The Quill/Franklyn Benjamin
By Jacquelyn Letizia Staff writer
A Susquehanna professor has brought his passion for yoga to students and staff at the university.
“The health and wellness benefits of yoga have been a significant component in my life and in the lives of many,” said Joshua Davis, associate professor of music at Susquehanna.
Davis, who has been a professor at Susquehanna since 2006, is holding yoga classes twice a week for students, faculty and staff.
Davis started doing yoga after developing over-use injuries from his career as a professional bassist.
He explained that other types of exercises did not completely heal or engage his injuries so he switched to yoga for a “more thorough therapy.”
But what can students gain from taking these classes? According to Davis, students can gain strength, flexibility and a sense of calmness after completing yoga exercises on their own or with the class.
“Many students have expressed interest and I thank them for the inspiration we generate together in practice,” Davis said in regards to student involvement in the class.
Sophomore Hannah Johnston agreed that after her first class she felt focused and calm.
The session started with easier stretching poses and then got more intense before ending with several minutes of calming breathing exercises and stretching.
“Most of the poses we did are ones that I have seen on my own time,” Johnston said.
She also said that Davis focused on form a lot and maintained a very soothing tone throughout the session that helped her stay focused.
Although it was only her first time at the class, Johnston was eager to continue going to the following classes.
Yoga can also be beneficial for athletes at Susquehanna. Senior field hockey player Lauren Cram attends the weekly classes on top of her busy schedule of practices and games. “It is an easy way for me to relax my mind from all the chaos of my busy schedule,” Cram said.
Along with teaching music and yoga classes at Susquehanna, Davis also founded RhythmMeterWorkshop.com, which allows him to teach lessons on rhythm and meter development online.
Additionally, he helps educate musicians and program musical events in New York City through his position at the ShapeShifter Lab.
The classes are on Tuesdays at 6:10 p.m. and Thursdays at 4:10 p.m. in the Greta Ray Dance Studio in Weber Chapel.
These classes are open to students, faculty and staff at a cost of $10 for the semester. Yoga mats and flexible clothing are recommended.
