“My parents say I need to ‘chill out’ with my training routine. I lift too many weights, they say. Is yoga a good idea for me?” —Chip, 16, Upper East Side
Yoga provides a number of benefi ts for young athletes First, Yoga helps strengthen the body. It also helps improve fl exibility and coordination. This can help an athlete excel at his/her sport and avoid injuries due to tightness.
Second, by increasing self-awareness , athletes are able to tune into their bodies. This mind /body connection helps an athlete know when to push, and when to take a step back. It also helps increase self esteem and confi dence. Third, yoga teaches us to have fun in a non-competitive environment.
Yoga isn’t about being the best or being right. It is about living in and experiencing the moment exactly as it is. Last, practicing yoga can help athletes learn to use their breath to relax and focus during stressful times including academic tests and competitive sports.
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Erica Goss is a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Feeding
Specialist and a Yoga Instructor. Erica loves sharing her experience
and passion for yoga with others and brings her knowledge of using the
breath and mind /body connection when working with children and
teaching adults.
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