Game Day Yoga provides wellness opportunity on game days

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. - There are plenty of ways to get involved in game day activities. Organizers of Game Day want to make sure there are wellness opportunities as well.

Assistant Director of Game Day Ami Driscoll says Game Day Yoga allows people to relax and enjoy the atmosphere on campus in a unique way.

This is the second year for the program. Driscoll says it has grown from averaging 15 participants every day to between 40 and 60.

For yoga instructor Patty Thornton, she encourages it for stress relief.

"I think game day stresses everybody out, because we want our team to win,” she said.

But after a yoga session she says that stress seems to dwindle away.

"You feel elongated and stretched out, peaceful and calm," said Thornton.

The 15-year yoga instructor says sometimes football fans can be a little wary, but that apprehensiveness rarely lasts.

“Everybody gets hooked. Everybody loves it. Because it makes you feel so good," said Thornton.

Students agree it's a great way to prepare for a day sitting in the stands.

“It’s just an awesome opportunity to do something active in the morning,” said Notre Dame Student Lorrin Ostojic. “Thinking ahead to the afternoon, sitting in a stadium for three or four hours is not really moving at all. It’s a great motivation to get the blood flowing before then.

Ostojic says she attends Game Day Yoga as much as she can.

The session takes place at 9 a.m. every Saturday before home games.

Thornton says if the weather permits, the sessions are held outside. Otherwise they gather at Rolfs Sports Recreation Center.

Game Day Yoga is free and open to everyone. Participants must sign a waiver before entering.

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