Yoga has been around for thousands of years! In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the word “Yoga” translates to mean “Union” or “Connection”. Practicing yoga helps to connect mind, body and soul, and improve overall health.
It’s estimated that about 40 million people practice yoga in the U.S. today. If you’re one of them, you’ve likely experienced the many benefits yoga offers; improvement in strength, flexibility and balance, calmer nerves, more mental clarity, deeper mind-body connection and overall better health. With our busy, often chaotic and sometimes stressful lives, it’s no wonder yoga participation is on the rise!
But, it’s not just adults benefiting from yoga! Kids are jumping onto the mat as well. While today’s preschoolers may not have what we would consider to be a demanding daily agenda, they do have a lot to learn about and process. They also tend to vicariously experience the fast-paced chaos of their parents’ schedules and demands. By school age, kids have their own busy days filled with school, socializing, peer pressure, homework, after school sports and activities, and technology. Many parents, knowing their children are under pressure and over-stimulated, seek ways to help their kids reduce stress, improve focus and simply be more fit. Kids yoga classes can offer many benefits for kids minds, bodies and souls!
MIND: Yoga helps relieve stress and tension, strengthen focus, improve thinking, memory and listening skills, and helps balance energy (high or low).
BODY: Yoga builds stronger and more flexible muscles, improve balance and coordination, strengthens the nervous system improves sports performance, and gives kids tools to feel more relaxed!
SOUL: Yoga touches a child’s soul by building confidence, self-esteem and self-love. It teaches team skills, inspires respect for others, and encourages gratitude!
If you’re trying to imagine a room full of children doing a traditional yoga class, let me set your mind at ease! Kids’ yoga classes are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging. Younger kids are immersed in imaginary play—joyfully embodying favorite animals and the environment, playing games, and embarking on exciting adventures. Older kids learn yoga poses and anatomy, practice partner poses, create together, play games, share, and express themselves though art, while exploring concepts like honesty, patience, kindness, mindfulness, gratitude and self-love.
All classes are taught in a non-competitive environment with a clear focus on love, acceptance and validation.
We end every class with relaxation time where we practice allowing our bodies and minds to be still, and close with the Sanskrit word, “Namaste”—a way to honor each other!