Yoga for kids is a modified version of adult yoga that incorporates animal and plant poses and visualization techniques. It has been shown to improve self-confidence, concentration, and decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, and obesity. It is safe for most children, but parents should consult with their pediatrician.
Studies show that yoga for kids is an effective way to build self-confidence and incorporate healthy physical activity into everyday life. The type of yoga practiced by children tends to be a variation of the regular yoga sequences practiced by adults. Most orthodox yoga routines can be adapted for a younger practitioner. They deviate from traditional practice in that sessions are shortened and extreme yoga poses are disregarded. The most common types of yoga for children include Ashtanga and Lyengar, which are derived from Hatha yoga.
These practices can be modified to meet a child’s needs with relative ease. Yoga for children tends to prescribe poses, or asanas, based on animals and plants. Three common yoga poses for children include the snake, tree, and dog asanas. Many times, after the child is in the pose, they can be guided into an age-appropriate visualization of it. The teacher will ask you to imagine what it feels like to be a tree, for example, and then facilitate any creative play that may come from the pose.
Many benefits of practicing yoga for children have been identified. A study published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice showed a decreased risk of depression and anxiety in children who engaged in a yoga practice, as well as a decreased risk of obesity and associated low self-esteem. Additionally, caregivers who work with children with disabilities such as autism have reported that yoga shows promise as a complementary therapy. Yoga is considered safe for most children, but parents should seek approval from their child’s pediatrician. Children with asthma, for example, may need closer follow-up than the average child.
Children’s yoga can be implemented from infancy, and many progressive nurseries offer baby classes that focus on mime and music. During a child’s preschool years, practicing simple yoga can help with concentration by helping the child learn to sit still for a few minutes. Preschool yoga classes often revolve around creative movement, a more relaxed yoga practice than following a sequence of poses. As the child gets older and more experienced, the length of the sessions can be increased, leading to a more satisfying experience. As they grow to be teenagers, more complex asanas are introduced, and the child can naturally begin to transition into an adult yoga practice without the intimidation some adults experience when beginning a yoga program.
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