it takes courage to grow up and be who you are

TEEN YOGA

I am a qualified yoga teacher and a Level 3 Sports Coach with more than twenty-five years professional experience of working with young people, both in schools and in community settings. I teach yoga to teenagers from Year 7 - Year 13 (ages 11-18) and their teachers, because I know how it can increase their confidence, boost self-esteem, support self-regulation and efficacy, improve sleep and deepen their sense of connection to their school community. I draw on my background in literature, culture and the arts to broaden participants’ understanding and to make my classes lively, engaging, relaxing and fun. I mix yoga’s strengthening aspects with qigong for its relaxing qualities and mindfulness to enhance focus and awaken the spirit.

I completed the Teen Yoga and Mindfulness Training with Charlotta Martinus from Teen Yoga at Yogacampus, which is registered with Yoga Alliance Professionals and the Independent Yoga Network. My training included anatomy and physiology, socio-psychology and neuroscience.  

I work closely with teachers to address their schools’ priorities and the needs of their students, whether this is to promote relaxation, support school sports teams or engage those who aren’t already involved in physical activity. I listen to what students and teachers need, and following an initial consultation, I will put together a personalised programme that addresses their top priorities.

Yoga’s benefits on maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing, developing strength, enhancing focus and improving concentration and academic performance are already well documented. Schools report that yoga helps their students consolidate their learning, supports transition and increases engagement.

Yoga helps to meet Ofsted’s requirement that every school should actively promote and evaluate students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Many young people are well, vibrant and have a strong voice; yoga supports and helps those who do not. Students that practice yoga report that they are better able to cope with the stress of exams and the pressures of academic life and are more likely to find effective ways to positively connect with their peers. As ee cummings writes: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

See my blog post Five reasons every teen should take up yoga

Contact me to book your free consultation or to find out how I can help your students.

Photo credit: Teen Yoga Foundation