Journal of Education & Social Policy

Health and Wellness Benefits of Yoga in the Schools Programs for Adolescents
Bernice Sanchez, PhD; Linda Villarreal, MEd

Abstract
Background: The present study provides an examination of the physiological and psychological effects of mindfulness yoga classes on Hispanic adolescents. Methods: Qualitative data were collected for this an online study (due to COVID-19) of a yoga in the schools program implemented within a high school in south Texas. Participant essay responses (n=46) were coded and reported based on student post responses focused on physical fitness and mental and emotional health wellness aspects. Intercoder reliability was applied for consistency. Results: The findings suggest that Hispanic high school adolescents experienced increased benefits of health and wellness activity through repeated engagement (24 classes) in mindfulness yoga in the school practices. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that physical education educators should consider incorporating mindfulness yoga practices as an option into their school curricula as a means of encouraging positive health and wellness behaviors in supporting adolescents.

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