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Taking Action in Your 20s: The Younger Yoga Generation

Therese M. Pope | April 25, 2008

A Glimpse into the Sedentary Future - Health Risks for Women

Both traditional and naturopathic medicine touts the importance of exercise. The number one “silent” killer amongst women is heart disease. The American Heart Association reported that in 2004 females represented 52.8% percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other leading causes of death for women include cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the American Cancer Society’s “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2007-2008,” in 2004 approximately 2.4 million women living in the U.S. had a history of breast cancer. The American Obesity Association states that one-third of women in the United States are considered obese.

Not only do women suffer from physical health risks but they suffer from mental health risks as well. Seven million women in the United States are clinically depressed and one in five women will develop clinical depression over the course of her life.

Women in their 20s are establishing their careers and juggling school and work demands. For young working moms they are combating high stress levels both at work and home. These young women are growing more aware of their risks as they see the older female generation battle serious health issues.

Disease and illness can be diverted if physical exercise is added to young women’s lives now. These young women are turning to yoga as a preventative practice to curb these potential health problems. They are achieving optimum health benefits in all aspects of their lives—physically, mentally and spiritually.

Personal Insight – Connecting to the Yoga Experience

Misty Pacheco, a 28 year-old hula dancer and avid runner, became addicted to yoga in the 90s and has been a dedicated yoga student for the past 10 years.

“Yoga is an important part of my workout regime. It allows me to strengthen my muscles and joints and to become flexible. At the same time, it relaxes me and allows me to explore and challenge my entire being. After I finish a yoga session, I feel light, invigorated and at peace.”

Pacheco has learned a great deal about her body as a result of practicing yoga. She enjoys the Pigeon Pose because it helps fully open and stretch her hips.

“I run a lot and running puts a lot of stress on my joints. Yoga has really helped me to recover from injuries and prevent new ones. I’m a hula dancer and I also practice Pilates. The breathing I learned from yoga gives me the endurance and focus to get through these exercises.”

Pacheco also commented that physically her body is leaner. Her muscles look toned without being bulky. Breath work and meditation also allows her to connect on a deeper level.

“When I really concentrate and focus and get into a deep meditative state, I feel completely relaxed and I connect to my inner being. It’s an experience that is quite difficult to put into words. I just feel more connected to myself and aware of my entire body. I can tell the difference if I have a session and am distracted and cannot fully go into a deep meditation. I come out knowing I wasn’t able to ‘go there’ today,” reflected Pacheco.

27 year-old Erin Archer, who has taken yoga on and off for the past few years, noted that after taking a yoga class she immediately feels refreshed.

“If I practiced yoga consistently it probably would have more of an effect on me,” she commented.

Archer prefers to take yoga classes as she feels that she pushes herself further during a class.

“I’m there for a physical experience. The spiritual side is more difficult for me to get into during class. I really like the poses where I get to lie down and relax.”

Bridgette, a 20 year-old mom, has practiced yoga since she was 14 years old. Yoga was suggested by her therapist because she suffered severe anxiety and panic attacks in high school. She practices yoga for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

“Yoga has transformed my overall mental health as well as attitude. I rarely, if ever, have any panic attacks and when I feel one coming on I can take action to divert it. Physically, I suffer from underdeveloped lungs and the breathing exercises have strengthened my lung capacity.”

She also suffered from a substantial weight gain after a rough pregnancy and she turned to yoga (and jogging) as part of her weight loss/exercise plan.

“A year and a half after the birth of my son I was 225 pounds and decided to take action against my weight. Females tend to collect more weight than men and yoga is fantastic for curbing the number one reason for weight gain in women—STRESS!” she commented.

She also believes in the spiritual elements of yoga and feels beginning yoga students should be open and ready to embrace all the wonders of yoga.

“Yoga has connected me with the universe in a way I never thought plausible. I fully embrace the spiritual aspects and I think by putting up a block by saying ‘I don’t want to offend my current creed by letting myself fully enjoy my practice’ you don’t get the full yoga experience.”

She practices both Hatha and Ashtanga yoga. Her favorite poses are One Legged Royal Pigeon Pose and twist poses. She likes both the cleansing and stretching aspects of these poses and it makes her feel limber.

Bridgette sums up the viewpoint shared by most young women who are embarking on a healthy yoga journey.

“Yoga tends to spill over into every aspect of your life and I couldn’t be happier.”

Sources: www.mayoclinic.com; www.americanheart.org; www.cancer.org;
www.obesity.org