Benefits of Yoga for Teens

The following chart appears in YogaMinded’s book: Yoga 4 Teens, An Instructor’s Guide to Teaching Yoga to Teenagers, by Christy Brock Miele and Jennifer Lightsey. Use of this material beyond the scope of this website is prohibited as it is owned and copyrighted by YogaMinded.

Physical Benefits

Strength

builds strength of muscles and bones

Flexibility

lengthens muscles to increase mobility in the joints

Improved Posture

develops understanding of body mechanics, healthy movement patterns, and ideal postural alignment

Ability to Relax

develops the skill of non-action and the awareness to physically relax

Breath Awareness

draws attention to the breath as a reflection of state of mind and as a tool to elicit relaxation and focus

Stability and Balance

provides physical experiences that ask the body to continually re-establish balance, which develops coordination and prevents injury

Equalizes Energy

revitalizes low energy and tempers hyperactivity

Mental Benefits

Stress Management

allows teens to experience a sense of space around their concerns (including what others think) and provides techniques for redirecting thoughts and calming the nervous system

Decision Making

teaches teens to make choices that respect themselves and others

Concentration

develops one’s ability to focus through practical disciplines of breath and bodywork

Healthy Body Image

provides a strengthened internal perspective; helps self-image develop free of media and other cultural influences

Acceptance

cultivates gratitude for what the body can do; enables letting go of the tendency to be critical of one’s self and judgmental of others

Curiosity

provides a healthy way to experiment, take risks, and explore the body

Spiritual Benefits

Compassion

opens us to our greater qualities of kindness, compassion, and nonviolence

Connection

cultivates interconnectedness between ourselves, others, and the natural world around us

Presence

heightens awareness and cultivates emotional connection while combating both numbness and drama

Intuition

encourages self-trust by valuing one’s internal voice