First, celebrities were toting yoga mats. Then it was your health-conscious neighbor. Now your child? Yoga centers, health clubs, and community education programs now offer special yoga classes for kids and families.
While it may be hard to imagine your active child meditating or holding poses, according to instructor Jessica Rosenberg, yoga for kids isn't a far stretch. "Kids are really naturals at yoga because they're so flexible," she says. Maren Dahlke, a certified YogaKids facilitator at the St. Paul Yoga Center, points out one of the largest benefits of yoga for children. "It's a foundation for wellness and fitness," Dahlke says. Besides strengthening muscles and developing flexibility, yoga increases concentration, builds self-esteem, relieves stress, improves posture, and aids digestion-just like for adults. And, unlike other kids activities, it's not competitive.
Family yoga programs are also a good way to spend time together. Rosenberg is the creator of Yoga Adventure, an interactive family game played on a mural that she uses at yogastudio, the Yoga Center of Minneapolis, and at library programs in Hennepin County. The game can also be purchased at YogaGame.com and played at home.
Age-appropriate
Yoga for kids isn't the holding-poses-until-you're-numb exercise you may be familiar with. Many programs incorporate playacting and musical instruments. Mary Anderson, director and owner of yogastudio in Plymouth, stresses that yoga classes for children should be age-appropriate. Instructors aim to keep preschoolers' attentions by focusing on the many animal movements in yoga and keeping poses brief. As children grow older, they hold poses longer and incorporate more technical aspects of yoga. Dahlke says, "We encourage kids to listen to their bodies-they're never forced into poses."
Getting started
Before your child unrolls the yoga mat, you want to feel comfortable with the instructor, facilities, and class activities. You can find certified YogaKids instructors at YogaGame.com Then sit in on a class and ask these questions, suggested by the U.S. Yoga Association:
– What is the instructor's yoga training and his/her main career?
– Does he/she provide the focus needed with the credentials and experience that make you comfortable?
– What is his/her experience teaching children and adults?
– Where has he/she taught children and adults, and for how long?
– Does he/she connect with your child during your interview?
– What will he/she be teaching the children?
– How did he/she come by the program?
Rosenberg also reminds parents that their children should be enjoying themselves. "I always tell parents, 'Just enjoy being in the moment,'" she says. "Yoga is all about having fun."
What you’ll need
– Wear comfortable clothing that isn't too loose and won't get in your way.
– Some facilities require that you bring your own mat, while others provide them. Check with your facility.
– Yoga is done barefoot-no special footwear needed!
