The slush-covered sidewalks and frigid air in Syracuse’s Armory Square are contrasted sharply by the steamy windows of the heated O Yoga Studio.
O Yoga is a new option this school year for yoga junkies at Syracuse University.
Chelsea Wagner, a junior public relations major at SU, attends classes at the studio six days a week.
“I’ve been trying to find a good yoga studio here since I came here,” Chelsea says.
She tried different classes on and around campus but struggled to find the right fit.
“They were a little too on the chanty, spiritual side and I wanted more of a workout,” Chelsea recalls.
Chelsea tried the classes at O Yoga after seeing a flier for the studio on Marshall Street.
“I go to the vinyasa classes usually and I’m always dripping in sweat after, they’re so intense,” she says.
All classes at the studio are for all levels. Fun classes such as “Vinyasa HipHop Flow” keep the sessions full of people and energy.
O Yoga instructor Francesca Budesheim, a current senior at SU, teaches classes such as vinyasa flow and power yoga. Francesca advocates yoga because of its health benefits, both physical and mental.
“It’s good for strength building,” says Francesca, noting that many runners and football players supplement their workouts with yoga because it targets different muscles. But she also stresses yoga’s positive impact on mental health, such as anxiety reduction.
“It’s been proven to work with soldiers who have PTSD,” says Francesca. “There’s just so much more than the physical aspect.”
Shake off the Syracuse chill by warming up at O Yoga. The studio is located at 327W. Fayette St. and holds classes everyday.