A qualitative study exploring middle-aged women's experiences with yoga.

The purpose of this study was to explore how yoga impacts body-related thoughts, feelings, perceptions and attitudes, well-being, and self-care behaviors in a sample of middle-aged women who regularly engage in yoga in their communities. The sample included 22 women; 10 self-identified as beginners or novices and 12 self-identified as experienced in yoga. Interpretive phenomenological analysis guided the data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Exploring changes in mindfulness and body appreciation during yoga participation.

Evidence supports the positive role that yoga participation can play in predicting positive body image experiences. However, less is known about the mechanisms that might explain this relationship. The purpose of this study was to test for change in state and trait mindfulness and body appreciation as well as the relationship between change in trait mindfulness and change in body appreciation across 16 weeks of yoga participation.

The roles of self-compassion, body surveillance, and body appreciation in predicting intrinsic motivation for physical activity: Cross-sectional associations, and prospective changes within a yoga context.

Engaging in physical activity for the immediate internal experiences it brings (e.g., pleasure, satisfaction) is critical for long-term exercise adherence.

Mindfulness and Affective Responses to Treadmill Walking in Individuals with Low Intrinsic Motivation to Exercise.

An aversion to the sensations of physical exertion can deter engagement in physical activity. This is due in part to an associative focus in which individuals are attending to uncomfortable interoceptive cues. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of mindfulness on affective valence, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment during treadmill walking.