Daniel Thall, left (in red T-shirt), Joe Malone and Ryan Stertz take part in a yoga class taught by Kate Donovan at Tucson High Magnet School.

Related articles:

High school students deserve more challenges

Other articles by Jennifer Duffy:

How did Star's matchmaking go? Fit in Tucson by Jennifer Duffy: Try orienteering and achieve pure fitness Blue Willow has lots of meatless, tasty meals Fit in Tucson by Jennifer Duffy: Their sport is their primary relationship Let's go buy a kite Fit in Tucson by Jennifer Duffy : The time is prime Beauty is his beatShe's looking for pal He seeks live wire Minidress hot again

Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Sales and Marketing
Everready Glass
Sales Reps

In Kate Donovan's Ashtanga yoga class at Tucson High Magnet School, the kids shuffle into the dimly lit room, take off their shoes and settle onto a mat.

Donovan plays calming music, and the teenagers begin stretching or relaxing in a child's pose, preparing their bodies for class.

Even though some are still wearing jeans, they're up in inversions and tough positions before the teacher even instructs them.

Welcome to a successful P.E. class. It might not be traditional, but it's engaging students and challenging them to push their limits.

Donovan's class, the only one of its kind in the district, is teaching the essence of what's missing in modern teens' lives: a mind-body connection, peace and enthusiasm for exercise.

It's not news that kids and teens are fatter and less active than ever these days.

Sixteen percent of young people ages 6-19 are overweight, according to a 2002 National Center for Health Statistics study.

That number seems dwarfed by the two-thirds of American adults who are overweight or obese, but if nothing changes, the kids will catch up.

Experts, parents, teachers and legislators are worried about this. They go round and round about more P.E. classes, nutrition education and how to motivate kids to toss out the chips and get off the couch.

Donovan has found a way with yoga and yoga philosophy.

For four years at Tucson High she's been teaching body confidence and the joy and peace that come from exercise.

She engages the students by talking throughout the class, adjusting their poses and reminding them that their breath will help them relax into their poses and that the real struggle is just as much mental as it is physical.

"When a pose is hard, resist fidgeting because you're uncomfortable. Don't get up for a drink of water. Breathe through the pose and find comfort. That's where the real yoga is," Donovan told her class during a recent workout.

That lesson translates to outside the yoga studio, too.

"Some of them are struggling with big issues. Teens go through a lot these days. This is a training ground for learning to be at peace inside," she said.

Her class is a sanctuary for harried high school students.

Ryan Stertz, James Bourland and Veronica Figueroa rave about how good their bodies feel after yoga class.

They're quick to explain the euphoric high they feel after a challenging session, and say they don't mind dressing out or sweating.

"Things are clearer after class," said 17-year-old Figueroa, who believes yoga has helped her make decisions and be true to herself.

It's given her more body awareness, and she's confident in her own skin, she said.

"Before I would focus on the bad things about my body. Now I'm proud that I've become stronger and more flexible. I feel more fit."

She has confidence, peace of mind and an eagerness to move her body and feel good in it.

To a non-yogi, it might seem like this stretching and talking about breathing and inner peace isn't physical education — but rest assured, it is.

This class made me sweat, and I felt sore for two days.

In addition, I glowed for several hours after the class and felt calm and rested, even though I was swamped and on deadline at work.

"The way you exist in your body comes from your mind first," Donovan says.

This is the best lesson in any physical education. There's not a minimum Arizona state standard for physical education to graduate, but this lesson is crucial for all students and all of us seeking healthy lifestyles. If we can find the peace of mind and enthusiasm that comes from yoga and good exercise, we're on our way to being healthier people.

Donovan's students are learning it, and I hope others will, too.