St. Olaf College has a new addition to its campus club scene with the formation of the Yoga Club. Launched by club president Betsy Kirkpatrick ’26 and vice president Caitlin Coffee ’27, the club has over 20 members. Regular meetings are held on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. in CAD 318 Studio 3.
“Yoga is for everyone,” Coffee said in an email interview with The Olaf Messenger. “I teach a practice that is very beginner-friendly but also challenging in a good way. It’s up to the yogi to go as deep into a pose as they want. It’s not about how ‘good’ you are at yoga; it’s about finding what your body can do and finding gratitude in that,” said Coffee.
Club member Kim Tran ’28 shared her positive experience with the accommodating nature of the sessions in an email to The Olaf Messenger. “Joining the club was fairly easy, and the members were incredibly welcoming. Each session I’ve gone to has had a warm, relaxing, and inclusive environment… you will always find a friend or make a new one,” Tran said. “With that, everyone has different experience levels and our instructor, Caitlin, was very accommodating to that.”
The club’s mission goes beyond physical fitness — it aims to provide a space for students to improve their mental well-being and overall quality of life. “People should join yoga because it’s a place for students to take time for themselves to improve their mindsets, postures, strength, and wellbeing. The research behind yoga as a restorative practice suggests that it reaps benefits such as enhancing athletic performance and mental wellbeing,” Coffee said.
Looking ahead, the club aims to expand its activities and offerings. The leadership team is exploring opportunities to bring in more instructors and to organize special events such as bunny or goat yoga. Students interested in joining can find updates on the club’s Instagram, @stolafyoga, and on Presence.
