Among UCA’s countless HPER classes, smooth yoga has become a hit with its relaxing qualities and meditative practices.
Instructor True Alisandre uses a mixture of stretching exercises and meditation to structure the class, focusing on what students want to achieve.
After being introduced to yoga in the ‘70s during his time at the University of Miami, Alisandre made it his mission to teach others and himself about the beneficial qualities of yoga.
In 1975, Alisandre was sent to Arkansas to teach people the practice of yoga and its methods of relaxation and stretching.
Starting in 2017, smooth yoga has been an outlet for Alisandre and UCA students to practice yoga in a safe space with peers.
The class starts with intermittent chatter, but when Alisandre enters the space, a silence looms over the class who ready themselves for the graceful yet captivating period.
Over the course of 45 minutes, the class works on different parts of the body, which come spontaneously to Alisandre.
“Most of the time, I try to swim, so I get more fluid and flexible myself. Then I can communicate that to others in class, but for the number of years that I’ve been doing it, it more slowly runs spontaneously. I try to be sensitive to who’s in the class. I didn’t go into too much fast-paced stuff,” Alisandre said.
His bubbly personality adds to the class in more ways than one, with an undertone of true consideration for his students.
Sophomore Landon Oxford said, “True has a very positive spirit and is such a kind soul. He cares for his students, and it shows in every class. He asks us what we want to focus on, and it makes the class feel more personal. He also loves to talk to us after class because he loves to get to know his students. It’s just a warm environment and helps me calm down after a stressful week.”
With almost 50 years of experience, Alisandre has also looked into the science behind yoga, explaining that there’s more than just what’s inside the class.
“Students will be able to think better because there’ll be more oxygen in their brains, and then more nerve flow probably means more ability to remember stuff. Your memory improves,” Alisandre said.
“They actually did an MRI study where they found that yoga practitioners’ brains were actually larger than the average person. Their brains were growing and flourishing. Whereas an average person’s will just be stagnant in a way sometimes.”
The health benefits don’t end there, with studies showing that yoga can brighten one’s mood, increase heart function and health, and help with sleep disorders, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
With all of the benefits of this 45-minute practice, Alisandre is always eager to see newcomers and encourages all to give it a try.
Alisandre teaches two classes a week at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the HPER center.
