Teenage Girls and Yoga

If you are an adult woman you probably recall those self conscious years of adolescence. Or, perhaps you have blocked them out of your memory ;) Either way, we can all agree on the fact that the teenage years are an incredibly awkward time, especially for girls.

According to research from the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty’s 2005 Global Study, “Beyond Stereotypes: Rebuilding the Foundation of Beauty Beliefs,” more than 90% of girls want to change at least one aspect of their appearance, and most of them pick--you guessed it! Body weight. A whopping 13% of teenage girls admit to having an eating disorder, and one quarter of teenage girls would be willing to go under the knife to fix "problem areas". “I believe that poor body image is fairly widespread,” says Elissa Gittes, MD, an adolescent-medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “The media evokes ideals to girls which are often unattainable and unhealthy.”

When I read about this study it broke my heart. I can't believe there are so many young girls struggling and setting the stage for a lifetime of health and emotional issues. As a fitness professional I thought, "What can I do to help?" Knowing first hand how yoga (and pilates!) is one of the best ways to boost self esteem I decided to do some research on the topic.

“The practice of yoga (or Pilates), where the mind-body connection is promoted, is a creative and potentially successful way for girls to develop a positive body image,” says Gittes.

Practicing yoga helps teens develop the body-mind connection which serves to improve body image and also helps alleviate stress. You may be left wondering, "How is practicing yoga different from playing on a sports team?" Experts say many sports do not foster body-mind awareness in the way that yoga does. “With sports...teens get that adrenaline rush from the cheering crowds. But with yoga, it’s not the crowd cheering that makes you feel good about yourself. You, alone, are responsible for feeling good about yourself,” says Mary Kaye Chryssicas, RYT, and author of Breathe: Yoga for Teens (DK Children 2007). “And sometimes competing and always wanting to be the best is draining and anxiety-producing; so yoga just brings relief.”

This is not to say that team sports are not beneficial for young women as well. Being part of a team and staying physically active also boost self confidence and promote physical fitness for teenage girls. It's just different when you are practicing for yourself and allowing yourself the freedom of maybe pushing a little harder or backing off if you need to that day. There is so much competition in today's world and there is no place for judgment or competition on your mat.

*If you or someone you know is an adolescent female interested in beginning a yoga practice and living in the Bloomington, IN area, there is a teen yoga series being offered at Vibe Yoga Studio taught by one of my favorite instructors and friends, Carly Rasner. Check out their website for more information at vibeyogastudio.com Namaste :)