5 Reasons Why Yoga is Great for Teenagers
18 June 2023
Yoga has become a popular form of exercise for people of all ages, and it's no secret that it can be beneficial for teens. The exercises help improve strength, flexibility, and balance – which are crucial for growing bodies. But there are other reasons why yoga is great for teenagers.
Promotes positive mental health
The benefits of yoga go far beyond the physical. Yoga can also help to promote positive mental health, which is vitally important for teenagers. Sadly, anxiety and depression are prevalent among young people, with the pressure of exams, navigating friendships and relationships, and planning for the future, all while grappling with fluctuating hormones and physical changes. Through mindfulness and breathing exercises, teenagers can learn to stay calm, while stretches help ease tight muscles.
Boosts self-esteem
Yoga can be an excellent way to boost self-esteem and promote positive body image. In a world where media images often promote unrealistic beauty standards, it can be refreshing for teens to participate in an activity that emphasises inner strength and personal growth. For many teens, yoga provides a much-needed respite from the demands of school and social activities. It's an individual activity, so young people who haven't excelled at team sports can take part and make progress.
Increases strength and flexibility
Yoga is an excellent way for teens to improve their strength and flexibility. Many poses require muscles not commonly used in other exercises, increasing muscle tone and definition. The slow, controlled movements help to lengthen and stretch muscles, improving flexibility. For teens who play sports or are active in other ways, increasing strength and flexibility can help to prevent injuries.
Can be practised anywhere
The breathing exercises and basic poses of yoga can be practised anytime, anyplace. This is great for teenagers who are on the go a lot. People who do yoga tend to have better posture, which means they are less likely to develop back and neck pain from everyday activities like sitting at a desk.
It's cheap
Unlike sports that require expensive equipment which needs replacing as they grow, all they'll need for yoga classes is a basic mat and some clothes they can move in. There are also numerous videos available online to help with learning yoga moves. Once they know the techniques, they can use elements of it at school, in exams, at home, or anywhere else they need.
Yoga is a great way for teenagers to improve their physical and mental health. It's cheap and easy to get involved in, and the techniques can be used whenever they're needed.