Downward Dog in the Yard

With temperatures rising, students looking for more opportunities to spend a stress-relieving hour outside can join Harvard's Center for Wellness outdoor tai chi or yoga class.

Working with the Common Spaces Chairs Project, the Center for Wellness is bringing tai chi and yoga to the Yard throughout April. The program began last week.

"It's really nice to be outside and breathing fresh air," said Jeanne M. Mahon, director of the Center for Wellness. "It's also a little bit in keeping with Harvard On the Move, bringing students together with faculty and staff across the campus."

Although the weather was a little chilly for the first round of classes, Mayhon hopes more students will join in the relaxing recreation. If enough students show interest, the Center for Wellness is considering extending the program through spring and into summer.

Classes will be held weekly in front of Memorial Church. Tai chi classes are each Monday from 5-6 p.m. while yoga classes run Wednesday from 12-1 p.m.

"It's open to beginners. We're doing a bit of flow yoga, some sun salutations," Mayhon said. "Nothing crazy, but there's something there for everyone."

No advance registration is necessary, and the classes are free. Yoga participants are required to bring their own mat.