Round Lake students learn yoga is for everyone

Posted April 17, 2018 11:00 pm

Submitted by Amy Kinzie

Alicia Corder, left, and Te'Shawn Craig take part in yoga at the Round Lake Sports Center through the NICASA after school program. Courtesy of Amy Kinzie

On Tuesday, April 17, Round Lake middle and high school students from the NICASA Behavioral Health Services after school program were treated to a yoga class hosted by certified yoga instructor Phillip Keith at the Round Lake Park District Sports Center.

The NICASA after school program is part of the not-for-profit behavioral health organization providing assistance for at-risk children, adults and families in Lake County and Northern Illinois. The after-school program aims to provide academic assistance; life skills; drug and alcohol education; career development; and exploration, recreation, and enrichment activities.

Healthy living skills are also emphasized, which include nutrition and lifestyle workshops.

Class began with students being given a brief explanation into the mental and physical benefits of regular yoga practice, specifically how it can benefit young people, athletes, and even the aging population.

According to instructor Philip Keith, yoga can "improve concentration, promote body awareness and confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, even improve academic performance. It's great exercise, and a chance to take a break from the stress of daily life and find your inner balance."

Students were then led in quiet meditation on the soccer field, where they were instructed on breath work and led through some classic yoga poses. At the halfway point, students were surprised with some modern pop music and a yoga mat raffle.

This was a change of pace for Keith, who regularly teaches a men's beginner yoga class at Yoga Seva in Crystal Lake. He looks forward to donating his time in the future to teach more classes and expanding his classes into the Barrington/Lake Zurich Area.

"These opportunities are so great for the kids. They do a lot of good in the community, and it is nice when the community gives something in return back to them," said Amy Kinzie a NICASA staff member.

Community service activities include working at the local food pantry and letter writing to hospitalized children and hometown heroes.

Anyone interested in the NICASA after school program, or NICASA services to prevent and treat substance abuse, addiction, and other risky behaviors, can visit www.NICASA.org

For more information about yoga classes, visit www.knottyman.com.

Yoga instructor Phillip Keith leads students from the NICASA after school program in yoga exercises at the Round Lake Park District Sports Center. Courtesy of Amy Kinzie

Participants in the recent yoga class for the Nicasa Behavioral Health Services after school program at the Round Lake Park District Sports Center. Courtesy of CHARLA WAXMAN

Certified yoga instructor Phillip Keith works with students in the NICASA Behavioral Health Services after school program. Courtesy of Amy Kinzie

Phillip Keith speaks to students in the NICASA after school program, which seeks to provide students with academic assistance, life skills, drug and alcohol education, career development and exploration, recreation, and enrichment activities. Courtesy of Amy Kinzie

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