Exploring the Effectiveness of Yoga Education in Enhancing Physical Fitness and Reducing Stress among B.Ed. Trainees: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Yoga education is increasingly recognized as a holistic approach to promoting physical fitness, physiological regulation and psychological well-being. The present qualitative study explores the effectiveness of yoga education in enhancing physical fitness and reducing stress among B.Ed. trainees, with particular emphasis on biological and psycho-physiological domains. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to examine the perceived impact of yoga education on overall health, biological functioning and stress management among trainee teachers. Data were collected through purposive sampling using structured, self-developed and validated open-ended interview schedules. A total of 22 teacher educators and 117 B.Ed. trainees participated in this study. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and key dimensions related to health and well-being. Findings reveal that yoga education positively influences multiple aspects of physical fitness, including flexibility, muscular strength, posture, respiratory efficiency, endurance and bodily awareness. Participants also reported improvements in energy levels, reduced physical discomfort and the adoption of healthier lifestyle behaviours. From a psycho-physiological perspective, yoga education contributed significantly to stress reduction, emotional regulation, improved concentration and enhanced mind-body balance. Review of related literature further supports these findings, indicating that yoga activates relaxation responses, regulates autonomic functioning and reduces stress-related physiological markers. The study concludes that yoga education serves as an effective, low-cost and sustainable intervention for promoting holistic health and stress management among B.Ed. trainees. Integrating yoga education into teacher education programmes may enhance trainee well-being, resilience and professional preparedness, thereby contributing positively to the quality of teacher training and the broader educational environment.