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The recent tragic death of Caden Tellier, a 16-year-old high school quarterback in Alabama, has reignited the conversation surrounding the safety of youth football. Caden’s fatal brain injury during a game is not an isolated incident; it is part of a concerning trend that has seen multiple high school football players lose their lives due to medical emergencies related to the sport. This has led experts to question whether football is truly safe—or even morally tenable—for young athletes.

The Growing Concerns Football remains America’s "favorite" sport, but its dangers, particularly for young players, cannot be ignored. One study found that 40% of contact sport athletes who died under the age of 30 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder believed to be caused by repeated head injuries. Another study found that every 2.6 years of football participation doubles the chances of CTE, and more researchers are worried about kids starting such a dangerous sport at a young age.

Enacting change could take a real Hail Mary. As the debate rages on, there is an urgent need to explore safer ways to support youth athletes, both physically and mentally.

The Role of Yoga in Youth Athletics Yoga offers a unique and holistic approach to athletic training that could be a vital complement to traditional sports like football. For youth athletes, yoga provides numerous benefits that go beyond physical conditioning:

1. Injury Prevention: Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and strength, which can help reduce the risk of injuries on the field. By improving overall body awareness, athletes are better equipped to avoid harmful movements that could lead to serious injuries.

2. Mental Resilience: The practice of mindfulness and meditation in yoga can help young athletes manage stress and anxiety, which are often exacerbated by the high-pressure environment of competitive sports. Developing a strong mental game is just as important as physical prowess.

3. Recovery and Healing: Yoga promotes recovery by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation. It can be particularly beneficial for athletes recovering from injuries, offering gentle stretches and poses that aid in the healing process.

4. Mind-Body Connection: One of the most profound benefits of yoga is the development of a strong mind-body connection. This awareness helps athletes tune into their bodies’ signals, recognizing when they are pushing too hard or when they need to rest, potentially preventing overuse injuries.

Incorporating Yoga into Athletic Programs Given the risks associated with contact sports like football, it’s time for coaches, parents, and athletes to consider incorporating yoga into training routines. Schools and sports programs should explore adding yoga sessions to their regular practice schedules, not only to enhance performance but also to prioritize the safety and well-being of young athletes.

Caden Tellier’s untimely death is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in contact sports. As we mourn his loss and reflect on the safety of youth football, it’s crucial to explore alternative approaches that promote both physical and mental health. Yoga, with its emphasis on balance, mindfulness, and injury prevention, could be a key component in protecting our young athletes as they pursue their passion for sports.

The conversation around youth football safety is far from over, but as we navigate this complex issue, integrating practices like yoga could be a positive step toward ensuring the health and longevity of our athletes.

Coaches need training because every youth athlete can benefit from yoga in sports. We provide it. Get your team started for safer futures. It's free!

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As the crisp air and golden hues of autumn approach, the Fall Equinox presents a perfect opportunity to introduce children to the beauty of balance—both in nature and within themselves. The Equinox, when day and night are equal, symbolizes harmony, a theme that aligns seamlessly with the principles of yoga.

Why the Fall Equinox? The Fall Equinox on September 22, marks the official start of autumn, a time when the earth’s energies shift. It’s a moment of reflection, a chance to pause and appreciate the balance between light and dark. For children, this can be a meaningful way to connect with nature and understand the changing seasons.

Incorporating Balance in Kids Yoga Yoga for children during the Fall Equinox can be centered around poses and activities that emphasize balance and mindfulness. Here are a few ideas:

1. Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Encourage kids to stand tall like a tree, grounding themselves while they sway gently, just like the trees in the autumn breeze. This pose helps improve focus and stability.

2. Sun Salutations: As the days begin to shorten, Sun Salutations can be a fun way to honor the light and the warmth of the sun, even as it starts to retreat.

3. Breathing Exercises: Teach kids deep breathing exercises, connecting their breath to the rhythms of nature. Imagine they are inhaling the fresh, cool air of fall and exhaling any worries or stress like letting the leaves fall from the trees.

4. Gratitude Circle: After the yoga session, gather the children in a circle to share something they are letting go of or grateful for tying in the theme of harvest and abundance that the fall season represents.

The Benefits of Seasonal Yoga for Kids Practicing yoga in alignment with the seasons helps children stay connected to the natural world. It fosters a sense of awareness, grounding them in the present moment while also teaching them about the cyclical nature of life.

As you and your little ones move through this special time of year, let the Fall Equinox be a gentle reminder of the importance of balance—in nature, in yoga, and in life. You can experience this together in our special family yoga event.

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It’s my birthday this week! What do I want? Mine and my family’s health and happiness, of course. What else? I wish for parents, teachers and coaches to become the best versions of themselves so they can lead our kids modeling the skills that we all need to succeed.

In my 20 years of working with children and teens, I’ve learned a few things that can help any parent, teacher and coach be their best. And surprisingly, I’ve learned them not from “the experts” but from making the leap from my own experiences on my yoga mat to my everyday life.

1. Listen. I mean it. Stop it with your coaching and teaching and parenting, and listen to your kids…with your FULL attention. That’s a tall order already, I know. If you want to connect and have any influence with your child, you must listen to them. The way I learned to listen to body on my yoga mat is in silence. That’s when the body speaks.

2. Learn. When you listen, you will learn what matters to them. They will confide in you and they will consider your wishes when they make decisions — even when you are not there to hover (oops, I mean, help). When you know what matters to them, you stay significant to them. I learned what matters most to me when I’m quiet in savanna at the end of yoga.

3. Lead. If you are successful in your listening and learning, you will be an effective leader. Your child learns from you…what you model. Model well. Be mindful of your behavior. As you know, they do what we DO, not what we say. I learned the limits of my body to help keep me safe. I also learned to expand my mind to “play the edge” so I can grow in my yoga practice.

Be the leader you want them to be. Is that one with ego or one with acceptance, support and love? Remember, the most important thing is you can do for a hurting world is to heal yourself. It’s not selfish - it affects all of us. Starting with our kids. Learn how to be your best in our upcoming in-person Warrior Training. I can’t wait to show you how.

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Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 8. We all know parenting is difficult. In fact, the surgeon general warns parenting can be hazardous to your health. Nearly half of parents are so stressed they struggle to function according to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's new report. Murthy believes there are measures our government (and bosses) could take that would lighten the load.

Who else can help? A new study identifies the one grandparent who has the biggest impact on kids well-being.

The Unique Role of Grandmothers: A recent study highlights that grandmothers, particularly maternal grandmothers, play a pivotal role in a child's life, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Their nurturing presence can have a lasting positive impact on a child's emotional and psychological resilience. This deep bond often becomes a source of strength, helping children navigate difficult times.

Yoga for Kids and Grandparents: Yoga can be an excellent way for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren while fostering emotional and physical well-being. The practice of yoga teaches children mindfulness, stress relief, and body awareness, all of which are essential for healthy development. Engaging in yoga together allows grandparents to share these benefits, creating a calm and supportive environment.

Combining Wisdom and Wellness: Incorporating yoga into the time grandparents spend with their grandchildren can enhance the nurturing influence that grandmothers provide. Through yoga, grandparents can help children develop coping mechanisms, enhance their physical health, and build a stronger emotional bond. This combination of wisdom and wellness offers a holistic approach to nurturing a child’s growth and resilience, particularly in challenging times.

Grandparents, especially grandmothers, are crucial figures in a child’s life, offering love and stability that can help heal emotional wounds. By introducing yoga into their routine, grandparents can further support their grandchildren’s overall well-being, making their impact even more profound and long-lasting.

If you want to have a stronger bond between your parents and your children, get Warrior Training to bridge the generational gap. We’ll show you how starting September 28.