Between assignments, classes and the demands of college life, Brigham Young University-Idaho students are always looking for ways to slow down. For many students, the on-campus yoga classes provide a space to build community, reconnect and relax.

Held every night Monday through Friday, as well as on Saturday mornings, campus yoga draws students of all experience levels; from first-timers looking for stress relief to those who have enjoyed yoga for years.

Student instructor Shay McBride, a third-year human performance and recreation major, teaches Vinyasa flow yoga, a faster-paced style that focuses on movement connected to breath. Known for leading more challenging classes, McBride has been teaching on campus for just over a year while completing her yoga instructor certification through the university.

For McBride, yoga is about more than just physical exercise.

"It's fun interacting with students and giving them opportunities to come more in tune with their body and find healing through it," McBride said.

McBride first discovered yoga while on her mission. What originally was a way to relieve stress eventually turned into something more meaningful.

"As I got more into [yoga], I realized that what kept me doing it was the spiritual side of it," McBride said. "I found a greater connection with God through it, and it healed me in ways I never expected."

That spiritual aspect is something McBride feels is easier to incorporate while teaching at BYUI.

Classes are designed to help students relax, often including dim lighting, calming music and an atmosphere meant to help students relax. McBride described the unique energy found in the late-night classes.

"It's all vibey in the 9 p.m. classes. The lights are turned off with light strips and nice music," McBride said. "There's an opportunity to feel the spirit in that room; it's a powerful experience."

Another student instructor, Cadence Day, teaches Yin yoga, which is a slower practice that focuses on breathing and holding poses longer to promote mindfulness and stillness. Day, an exercise physiology major in her final year, has been teaching on-campus yoga for five semesters.

Day's connection to yoga began after she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2020. Through practicing yoga, she found ways to manage the condition and eventually became certified to teach.

This semester Day manages large classes, sometimes teaching more than 50 students in a class during the week.

Despite the class sizes, Day says the environment on campus makes it easier for beginners to approach yoga classes.

"BYU-Idaho has a more welcoming environment and less intimidating atmosphere," Day said. "There are tons of new people every week. It's a great environment for everybody. People who come for the first time and people who have been coming for several semesters all get something out of the class."

One factor that plays a role in that accessibility is that campus yoga classes are free for students.

Without the pressure of paying for a membership elsewhere, students can simply try classes to see if they enjoy them.

"The free environment is more welcoming and inviting," Day said. "I want it to be a 45-minute time period where they can just chill out."

Day encourages students who are unsure about which yoga they prefer to experiment with different classes.

Each instructor brings their own teaching approach and style, giving students multiple options throughout the week.

"Coming and trying out the classes, or different instructors, definitely helps people find the class that is right for them," Day said.

Students say the benefit of yoga can extend beyond the class itself. For Catelyn Morriss, a senior studying child development, attending yoga regularly helps her manage stress during the semester.

"Yoga has been super helpful when I'm stressed," Morriss said. "Sometimes taking that one class a week makes all the difference in my mood and productivity."

Instructors also emphasize that yoga on campus is meant to be inclusive. Students don't need previous experience, strength, or flexibility to participate.

"Yoga is not meant for people who are good at it," McBride said. "It's meant for people who need it."

For students navigating the demands of college life, yoga can provide a rare opportunity to pause.

"It's another way to connect with yourself and relax from all the stresses in your life," McBride said. "And come in tune with God.