The choices we have as consumers become more overwhelming every year. There is no end to the tricks marketers use to sell us their products. These days it seems like the popular theme is "bigger is better". We supersize our drinks, order "ultimate" tacos, and eat "biggie" fries. Now the big craze has even extended into the fitness arena. Penn State Fitness has added a Mega Yoga class to their schedule.

When you purchase your 2005-06 Penn State Fitness membership online at https://fitnessmembership.psu.edu you can use any of the three fitness center on campus, take as many group exercise and aerobics classes as you'd like, and you can participate in Mega-Stretch and Mega-Yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

This new, innovative class is held from 4:15-5:15 p.m. in room 117 White Building. There is no limit to the number of patrons who can take this class so you can't be turned away. Just show up 15 minutes before the start of class with your current fitness membership card and a Yoga mat or exercise mat. Equipment for this class is not provided and you will not be permitted to take the class without a mat. For those of you who are not ready to purchase your own yoga mat, a large towel may work for the first class. After that you will want your own mat to get the full benefit of Mega Stretch and Mega Yoga.

What is Mega-Stretch/Yoga? The class is a unique blend of challenging Yoga poses, upper and lower body stretches, abdominal strengthening exercises, and great balance and agility drills. You will walk away from this class feeling stronger, more coordinated, and even a bit relaxed. There is a 15 minute segment of abdominal work to satisfy even the most devout Washboard Abs junkies. The bulk of the class is spent on stretches, poses, and balance exercises. And the relaxation period at the end cant be beat.

Beginners, don't let the name scare you. "Mega" refers to the size of the class, not the length or the intensity. The room is large enough to accommodate you and all of your friends with space to spare. There's plenty of elbow room, headroom and fresh air. You don't have to know anything about Yoga either. Even if you have never taken a yoga class you will find the stretches do-able. As the semester progresses so will the intensity of the Mega classes.

It is a common belief in the fitness industry that supplementing one's weekly workout with stretch-based class can enhance athletic performance and fitness level.

For most exercisers incorporating a stretch class improves their body awareness within the first two to three class sessions. Other benefits that come from a stretch session include: greater freedom of movement and improved posture, increased physical and mental relaxation and release of muscle tension and soreness.

Josh R., a PSU senior explains, "my weight lifting sessions were so much better once I included a once-week stretch class into my routine. My weights went up, my balance got better, and I finally saw my abs."

Improved weight lifting results are just one of the payoffs of a good stretch. Many runners find they get faster, and kick boxers can complete their routines more effectively.

The benefits of a good stretch class cant really be captured in words. Stretch provides different benefits to different people. I suggest you try a Mega class and see what it will do for you.

Jill Garrigan is a Penn State Fitness Coordinator, her email is fitness@psu.edu.