For many, the term yoga conjures images of flower-power hippies barefoot in the grass, chanting “”Namaste.”” This month, however, the Student Recreation Center hopes to change students’ misconceptions about the ancient Indian practice.

Starting Sept. 2, the center began selling Group Fitness class passes. While most students know the Rec is known for its cardio machines and weight room, not everyone knows about these classes offered on the center’s second floor.

The fitness classes offer members a way to supplement their current workouts by challenging their bodies in a new way.

Up for a challenge myself, I decided to try one of the many yoga classes. I chose Anusura Yoga, a class offered every Monday and Wednesday night, which is geared toward all levels of practice.

Anusura Yoga was challenging enough for intermediate yogis, but not too tough that the first-time students in class couldn’t keep up. Attendees can expect lots of “”Down Dogs,”” “”Sun Salutations”” and plank poses throughout the hour. After a long day of classes, Anusura Yoga was a great way to unwind; by the end of the session, I felt more relaxed, stretched and flexible.

Commuications junior Jessica Mathers was among the 20 or so attendees of that same class. She practices yoga for its relaxation and body conditioning benefits. Mathers has also taken advantage of other classes offered at the Rec Center.

“”I just did the Core class, which is 30 minutes of abs,”” she said, hands rubbing her sore stomach.

Mathers also tried spinning and kickboxing. She recommends spinning if “”you really want to sweat,”” and said she chose to buy a class pass because the Rec is convenient, and she can take classes with her friends.

For $75, the Group Fitness pass allows unlimited classes for the semester – a great deal considering local studios charge up to $10 each for comparable specialty classes. Members who aren’t sure the pass is right for them can still attend single classes for $6.

The pass allows members access to over 50 different classes, including five different types of yoga, a Pilates mat class, muscle pump, combat fit, turbo kick, kickboxing, spinning and “”Wildcat Dolls,”” a dance class just for women. Some of the new classes offered this year are Zumba, based on Latin fusion dance, and PiYo, a combination of yoga and Pilates.