The Seahawks were ahead of their time

Gentle Yoga class at Richmond Beach Yoga

By Pam Brown, Instructor

Richmond Beach Yoga

Yoga is something many people have appreciated for centuries. Its arrival in the USA and popularity has grown steadily over the decades. The Seahawks value yoga so highly that they made it a mandatory part of their training regimen since 2013. But, solid scientific studies and proof have been scarce.

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, June 20, 2017 supports yoga’s value and benefit as a remedy for chronic low back pain. This study followed 320 patients with chronic low back pain. A pain almost every American adult experiences in their lifetime.

A fundamental 12 week Yoga program improved the participant’s pain equal to the improvements patients gained from physical therapy. The positive results lasted at least one year. The full study can be found here

“We are very excited about this study. This month, we had students coming to the studio telling us about this study. The students were happy to hear medical science supports their beliefs of the great benefits of yoga on many levels,” explains Rob Kovacevic, owner of Richmond Beach Yoga Studio. 

Movement, breathing and meditation were all included in the study. Benefits to participants were found for all elements. The Seahawks offer meditation as an option along with movement and breathing exercises to their players. Many players, including Quarterback Russell Wilson have extolled yoga’s benefits and virtues for years.

Yoga studios are often trying to keep up with the latest trends, such as power yoga, hot yoga and even goat yoga. It turns out, according to science, maybe a simple combo of yoga movement, yoga breathing and mindfulness is the answer.

“We offer a variety of yoga classes incorporating many aspects of the study. Breathing, short meditation, and deliberate movement all to encourage and support mindfulness. 

"Our gentle classes are designed to keep people moving and meet students’ needs at various levels. Throughout the class, modifications are offered to accommodate each student’s abilities. Yoga isn’t just for the stretchy people anymore. We see everyone benefit from yoga. 

"I just can’t say enough good things about how it helps older people move better, middle-aged people reduce stress and younger people be strong and balanced. There is something for everyone,” explains Kristen Stevens, gentle yoga instructor at Richmond Beach Yoga Studio.

Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seahawks, adopted yoga for his team training four years before this study came out. The Seahawks players have spoken widely of their appreciation of yoga starting in 2013. Of course we fans know, they won the Superbowl in 2014. A coincidence? Maybe not.