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 |