Yoga Club encourages morning mindfulness
Photo by Sydney Pressley.
Some Lee students are beginning their Thursday mornings in meditation and community through 45-minute yoga sessions at the Devos Recreation Center.
James Frost, associate professor of vocal music, started leading these meetings in September 2019 after running into a few interested students at a local yoga studio in downtown Cleveland.
Frost first became involved with yoga in 1987. As a singer in Germany, he practiced yoga for the physical advantages before realizing the exercise benefited his career as a vocalist. He later trained as a yoga teacher at the Asheville Yoga Center, combining his two passions.
“I think it’s really good for students,” said Frost. “Nowadays, there’s so much coming at us that we never really spend time where we’re quiet, where we’re still and inside of ourselves, just breathing. A big part of yoga is the concentration and sort of meditation on one thing … If you can [learn how to] focus on one thing for just a small amount of time, you’ll get a lot more done than if you’re distracted.”
Yoga has been scientifically proven to be an effective way of managing stress and pain. While increasing strength and flexibility, it can also help relieve symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
“Yoga makes me feel the best, physically and mentally,” said Leigh Yates, a senior psychology major. “It really just grounds me and centers me. I think that’s why I keep coming back to yoga … because it makes me feel best mentally.”
Yoga Club on Thursday mornings is open to any curious student. The routines typically focus on balance, flexibility and breathing techniques. Power Flow, an advanced yoga class, is also offered at the Devos Recreation Center on Tuesday nights for students who are seeking to gain more muscle strength out of a yoga session.
“Just come try it,” said Leigh Yates, grinning. “Put on some comfy clothes, feel confident in your skin — maybe listen to some Lizzo on the way over. Just show up without expectations and don’t be hard on yourself. Get ready to experience something great!”
Yoga Club meets on Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. in the dance room of the Devos Recreation Center. All students are welcome to attend.
For more information about Yoga Club, those interested can contact James Frost at jfrost@leeuniversity.edu
