Benefits Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Go Go Yoga For Kids

Yoga for Kids is on the Move!

by sara | Jun 3, 2016 | Benefits

human-730204_640 When kids come to their first yoga class, I often ask them what they know or have heard about yoga. There are always a few who immediately sit on their mat cross legged, place their middle fingers and thumbs together, shut their eyes and let out a deep, “ommmmmm.” This is how many kids (and adults!) view yoga. They see it as a serious meditative process that deeply awakens the inner spirit.

I do believe that perception is changing throughout our society, and people are realizing that yoga is so much more. Yes, yoga is mindful and meditative, but it is also active, involved and encompasses not only the mind, but definitely the whole body.

Thank you for stopping by Go Go Yoga Kids! Visit us again and continue learning how easy it is to get children engaged and involved. Yoga teaches lifelong skills that are beneficial to instill in all growing kids! See you again soon!

Don’t Miss These Fab Four Benefits of Yoga for Kids

by sara | May 20, 2016 | Benefits, Mindfulness

Yoga for kids is on the rise! According to a recent study by NBC NEWS, more adults and children are practicing yoga and meditation. That is good news for our future in so many ways. Read about the benefits of yoga for kids.

1. Increases Flexibility and Strength

Picture a toddler and all of the flexibility they have to bend, squat, and move in all sorts of positions that adults suddenly sometimes find themselves unable to do. Children are naturally flexible, but somewhere around ages of 6 or 7, their flexibility begins to diminish. The good news is that practicing yoga will help you maintain flexibility. Yoga also builds strength as muscles are worked in new ways. Whether a pose is done standing, sitting, or lying down each pose has its own benefits and can challenge various muscle groups. Being flexible also allows fewer and less severe injuries. That is good news for kids involved in many activities outside of school.

2. Improves Balance

Similar to flexibility, balance is another skill that decreases as we age. Everything from navigating icy sidewalks in winter to holding a tree pose benefits balance skills. Balance can be improved with practice and many yoga poses and postures incorporate different elements of balance. Your body’s balance naturally improves while practicing yoga without realizing it. As children work to improve their balance in poses, they are filled with self-confidence and can almost feel their bodies getting stronger as they hold these poses.

3. Enhances Concentration and Focus

Kids are part of a rapidly changing world with young minds easily overstimulated with technology and electronics. They are used to getting immediate feedback with their video games, tablets, and phones. This can make it very difficult for children to actually sit, focus, and complete a task in school. Yoga helps children to practice concentration and self-control which then enhances their focus and awareness.

4. Practice Being Present and Mindful

As parents and kids rush from activity to activity, it is difficult to be still and appreciate the moment that we are in. It doesn’t start like this for kids — think of a preschooler noticing the shape of a leaf or color of the sky as they dawdle home from the park.

Sadly many kids become accustomed to a faster pace lifestyle until they suddenly do not know any different way. There is much benefit to slowing down, unplugging, and being away from it all for a bit. Good kids yoga classes can provide that. They begin with settling into the moment and focusing on their breath and body. Kids can practice engaging poses with games and end with a savasana or quiet time. The end of class usually becomes the students’ favorite part while they lie still and “do nothing”. They know they worked their body hard and this is a time to give back, be still, and reap the benefits of strengthening their body. Being involved in a yoga class keeps the kids present, aware, and in the moment. Learn more about the proven benefits of yoga for adults and children.

8 Easy Ways to Do Yoga at Home With Your Kids

by sara | May 6, 2016 | Benefits, Breathing Exercises, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses

I love how yoga is something that you can actually do with your child as opposed to being a spectator to. Sports and activities such as soccer games, dance competitions, piano recitals are all fun to be an audience to, but I love how easy it is to do a few yoga children poses with your kids.

Yoga can be done anywhere. Take it outside, try it on the trampoline, or in the rain! Just use your imagination. Laugh and have fun. Enthusiasm is contagious. This is something that they will definitely remember doing together with you.

8 Ways to Do Yoga At Home With Your Kids

1. Use Props

No need for formal yoga mats. Grab some beach towels to lay out and sit on. Kids love having their own space and gives them a great nonverbal boundary. Include your child’s favorite stuffed animal and have it participate in balance exercises and to snuggle with during savasana. We love playing Toega with pom pom balls.

Here are a few more Kids Yoga Teacher Favorite Props to use with kids.

2. Partner Up:

There are many yoga poses that be done with adults and children. Some of my favorite parent-child poses are partner tree and see-saw. See more all-time favorite partner poses here.

3. Pick a Card:

Using the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards at home gives your kids the opportunity to choose poses they want to practice and provides a good visual. Let them pick 5-10 yoga pose cards and then practice them with games and challenges.

4. Use a Story:

This is one of my favorite ways to practice yoga with kids. I love reading aloud to my kids anyway so this is two birds with one stone; the benefits of reading aloud AND practicing yoga. Animal stories work well. When you get to a part about a particular animal such as snake, cat, horse, or bug then pause to do the corresponding yoga children poses. This is so much fun! See some of our favorite read-aloud books.

5. Just Breathe:

Doing yoga at home doesn’t need to be a full-blown class with all yoga poses and balance. During a stressful or frustrating time, remind your child to use their breath. Children become more aware of their breath as they practice. Do not expect them to breathe deeply with focus during the first few times. This will come with practice and time. Here are some favorite breathing and exercises that really work with kids.

6. Keep it Simple:

It can be fun to use a theme and choose poses that correspond but it is not required. You can choose a certain skill to practice such as balance or mindfulness. A few moments a day can go a long way in making a difference. Find out more Secrets to Teaching Yoga to Children.

Have Fun:

Your child should feel like yoga is play and not work. Get down on the floor with them and be playful. Be in the moment! They will love it! Kids yoga is very different from adult yoga so understand they will not have the same attention span.

Yoga Isn’t Just for Grown-ups Anymore!

by sara | Mar 29, 2016 | Benefits

It is harder than ever to be a kid in today’s world. Many kids’ schedules become quickly overloaded and as they are involved in multiple sports, music and other interests outside of school. Not only are there such demands on their time, but the pressure (not always on purpose) is put on them to be successful with what they are spending their time on. Now toss in the quickly changing technology, social engagements and family time and you have kids that are constantly being bombarded from all directions.

Kids need an outlet. They need to get away from it all, be mindful, intentional and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their life. Yoga provides just that!

Yoga is a skill that can help benefit all kids, no matter what they are involved in and regardless of age or ability. The benefits of kids yoga are incredibly numerous. Not only does it promotes physical strength because kids learn to use their muscles in new ways and balance their bodies but it also helps kids become aware of not only their own body but the world around them. Yoga is a great skill to consider introducing kids to.