 1 ! i I i ''41 i Jt'J LAGOON CELEBRATES 100 years this year, i against the Farmington night sky. (Signpost Pictured above are the twin loops of colossus lit photo: Jeff Bybee) Harris leads singers in evening's performance Monica Ray Staff Reporter The sounds of songs from Porgy and Bess can be heard Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, in the final performances of the Weber State Singers. This is their Annual Spring Concert and will be held in the Allred Theatre of the Val A. Browning Center. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Director Evelyn M. Harris will be leading the singers through the evenings' performances. Soloists will be featured and Betty Owen and Stephanie Jesson will be accompanists. Harris started directing the group in 1983. "I strive for excellence in performance and in personal growth for the singers," said Harris. The Singers have performed around 50 performances this year. They sang for such organizations as the Weber Morgan Social Services. Director Edward Van Zweden said, "Their perfor mance was refreshing and uplifting, and I received many favorable comments from the staff regarding this fine presentation."They also recently performed at the Crystal Crest Awards held last weekend. The group consists of 26 students who seem to enjoy the experience. "I love it," said Keith Quimby. "We have a really good time and have developed really good interpersonal relationships." The students also seem to think highly of Harris. "She is really good," said Melanie Mills, a first quarter student. "She does what she can to teach us. She is quite devoted to us." . Jeannine Anderson, a second-year senior, said, "Mrs. Harris is wonderful in bringing out voices. Her philosophy is that everyone in the world can sing." Take A New Aim With Your Financial Future join WEBER STATE CREDIT UNION All College students, along with employer's of the college and their families are eligihle to join. iff Services include: Guaranteed Student Loans Share Draft Accounts ATM Services (24-hour Visa Draft Card High Interest Savings IBA's Direct Deposit Loans Financial Counseling. I'rcc gift .ivnilnhlc upon ircscntinu, litis Ad and opening mi account with ns. u -cess i MBggttlJ WEBER STATE CREDIT UNION 4140 Harrison Blvd. Ogden, Utah R4408-2KM; (HOI) 62-3B5 '. ' J '' ' ' S '' v Evelyn Harris Harris received her bachelors and masters degrees from Brigham Young University. She performs extensively throughout Utah as a soloist. She also has won many awards. She has appeared with the Utah Symphony, sung leading roles in the "Messiah" and sung the leading role in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" with the Utah Opera. Many of her students have won vocal competitions in several areas. Besides directing the Weber State Singers, Harris teaches vocal workshop, vocal pedagogy, vocal repertoire and is Chair of the Private Vocal Area. |