Downward facing dog, cat, cow and tree. These sound like something one would find at a farm. But think again.

It's Noontime Yoga from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday through Wednesday in Ahearn Field House 301.

Noontime Yoga is a part of the K-State Women's Center Campaign for Nonviolence.

YogaFit instructor Carol Gould said she helped bring yoga to the Campaign for Nonviolence and has taught the classes ever since.

"When we started, the intent was to have the classes during the Season for Nonviolence, but people liked it so much, it's just kept going," Gould said.

Noontime Yoga began with just two classes offered a week. Its popularity grew and expanded into five classes per week, but students and members of the community still wanted more, Gould said.

The program was extended into summer and is now offered year round.

K-State Women's Center Director Susan Allen said the goal of Noontime Yoga is to get in touch with oneself in order to achieve the goals of nonviolence.

"By focusing on your breathing, you let everything else go," she said. "People tend to think of global war and peace when it comes to nonviolence, but it's way more than that. It's all levels of our lives. Yoga is at that very basic level."

The Noontime Yoga staff is composed of six YogaFit instructors who provide multiple levels of skill.

Classes are free for any K-State student or community member who wishes to attend. Women and men are welcome.

However, students can make a tax-deductible donation to thank the instructors.

"You don't have to be able to fold yourself up like a pretzel," Gould said. "Anyone can do yoga."

Exercises like the downward facing dog are designed to improve circulation, stimulate abdominal organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, ultimately resulting in better health.

The program is in its fifth year as a part of the K-State Women's Center Campaign for Nonviolence.

The CNV began seven years ago with an overall goal to promote a safe and respectful community that is equitable for all citizens.

According to the CNV Web site, the program is a growing affiliation of women and men from all sectors of the community.

These men and women share the realization that building a safe community and peaceful world begins with understanding that nonviolence starts with the individual.

Allen said the CNV looks at nonviolence anthropologically, not just focusing on stopping violence but changing the culture that produces it.

"We can't just change society," she said. "We have to start with ourselves."

Allen said one must start by trying to become a more balanced and healthier person.

"Nutrition and physical balance; that is what yoga is for," Allen said.

Traudel Wattes began practicing yoga in 2001 and followed Gould to Noontime Yoga in 2002.

She enjoys attending the classes because she said it is a good way to stay strong in mind and body.

Yoga mats are preferred, but not required. People may purchase a mat through the Women's Center for $12.

Two to three "CNV-loaner" yoga mats are available for newcomers.

Additional classes are offered from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

For more information on Noontime Yoga and the CNV, visit the Women's Center Web site at www.k-state.edu/womenscenter or call (785) 532-6444.