Adults often use yoga training to increase and maintain flexibility, clear the mind, and find balance in a busy world. Yoga also can be beneficial for children, including small infants. Children also feel the pressure from living in a fast-paced world. Yoga gives kids the chance to take a break from their hectic schedules. Whether at home, school or play, children can benefit from yoga training on emotional, mental and physical levels.
Emotional Benefits
Yoga training gives kids the opportunity to participate in a noncompetitive environment. It's also a time for relaxing and unwinding--yoga helps children learn stress management and relaxation techniques. The training will help them become more aware of their bodies, and gain self-confidence and personal fulfillment as they learn different poses. Yoga training also can help kids become more aware of their personal emotions.
Mental Benefits
While every child can benefit mentally from yoga, it may be especially helpful for children with learning disabilities. Students with learning and behavioral challenges benefited from yoga practice, according to a 2005 study conducted by the School Psychology Review. Scores in on-task time and attention span improved in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity issues. In general, children are able to focus better and be more productive at home and in school when they take advantage of exercise opportunities.
Physical Benefits
Use yoga training to engage children in physical activity. Kids should get at least an hour of activity most days of the week, according to KidsHealth.org. Yoga training increases flexibility, strength and coordination. Children--even small infants--will see an increase in motor control and coordination, as well as balance and overall core strength. About 9 million children are obese, and more than a third do not engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yoga and Play
For children, physical activity should focus on active play. Yoga is an opportunity for children to exercise while playing. Many of the poses are derived from animals and nature allowing children to act like birds, lions, bugs and trees. Yoga is considered a mind body experience so allow children to use creativity and play as yoga is practiced.
Training Guidelines
Yoga training isn't limited to a studio or gym. Take children outside and become apart of nature as you practice poses. Children also can benefit from yoga in the classroom during their school studies. Taking a 15- to 20-minute yoga break before or after lunch can recharge students' energy levels. It also can help children focus more on school studies. Add music to your yoga training for children. Practice outside so children can listen to the sounds of nature.
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