Yoga Asanas for Babies
Yoga asanas for babies, are designed to support the growth and healthy development of the newborn, as well as enrich the continuous…
Are Social Skills Enhanced in Children’s Yoga Classes?
Children who practice kids yoga will begin to feel strong and confident, knowing they can rely on their bodies and minds for strength…
Mommy and Me Yoga Classes
Mommy and Me yoga classes are a great way for moms to reconnect with their kids, while gaining important physical and mental benefits…
Capturing Imaginations in a Kids Yoga Class
While it might seem contradictory to some adults to find the words “children” and “yoga” in the same sentence, kids yoga classes can…
Can Kids Yoga Help Relieve Stress?
Yoga may help kids on different levels. Practicing physical postures (asanas) can increase the production of endorphins, which generate feelings of well-being. Breathing techniques (pranayama) help regulate the nervous system by activating parasympathetic (relaxation) neurons and calming sympathetic (flight or fight) neurons. Guided relaxation techniques benefit kids by giving them an alternative way to respond to the stressors in their lives.
Why Kids Yoga Stories are Popular
One of the best ways to address the particular challenge of teaching Yoga to kids is to incorporate stories into the class. Not only does weaving stories into the series engage the attention of children, but it also encourages them to focus their minds on something external, which can naturally help to settle the excess energy of children. Yoga stories are also particularly well-adapted for pose changes within a series and can aid a Yoga instructor in shortening posture holds for children.
Health Precautions for Kids Yoga
Most yoga classes for kids follow an informal, energetic format that is a bit different from adult classes. Children are naturally flexible, having looser joints than adults. In order to avoid joint injuries and muscle strains from taking a stretch too far, children should be taught to go slowly and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. Instructors should create a comfortable atmosphere, where children aren’t afraid to adjust or come out of poses that feel awkward.
Teaching Yoga: Challenges for Kids in Yoga
Taking the time to teach Yoga to children, despite the challenges, can make all the difference in their world. After a few dedicated…
The Benefits of Yoga Props For People Over 50
When I began teaching yoga in the early 1970’s, the term, “yoga props,” was practically unheard of. When we sat on the floor to practice seated forward bends, people who could not touch their toes simply held onto their lower legs. Then someone had the bright idea to wrap a sock, towel, belt or an old neck tie around the foot to hang onto while stretching forward. While not as versatile as the modern prop known as a yoga strap, these early around-the-house props actually worked quite well!
How to Do the Yoga Pose Downward Facing Dog
There are some contraindications to doing Downward Dog. If you have a wrist, shoulder elbow or neck injury it is better to modify it or skip the pose if you don’t know how to modify. During a head cold, sinus or ear infection, eye problem or after recent dental work it’s advisable to avoid the full pose because it puts your head upside down and increases swelling and inflammation and may decrease healing time.