Infusing Mindfulness Practices in University Pilates and Yoga Courses

Background: Mindful self-compassion practices (MSCP) are a type of contemplative exercise akin to mindful meditation. Yoga and Pilates are two movement-based mindfulness activities that have been linked to an assortment of desired mental and physical outcomes. However, there is a dearth of empirical inquiry for which MSCP has been combined with yoga or Pilates in an effort to promote stress reduction. Even less is known about using MSCP with yoga or Pilates in higher education settings, as most of the previous research using these meditation techniques has been conducted in clinical settings.

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative case study was to determine the perceived benefits from combining MSCP with a yoga and Pilates course at a university.

Methods: Two college courses served as the bounded case for this exploratory, qualitative study. Two instructors and 26 college students volunteered to participate. Data were collected and triangulated through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and written essay assignments. Analysis of the data consisted of constant comparative method, open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Trustworthiness was established through prolonged engagement, data triangulation, peer debriefing, thick and rich description, and an audit trail.

Findings: Four major themes emerged from the data corpus and a metaphor of a tree created: 1) Roots—trial and error: discovering pedagogical implications for delivering MSCP; 2) Trunk—students define self-compassion; 3) Flowers—tools for self-compassion; & 4) Fruits—benefits of MSCP.

Implications: Combined, the emerging themes illustrate that students utilized MSCP, breathing techniques, and yoga/Pilates to relax, reduce stress, and cultivate self-compassionate thoughts and feelings toward self and others. Outcomes from these types of courses and mindfulness practices may prove beneficial in similar educational settings or even K-12 schools.