Kristiana Bowling creates the first-ever Yoga Club

By Reeya Sharma

Art by Allie Burkhart

​This semester, SMS brings a new Yoga Club to the Upper School. The club hosted its very first interest meeting on January 14 and plans to offer two sessions a month during O periods.

When reflecting on why she wanted to start the club, founder Kristiana Bowling (12) said, “I noticed there wasn’t an outlet for students who needed to do a club that was more relaxing and less demanding.” 

She then moved to explain her personal yoga journey when SMS went online at the start of the pandemic, and said, “ The workload became a bit more difficult to manage and I developed a little bit of anxiety, and I picked up Yoga.” 

Bowling has always done yoga with her mother and wanted to treat SMS with this new opportunity to control and relax the busy minds of high schoolers.

Club sponsor and Upper School Spanish teacher, Mr. Harbor said, “Yoga started for me as an exercise, but then started helping me mentally, emotionally, and physically, especially in times of stress. I think it is really important to find balance, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.” 

The club is not limited to existing “yogies,” but is also available to anyone who wants to begin their Yoga journey. 

The next session is Wednesday, February 16 during O at Mcneil Gym for those who want to learn the basics and get into it.