Last year was different. She did not perform as well as she wanted to and was consumed by the thought of having to just tick another task off the to-do list.

She needed a change, and from hearing only positives about yoga, she decided to press play on one of those online videos made by professional yogis. 

Yoga allowed her to move and stretch her body, while being mindful when doing so. She could train her physical and mental health at the same time, and she had time to just be. 

So, when her friends wanted to start an affordable and accessible Yoga Club for the UNSW community, it instantly sparked an interest in her. Only just finishing its first operating semester, the Club hosts two yoga sessions per week led by professionals, and recently won Arc’s New Club of the Year Award. 

Jessica believes the success of the Club lies in the gap it has been able to fill between online yoga videos and slightly intimidating, expensive yoga studios. 

“We wanted other students to also take time for themselves to enjoy and de-stress through yoga, which we believe is best done by being accessible at campus; in a safe environment surrounded by other students who is also keen to learn; and at an affordable price”. 

“We are able to facilitate this by the help with get from being an Arc Club, as the salary of our professional yoga teachers are subsidised and we get to use Roundhouse for free. This allow for $8 for individual classes and even cheaper for a bundle of classes”. 

Despite being only a semester old, the Club has over 300 members. In time, Jessica hopes the club will grow even bigger with more sessions per week and advanced classes for those who want to take it a step further. 

Interested in yoga? Check out UNSW Yoga Club’s website here. Or perhaps you want to start your own Club? Have a read here.