Picture this. Mountains tumbling into head stands. Head stands morphing into speeding cycles. Bridges collapsing into roaring lions. Sounds like a CGI movie? Actually they’re nothing but scenes from a normal household where a child plays the lead role. Heavy on drama, kids are also born acrobats. Yoga postures for instance, are natural poses for a child. In fact, simple yoga asanas seem to be embedded in the human body.
If you observe an infant, you will see a good deal of toddler yoga. A sleeping baby inadvertently strikes the ‘Chinmudra’ where the thumb and index finger touch. A six month old baby is frequently found on its back in Bhujangasana (cobra posture). While Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward dog pose) is a perennial favourite.
Benefits of Yoga for Kids-Why have kids’ yoga classes?
Unfortunately, it’s not easy being a kid these days.
Children spend most of their time shunting between homework and school related extra-curricular activities. There’s little time for free play. They face over stimulation; distractions; and academic and peer pressure too early in life. Plus they’re plagued by their own insecurities and fears. Yoga can help children deal with this pressure-cooker environment. And infuse energy and confidence into their personalities.
- Yoga develops awareness of body, mind and breath.
- Helps arrest a child’s wandering mind. Builds attention span and concentration power.
- Augments imagination and creativity.
- Relieves mental and physical fatigue. Boosts energy levels and provides deep relaxation too.
- Helps overcome negative emotions like jealousy, fear and anger.
- Fosters a positive self image and increases confidence.
- Increases breathing and lung capacity.
- Exercises, strengthens and lengthens different muscles in the body.
- Encourages healthy food habits. A blessing for parents who have to deal with picky eaters and junk food addiction
- Reduces obsession with TV and other electronic devices
Yoga Poses for Kids
School going kids will benefit enormously from the supportive, non-competitive environment of a yoga class. And if they wish to continue yoga practice at home, the following asanas will prove helpful.
Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
- Virabhadrasana Tones the arms and leg muscles.
- Helps improve balance in the body.
- Increases stamina.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Vrikshasana Tones the arms and legs, Children are able to enjoy physical activities.
- Helps strengthen the back, thereby increasing height.
- Increases concentration power and focus, certainly a great help with homework.
- Enhances mind-body balance.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Teaching Surya Namaskar yoga sequence helps the kids in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Know why surya namaskar is must for kids.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Dhanurasana Strengthens the arm and leg muscles.
- Makes the back strong and flexible.
- Helps relieve stress and fatigue.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand pose)
- Sarvangasana Nourishes the brain by increasing blood flow to it.
- Strengthens the arms and legs.
- Keeps the spine flexible, ensuring participation in a wide range of physical activities.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
- Shavasana Rejuvenates the body. Releases stress and fatigue.
- Calms the mind, improving concentration.
- Stimulates blood circulation, energizing the body.
“Every child has creativity in them and this finds an expression when they practice yoga and meditation.” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga classes for children
The Art of Living conducts programs for children that tap their intelligence while retaining their innocence.
1. Online Utkarsha Yoga
Age group: 8+ to 13 years
This All-Round Training in Excellence (Utkarsha Yoga program is an interactive, adventurous and fun-filled workshop for children.
- Kids are taught meditation and breathing exercises that help them deal with fluctuating emotions.
- Focus, concentration and confidence is enhanced.
- Overall health improves.
- Utkarsha Yoga inculcates strong values in children.
- Helps parents raise a happy child.
Utkarsha Yoga program near you
2. Online Medha Yoga Level 1
Age group: 13+ to17 years
The Youth Empowerment Seminar (Medha Yoga) is meant for adolescents.
- It guides adolescents through group discussions and team games to make informed choices.
- The Medha Yoga Course instils confidence and a problem solving attitude.
Medha Yoga program near you
3. Intuition Process
Age group: 5 to18 years
- The Art of Living Prajñā Yoga or Intuition Process is available to children in 2 groups. Group 1 is for 5 to 8 year olds and Group 2 for 8 to 18 year olds.
- Children life skills through brain activation games, meditation and relaxation techniques.
The Intuition Process:
- Improves intuition.
- Enhances sensory abilities.
- Improves awareness and foresight.
- Increases confidence.
- Increases intelligence.
- Develops a photographic memory.
- Removes fear of the unknown.
Find upcoming Intuition Process programs near you!
Tips for introducing yoga classes for children
- Ensure kids’ yoga classes don’t clash with sleep/play times. Kids might just choose to skip the classes!
- Demonstrate asanas rather than explain them. Kids follow better with their eyes than ears.
- Challenge children. They normally like to outdo themselves. For example, you can ask them to bend lower than they did the previous day.
- Avoid comparing kids to their more-flexible friends. “Be better than you were yesterday.” is more positive than “Be better than your friend.”
The art of raising children is interesting and challenging. Do your bit by introducing yoga for your children. Most children think yoga asanas are fun, anyway. The twists and bends challenge them. You never know. They might just come up with their own poses!
