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Friday, August 1, 2008
Yoga: Helping Teens Stay Balanced
Raleigh Durham, NC
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Sun salutations and warrior poses may be the last things today’s teens would ever consider as part of their active lifestyles. Overscheduled and basking in the glow of computers, cell phones, and televisions, sandwiched between soccer practices, football games and swim meets, teens might be hard to convince to turn off and unplug. It’s because of these very circumstances, however, that yoga can be so beneficial—even for the most time-crunched kids.
Today’s teen athletes face more pressure and higher demands than ever before, with fierce competition for scholarships and coveted spots on college teams. Longer practices, more travel, and less sleep, combined with hours of homework and, of course, those electronic distractions, mean that kids are more stressed out and more prone to injury and burnout.
This is where Monica Massey enters the picture.
A yoga instructor in Wake Forest, Massey says that yoga-practicing teenagers can reduce stress and relieve tension while raising their self-esteem and increasing their ability to focus both on and off the field. And teen athletes might be surprised to learn how yoga can help them improve their performances in just about any sport. Regular practice can help teens increase strength and flexibility, improve circulation and breathing, and condition their cardiovascular systems, increasing endurance levels and optimizing oxygen usage. The result: stronger, faster, better-rounded athletes.
And, as a bonus, it can be fun, which is important for kids of all ages.
“My mantra is ‘yoga is good for everyone,’” Massey said.
She advocates shorter sessions for young people, and maintains a 30-minute practice twice a week is all that’s needed to reap benefits.
“With teens especially, you need to be mindful of not overdoing it: think shorter practice, shorter poses, and a fun, light flow," Massey said.
Massey teaches at Wake Forest Yoga, one of a variety of venues where teens can go to learn the practice. Other facilities offering yoga are local YMCAs and public recreation centers. Kids can even practice in the privacy of their own homes using instructional DVDs.
As teen athletes become skilled in the basics, they can explore different types of yoga aimed at developing or improving different aspects of their total being. Massey suggests power yoga for athletes looking for a game-enhancing workout.
The most important advice for teens to get the most out of their time and effort is to relax and keep an open mind.
“There are modifications to each pose that work with your individual level,” Massey explains, “Each time you come to the mat, you will gain more understanding of what works for you.”
“Have fun with it,” Massey says. “Abandon that competitive mode and just let go.”
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