The Teen and Yoga

If you have a teenager in your life, you know that this can be a wonderful, but tumultuous time. Jaci Uhrick, an instructor at Focus, teaches our Teen Yoga class. This class meets Wednesdays, beginning September 12, 4:00 - 5:15pm. Registration is required.

Jaci Uhrich on the left with her own teenagers!

Jaci, do you have teenagers yourself?  Yes, I have two daughters 17 and 15.  I have actually taught many of their friends which is always fun for me and embarrassing for them.

What made you interested in teaching this age group, other than living with teenagers of your own? I had read about many studios and schools especially on the east and west coast that were incorporating yoga into their schools and offering classes specifically for teens in their studios.  I also watch my own teens and their friends struggle with stress, the ability to focus, and to understand their own minds and bodies.  I thought of yoga right away as a great tool for this population and all the things they have to deal with at this time in their lives.

What is it you hope and plan for your teen students to learn from this class? I hope they will take time to stop and get to know their bodies, bring awareness to their breath and to what is going on in their minds.  Of course many athletes struggle with injuries, or tight hips and hamstrings, and we will address all of this as well.  But I really want them to get an understanding of what stands in the way of their success and being the best they can be and really being able to be in the moment in athletics and also in life.

What about the teenager that isn't an athlete? Would they get anything out of the Yoga for the Teen Athlete class?  Absolutely. We will address things that can be used in athletics as well as in life!  That is the beauty of yoga; anything learned on the mat can be applied to your everyday life, the tools can be applied to many situations.

I know you looove yoga! Are you an athlete as well?  I am. I am a runner and a spinner (indoor cycling).  The only way I can still physically run is because of yoga.  When I stretch and learn to relax the muscle when it needs to be relaxed and when my body is reminded of it's alignment I am able to do the physical activites that I enjoy (at age 47)!  The pranayama (breath work) that I practice in yoga helps me with my breathing especially when I run.  Of course the mind body connection that I create and am reminded of each time I practice yoga helps me to stay in the flow when I am biking or running and I come out being very centered and focused.

At Focus, we love having teens in our regular classes. But, some teens want to be in a "teen" class. Why do you think that is? I think yoga can be intimidating for some teens.  It seems out of reach for them, but when they come to a teen specific class they walk in a little more comfortable and confident. Of course they always walk out a bit more relaxed than when they came it.  I see it, and can feel it every class I teach.

I know from working with you that teaching teens is very near and dear to your heart. Why? I love introducing them to the concepts that come along with a yoga practice, often times it is the first time they have been introduced to these wonderful life tools, and I love being able to help them practice and learn them. I also love watching them just relax and be quiet for an hour, that is a rarity in most teen's lives these days.

Do you know a teen that could benefit from the stretching, strengthening, calming and focusing effects of a yoga practice? Send them here for more information on Teen Yoga!