By The Keystone Newspaper Student-led wellness group gains momentum, aiming for campus recognition next semester
By Marie Shane
Sunlight peaks through the window as the mats unravel onto the ground. The peaceful music and soothing voice of the instructor allows the class to lose themselves in the movements, relaxing their bodies.
Photo Credit: Victoria Hollinger
Yoga and Pilates are not only a way to exercise the body but also a way to exercise the mind. The Yoga and Pilates club here at Kutztown practices these ideas free to students and provides a community to those who have an interest or passion for Yoga and Pilates. This allows students to prioritize mental well-being in addition to their physical health.
The club was founded by Victoria Hollinger, the club’s president, at the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester. Hollinger began developing the idea for the club in her sophomore year here at Kutztown.
“I love the disciplines. I love Yoga, I love Pilates.” Hollinger said. “I would do Yoga and Pilates on my own and then I was like what if we could create a community or a club that would keep me and other people disciplined and wanting to go. Something fun that would not only be for physical health but mental health.”
Over this past winter break, Hollinger started making this idea a reality. She decided to launch an Instagram account, hoping to gain recognition from fellow students.
Not long after, Hollinger received a DM from Abbee Fries, now the club’s vice president, wanting to know more about the club.
“I think I DM’d Victoria right away cause I was like oh my gosh I wanna be involved in this. I wonder who’s setting this up and if they need help,” Fries said.
Yoga and Pilates Club is not an official Kutztown University club just yet but is in the process of becoming one. They offer Yoga and Pilates classes multiple times a week. Yoga classes are led by club Vice President Abbee Fries while Pilates classes are led by Hollinger herself. Classes are held on the second floor of the KU Student Recreation Center and are open to students of all skill levels.
Photo Credit: Victoria Hollinger
Pilates classes are offered on Mondays and Yoga classes are on Wednesdays, both at 8 a.m. Yoga mats are provided but supply is limited, therefore it is recommended for participants to bring their own. Classes are around an hour long from start to finish.
During a class, one can expect a welcoming, non intimidating environment. Beginners can feel comfortable to go at their own pace, judgement free and will leave the classes feeling mentally and physically ready to take on their day.
“I think you as the individual can make it as you want to make it,” Hollinger said. “Everything is taking it at your own pace. You can stop, take a breath, you can push yourself a little, you cannot. I think it’s good that way.”
Students who attend the classes feel this is true. Chloe Schoemaker shared, “I was nervous to try something new, but the instructor was so welcoming, and the class was very beginner friendly. It’s a fun way to get involved with others while connecting deeper with yourself.”
Prior to the Yoga and Pilates club, there were minimal Yoga classes offered at the recreation center and no Pilates classes available.
“I feel like it’s so big. People love Yoga and Pilates so like, why wouldn’t we create something that everyone could enjoy?” Hollinger said.
“It’s accessible for anybody. The thing about Yoga is like yes, it is a physical practice, but you are getting a lot out of connecting with your breath and your mind” Fries said.
Becoming a member of the Yoga and Pilates club can help students escape from their busy lives and become one with their body and psyche. The importance of mental health and well-being are key aspects to Yoga and Pilates, and the classes are designed to reflect that. Students are encouraged to take the class at their own speed and listen to their bodies. The executive board of the club feels it is important to highlight the fact that everyone is welcome and not to feel anxious to try something new.
“Show up as you are, try it out,” Hollinger said.
The classes are meant to be encouraging and supportive, radiating warm energy for students, allowing them to rest their minds. After attending a yoga class, Bethany McDonald said, “[I] found it a great way to destress, especially during a time where school is starting to wind up before finals. It’s a nice quiet way to start your morning.”
The club has many future plans and hopes to grow.
“Note that although these classes seem limited, we are still in the early stages of the Yoga and Pilates Club.” the club’s Instagram explained.
Yoga and Pilates Club has recently received their approval to become an official Kutztown University club through the Recreation Center but has planned to wait until the Fall 2025 semester to make it official. When that time comes, students can become a member of the club through Engage.
Photo Credit: Victoria Hollinger
The club is hoping to gain more instructors for future classes which could open the possibility for intro and intermediate classes. Also, the executive board hopes to offer more time slots to accommodate students’ busy schedules. Most importantly, they are eager to continue to build their community and be an important asset to Kutztown students.
The process of developing a club is tedious and defeating at times. “First, you have to understand what category you fall into. There are two categories from what we have experienced and it’s the Rec and Sports Services and the academic clubs,” Hollinger said.
Yoga and Pilates club falls into the Rec and Sports category due to its physical practice. Hollinger and Fries both agree that the club Instagram helped drastically with the evolution of the club. The account got noticed almost immediately and sparked attention from over 200 students. Knowing there were people genuinely interested in the club helped motivate the executive board
“For anyone starting a club, definitely start a social media first and get it out there that it’s gonna happen,” Hollinger said. This not only helps with finding members for the club but also finding potential E-Board members.
Support and positivity are incorporated into all classes offered by The Yoga and Pilates club. Hollinger and Fries make it clear how important inclusivity and community are to them and how that structure can be felt while engaging in their classes. Mental and physical health are intertwined with Yoga and Pilates, as they are within students’ everyday lives. The Yoga and Pilates club brings something new to KU and has so much potential to grow.
“We started something that I think a lot of people are going to really, really like,” Hollinger said.