Children gain enormous benefits from yoga and because of this it is quickly growing in popularity as both an alternative and a complement to traditional sports. Yoga is proving to be beneficial for both competitive and non-competitive children and youth as it encourages self-esteem and body awareness with a physical activity that's noncompetitive. Fostering cooperation and compassion instead of opposition. It can help those who play sports and those who don't. With childhood obesity on the rise, it can assist children and youth who aren't as inclined to play sports. Physically yoga develops strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and enhances the musculature of the body by strengthening and stretching opposing muscles Mentally, breathing exercises improve the ability to concentrate, focus and fosters a sense of calmness and relaxation. Over all Yoga is ideal for developing bodies both physically and mentally.
WHAT CAN YOGA OFFER MY CHILD?
The Ability to Control Stress: Yoga can help your child learn how to relax. Through yoga, your child learns how to breathe correctly, taking longer, slower breaths, and relaxing their body through breath.
A Healthier Body: Yoga is a powerful technique for children and youth to begin moving their bodies in ways that feel good, as well as learning to take care of and respect their bodies. Yoga can also help your child become stronger, gain endurance and flexibility. If your child is involved in other sport, a regular yoga practice is a great cross training activity and can help reduce the risk of injuries. Yoga also promotes good posture, as well as improved stability and balance.
Increased Self-Esteem:Yoga is a non-competitive activity; there's no winning or losing. Yet it does offer your child the ability to master challenging poses. Your child can feel good about their increasing ability without having to worry about how they compare to everyone else. This experience of success can help your child feel more confident in their ability to be successful in other activities.
Greater Concentration :Yoga teaches patience and focus on what they are doing in the moment and let go of distractions and worries. The breathing and inward focus that is a main component of any yoga practice can help your child learn to focus their mind more effectively.
By practising Yoga, children laugh, make friends, have fun and develop increased self awareness. They become physically stronger and more flexible. Yoga provides the opportunity to learn positive social skills and develop increased self-esteem. Practising yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self. Yoga brings that marvellous inner light that all children have to the surface.
Child and Youth Yoga Classes Offered by The STEWdio
705-618-3508
info@susanstewartsmith.com
www.wix.com/susanstewartsmith/The-STEWdio
Susan Stewart Smith
Director of The STEWdio
Co-founder of Sudbury Yoga House
Certified Child Youth Adult Yoga instructor
Child and Youth Fitness and Nutrition
Early Childhood Education Specialist
http://www.onesudbury.ca/2010/01/07/yoga-for-children-and-youth-arrives-in-sudbury/
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