LINDSEY BOERMA
Staff Writer
For many students, college life can seem like nothing more than a whirlwind of grueling classes, exhausting extracurricular activities and demanding social events. Rarely do personal time and relaxation fit into the mix. Yet, with relaxation opportunities becoming as plentiful as the stress that they relieve, Pepperdine students now have an excuse for taking a break now and then.
While relaxation techniques range anywhere from an instructed yoga class to a soothing bubble bath from the comfort of home, some people choose to combine the favorable aspects of both.
Such is the case for Carol Moss, who leads meditation groups through LA Dharma, a Los Angeles Buddhist organization that helps put together meditation groups and classes throughout the local community, such as Intro to Meditation on Saturdays in Westwood. Moss’ group focuses on both independent comfort and instructed relaxation techniques.
“I provide 45 minutes of a space where people can do whatever they want,” Moss said. “There’s a certain magic in sitting meditation. Nothing is imposed, although I do offer instruction to those who want it.”
Moss’ meditation group meets at 7:30 p.m., every Thursday at Malibu Colony.
For those students desiring a more physical type of stress-relief, facilities such as Malibu Yoga, located at 22333 Pacific Coast Highway, offer classes that help you relax as well as strengthen muscles.
Malibu Yoga offers classes every weekday based on level and experience. The cost is $17 per class, or you may choose to enroll in a series of classes, such as a 10-week package for $160 and a 20-week package for $300.
For some students, such as Pepperdine freshman Kim Amundson, however, commuting to off-campus facilities is too much of a hassle.
“If I had a car I would probably try out Malibu Yoga,” Amundson said. “But I would rather just do the on-campus programs since they’re more convenient.”
To those who feel the same, there are plenty of relaxation opportunities at Pepperdine.
Campus recreation offers a variety of both leisure and exercise activities including Pilates, yoga, tai chi, cardio-kickboxing, step, water aerobics, body sculpting, ballet, ballroom dancing, salsa, tae kwon do and karate. Students pay $60 per semester and may participate in any of the programs.
There are also six-week specialty classes, such as training for Pilates and fitness instruction, advanced ballet and core strength athletic instruction, which are offered various times throughout the semester. These classes cost $75 each.
“The most popular program is probably Pilates, because people start to become more aware of mind over body and that really makes them feel good,” said Pepperdine Fitness Programs Manager Jeeny Miller, who both runs and teaches a few of the classes. “Yoga, tai chi and Pilates are the most relaxing because they are at a slower pace. The foundation of our programs is breathing, and with the right breathing, the nervous system relaxes and relieves tension. Also, ambiance, soft music and the right instructor all make a huge difference.”
Sophomore Elizabeth Dixon said she takes full advantage of the classes. She participates in yoga, Pilates and tae kwon do.
“I get stressed quite often with school and trying to be involved, so it’s just a time to get away from all of my obligations,” Dixon said. “Sometimes it’s just the room designated for that one activity with no other distractions that’s really helpful.”
Amundson said she hopes to get involved with the classes offered on campus, but she also uses other ways to relax in the mean time.
“When I’m stressed, I just take some quiet time, talk with people, go for a run, or do yoga,” she said. “I want to start [taking] some classes here, but I haven’t had time yet. I think it will help calm me down and realize what really matters. Plus, I’ll be helping my body to become more flexible at the same time.”
If these methods do not work, however, help is still within walking distance.
Arturo Salcedo, a licensed massage therapist, is available at the student health center on Fridays. Salcedo specializes in Reflexology and Sports, Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage. Appointments can be made through the health center. The cost is $25 for a 30-minute massage or $50 for an hour.
As a special treat, Salcedo offers a free 10-minute massage during finals week in Firestone Fieldhouse to students willing to wait in a short line.
“School can be very stressful and life can be very stressful, and it’s nice for something to provide a peaceful center,” Moss said. “Relaxation is a gift, and that’s why we do it.”
09-28-2006