Teen Yoga—Why?

They enter quietly trying to be invisible, they enter chatting loudly on cell phones oblivious to the “yoga zone” where quiet self-reflection is the norm, they enter wearing jeans so tight you could bounce a quarter off them or the school uniform because they forgot to pack extra clothes, they enter because their coach told them to and they even enter unwillingly because a parent signed them up.   

There are two rigid rules:

1. Cell phones off

2. Don’t interrupt when someone else is talking.

But then something amazing happens: They keep coming back! Resistance gives way. Hello, Teen Yogis! 

Why teens practice yoga

Students explain they like yoga because it is fun, relaxing and helps with balance. I believe teens enjoy practice because it isn’t competitive. (FYI: If you are ever in a competitive yoga class, you are not practicing yoga!) 

In addition, there are studies reporting significant findings such as  a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, March 28, 2011, noting, “A study by California State University, Los Angeles found that yoga improved students' behavior, physical health and academic performance, as well as attitudes toward themselves” and a Daily Mail article published April, 2011, notes a school in Essex, England using meditation techniques found that the students’ test scores improve and sleep better.   

 Yoga benefits 

Ask a yoga teacher to explain the benefits of yoga and you run the risk of  hearing about everything from lowering blood pressure to connecting to your inner you!  Neuromuscular experts describe yoga as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) which means passive (not forced) stretching.  

I ask young students to demonstrate their favorite pose and 95% of the time the pose is seated or lying and “Restorative “ in nature. Kids want to relax, let go, do nothing and simply be. I’m reminded how the younger me loved lying on my back watching puffy clouds pass overhead in the broad west Texas sky. Just me in the backyard. I was at peace watching those clouds pass over.   

“Princess/Prince” pose is a teen favorite. Using many props—bolsters, blocks, blankets, eye pillows and even sandbags—allows each student to completely relax in a supported, reclining position. Several students tell me they have set up their personal Royal station at home! One parent shared that “any time my child spends away from a screen, is quiet and seeking relaxation is positive. She is by herself and peaceful, not seeking outside stimulation.” Surely, this is a yoga benefit.

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is a Stanford University health psychologist and an expert on the mind-body relationship. She teaches for the School of Medicine’s Health Improvement Program and is a senior teacher/consultant for the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.  McGonigal explains  “parents, teachers and school administrators alike are starting to recognize the mind-body benefits of kids’ yoga, which can help children concentrate, regulate their emotions and cooperate with others, all while being physically active.”  (Slovacek, Tucker & Pantoja 2003).

Where teens practice yoga

Some prefer a “teen” only class while others enjoy adult yoga.   I believe that where the student is comfortable is the right class.

McGonigal states, “Yoga for kids is exploding in popularity and gaining acceptance in schools.  An ongoing survey on the state of “youth yoga” finds that yoga for kids is taught in community centers, yoga studios, private and public schools, and after-school programs throughout the U.S.” 

Sonali Mehta, high school senior and local resident, explains why it is easy for her to get up on Sunday mornings to attend an Adult class at Yoga of Los Altos, “I do it for stress management and also enjoy the increased flexibility.”

Finally

Some of the most fun classes I teach have teen/parent participation and the teen is usually more flexible and willing to try something new (i.e., not afraid of failing/falling or looking foolish).  In some respects, the roles are reversed with the child “schooling” the parent. 

 Hmmm... Very yogic indeed. 

 ****************

Cheryl Acheson is a local Certified Yoga Teacher specializing in Kids and Beginning Yoga who teaches public classes for youth at LA/LAH Parks & Rec (non-residents welcome!), Yoga of Los Altos, Nona’s Dance and the Rosewood Hotel, Menlo Park as well as Corporate and Private students.