We know the benefits of yoga on adults, so why is teen yoga becoming so popular?
Teenagers are active, fast paced, growing individuals with no shortage of expression and energy to use. Yoga can channel the energy positively, and intentionally, to dramatically improve any emotional or stress-related ailments such as migraines, mood swings, and chronic back pain. Sitting in a school desk all day can wreck havoc on anyone's posture, but especially teens, so practicing the flowing, flexible art of yoga postures can reinforce a healthy posture and spine. This makes entering adulthood much easier on their back and joints.
Research has shown that teens who practiced yoga before an exam had reduced stress versus those who did not.
There are many other positive aspects of teen yoga as well. Only 25% of American teens are exercising, which means that cardiovascular disease, obesity, and lowered quality of life are all potential threats to take cautionary action against. With the rising rates of heart attacks in young adults, yoga can be a positive step in the right direction to reversing any development of our country's most devastating disease.
What about teens that already do sports or exercise regularly? Would yoga be a good option for them? The answer is a resounding YES! Though these teens are getting a healthy amount of cardiovascular exercise, making the time to properly stretch their limbs and ligaments can prevent any sports related injuries, as well as restrengthen their muscular tissues and hasten muscle repair. Whether you're an exercise newbie, or a seasoned athlete, yoga is a beneficial addition to any teen lifestyle.
Looking for more information on Teen Yoga? We're loving this Elephant Journal blog post, "A Teenager's Thoughts on Yoga for Teenagers," that's filled with honesty and beautifully written reflection on what it's like to be a teen in the yoga world.
Check out Prissy Tomboy, the Karma Yoga foundation for the month of September! This local group of women work to empower girls through being active and making exercise a beautiful, not brutal, addition to a young girl's life!
Don't forget: any teen that attends our Teen Yoga classes during the month of September will get in for free with a friend! Both teens can practice yoga at the beautiful RYL HQ for FREE with our wonderful Teen Yoga teacher, Kate Burgess!
We look forward to seeing you there.