The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Does Generation Z stand for Zen?
Some born between 1995 and today are letting go of mobile devices and pursuing yoga
Some people born after 1995 are letting go of their electronic mobile devices and pursuing yoga instead.
Some believe that Generation Z and younger kids are fulfilled with modern technology.
However, according to some local instructors, more of these individuals —born between 1995 and today — are letting go of their mobile devices and pursuing a more healthy method of fulfillment: yoga.
A certified yoga and Thai massage therapist at the Samana Holistic Center in Pottstown, April Showman was just 18 years old when she developed a passion for the practice. She said she was glad to have found something that allowed her to focus on herself without being selfish.
Showman teaches a yoga class for children ages 6 and 12. To her, having younger kids doing yoga is more than just feeling good.
“Yoga is an awesome opportunity for them to be able to be with themselves and embrace whatever they want to do,” Showman said. “They can take the time to breathe, do fun poses and interact with other people that are just there in the present moment.”
Showman has taught her class the Lion’s Breath, a facial exercise that allows the kids to get their tension and anger out of their system.
“It gets (the kids) out from being distracted with something that can get them focused,” she said.
Looking for guidance
In today’s society, Generation Z and younger kids deal with frequent pressures of achieving high expectations and acceptance whether in school, at home or at work, and looking for guidance from others.
Yoga is more than just a downward dog exercise. It is a way to destress yourself.
“This time in their life is very important, because of making major life decisions about continuing education, careers, money, love, etc.,” said Elaine Forry, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Colonial Fitness Center in Spring Township. “Yoga comes in handy because it allows for a mental detox. It opens up the mind and heart to receive more energy and provide perspective during difficult times.”
Being present in the moment is a vital component that Showman, Forry and their fellow yoga instructors stress to their students. It is a way for them to accept themselves, inside and out.
Forry said this way her participants are “free from the distraction of their devices. This gives them the freedom to spend time with themselves.”
Anita Steele, a yoga instructor at the Massage and Yoga Center, 3815 Perkiomen Ave., said younger people get validation from social media.
“My whole idea is that validation comes from the inside, from your heart,” she said. “You’re never going to depend on people. With yoga, you’ll never feel that lack of confidence.”
In her Mindful Kids Yoga class, Steele helps to build confidence in her students by teaching them breathing techniques, allowing them to do cardiovascular exercises, strengthening their muscles, doing poses and using their imagination.
Next, she helps them with meditation where they close their eyes and relax.
“I remind them to think of someone they are grateful for,” she said.
She also allows her students to get creative by making crafts, such as origami.
Through her grief
When a drunk driver killed her brother, Ethan, in 2010, Rachel Stine, a certified instructor at BLDG. 7 Yoga in Wyomissing, turned to yoga to get through her grief.
“It was therapeutic,” she said.
Stine teaches various age groups from babies to teenagers. The baby and toddler students learn yoga through doing small movements and stretches, in addition to playing with stuffed animals.
“They love it,” she said. “They enjoy it. They can’t wait for more. I can see the beautiful flow of growth from babies, toddlers and up. They can see what they can do.”
As it is becoming more common among the Generation Z population, yoga has been introduced in gym classes at elementary, middle and high schools.
“They are understanding the physical benefits first, but ultimately realizing all other benefits,” said Forry.
Showman, who taught a yoga class at Twin Valley High School five years ago, said yoga in gym class is essential because students learn about concentration, setting boundaries and self-acceptance.
“Students feel complete acceptance when doing yoga,” she said.
Steele has taught yoga to students in the Berks County Intermediate Unit, Antietam School District in Mount Penn and Exeter School District in Exeter Township.
“Kids are under a lot of stress,” she said. “Breathing soothes the stress.”
However, there are some skeptics who may believe that yoga is just a religious or cult practice.
“People think if you do yoga, you’re Buddhist,” said Stine. “That’s biggest misconception, and then they choose not to do it.”
Steele said that some people feel fearful that yoga interferes with their religion.
“We don’t practice so much of that in-depth,” she said. “We don’t use old words from yoga. We use modern words such as downward dog and superhero. Once people try it, they absolutely love it. Once they try it, they’re much calmer.”
These local yoga instructors agree that the benefits are huge physically, mentally and emotionally for all genders, all ages of every shape and size, including those with special needs.
“They leave practice feeling great about themselves, with a sense of accomplishment,” Forry said.
Contact Rosalba Ugliuzza: specialsections@readingeagle.com.