When you think about yoga, you probably envision a room full of adults sitting in a quiet, low-lit room relaxing as they flow through the various poses. But did you know that children can also strike a yoga pose? In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of yoga for kids.
Yoga for kids is a great way for them to have a little downtime, and de-stress, while also getting more physical activity. Yoga gives your child an outlet for all of their energy as well as gives them some other excellent benefits, including how to manage emotions.
We’re going to take a look at 5 benefits of yoga for kids, some easy poses for them to try, as well as how you can get your child enrolled at Primary Beginnings.
5 Reasons Why Yoga is Good for Children
Yoga is more than a way for kids to chill out and avoid excess screen time. It also brings them so many other health benefits that are good for their mental growth and physical development.
Improves Their Attention Span
We all know it can be hard for kids to focus (adults too)! Yoga requires deep concentration and focus if you want to be able to stay in a pose. When children practice yoga, it can help them improve their attention span. One study published by the National Association of School Psychologists found that yoga can help a child focus more effectively.
Helps with Balance
If you’ve ever seen anyone do a yoga pose, or have tried one yourself, you know that it requires balance. Yoga teaches kids that when you focus, you can increase your attention span. This helps kids to balance and hold poses longer. It can also give them the downtime they need.
Builds Strength
Holding yoga poses builds strength. One study of school-aged children who practiced yoga for 12 weeks found that it led to improvements in physical strength. But, when children stopped doing yoga, that strength didn’t continue. So, if your child starts yoga, it’s important for them to continue so they can reap all of the benefits and stay strong.
Boosts Immunity
We all know kids can get plenty of coughs, sniffles, and tummy troubles so anything that can be done to boost their immune system against these pesky germs is welcomed.
Research has suggested that doing yoga can reduce the markers of inflammation and improve immune responses to infections. Just another reason for kids to try yoga!
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
If you thought that adults are the only ones dealing with stress and anxiety, think again. According to the CDC, 9.4% of children ages 3-17 years old were diagnosed with anxiety between 2016 and 2019.
Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in children as well as adults. The deep breathing and meditative qualities of yoga have been proven to be beneficial.
3 Easy Yoga Poses for Children
While some yoga poses can require deeper movements, there are some easy poses that children can try to get the benefits of yoga. These include:
Table Pose
Children start on their hands and knees for this pose with their hands under their shoulders and knees under their hips. They spread their fingers wide apart while keeping their backs flat.
Downward-Facing Dog
Kids can build on their Table Pose by starting in that position and then curling their toes under, straightening their knees, and lifting their hips. Their head stays between their arms until they’re ready to lower down to the mat.
Happy Baby
This is a fun one! Have kids start by laying on their backs. As they bend their knees towards their bellies, they hold onto their feet and allow their bodies to gently rock from side to side. When they’re done, they just release their legs to the floor.
Yoga Classes at Primary Beginnings
At Primary Beginnings, we now offer yoga as part of our program. Children will learn the easy yoga poses we told you about and many more that they can even try at home. Classes are available for children ages 2 and up. They will be offered weekly during regular operating hours and will be included as part of the tuition.
For more information on our programs and the new yoga classes, call us at [phone] or reach out to us online. We have two convenient locations on Spring Forest Road and North Hills Drive.
