Many people nowadays practice yoga and experience its beneficial effect on body and mind. What is less known is that yoga is also very good for children. Especially in these times, when even children often have a busy agenda, yoga provides a moment of peace. Let your thoughts still for a moment, pay full attention to your body and feel that you are breathing. More and more children are discovering the benefits and experiencing the fun of children’s yoga.
What is children’s yoga?
Yoga comes from India and literally means connection. By doing yoga you connect your body and your mind. Through physical exercises, conscious breathing and relaxation. But yoga is more than just that. Yoga also means learning to listen to your inner voice and learning to treat yourself with love. The basis of children’s yoga lies in hatha yoga. Hatha yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years and consists of postures, breathing exercises, meditation and self-knowledge. The main purpose of yoga is to balance the mind.
Yoga through play
For children, the yoga exercises are offered in a playful way. In line with the child’s perception of the world. We often work from a theme, for example animals, dreams or the beach. Children’s yoga classes are usually very varied. The yoga postures alternate with massage exercises, games, breathing exercises, singing, dancing, drawing, partner exercises and relaxation. What is important about children’s yoga is that it is not about performance but about fun and relaxation. Every child can participate at their own level.
Benefits of children’s yoga
- a more flexible and stronger body
- more relaxation
- more confidence
- better concentration
- good for your fitness
- calmer breathing
- more balanced
Age groups
Children’s yoga usually focuses on children aged 6 to 12 years. But yoga is for children of all ages. There is toddler/preschool yoga, teenage yoga, adolescent yoga and youth yoga. Although the basic principles of yoga are the same for all ages, the lessons are of course tailored to the age phase and the child’s experience.
In addition, yoga is also offered at a growing number of schools. A positive trend, because yoga in primary school provides peace and better learning performance. Several studies have shown this. There are also videos on YouTube that give an impression of a yoga class at school.