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by Michele Batz
 Happy Feet, Healthy Food available in April 2004 |
Why Yoga? Yoga is not only the oldest form of physical fitness in the world, it is also the most available to people of all ages. Children's joints are flexible, as well as, their muscles. Yoga encourages kids to explore their natural flexibility and become stronger through natural and functional physical movement using their own body weight. Today, children are under a lot of stress. Endless homework and activities, pressure to compete, and family schedules can contribute to anxiety, tension headaches, and nervous stomachaches. Yoga counteracts that stress and gives children tools to cope.
Yoga for children is play. To play with your mind and your body to see where the physical movements take you. Yoga is for every child! Yes, any child can do yoga.
An example of a yoga workout:
1) Warm Up/Focus
2) Physical Work (really play)
3) Cool Down/Deep Stretch/Relaxation
Kids (6-12 years)
All of the children in this group love to learn, play and support each other in the positive enviroment of a yoga class. Everyone is supported through positive feeback and it is stressed that there is no teasing or disrespect of the body or its function.
LINKS:
Michelle Batz, M.A., B.S., is author of What Is Holding You Back? A Woman's Guide to Fitness The book is available at ladyoracle.com If you're a mom in need of a fitness program, Michele's book will inspire, motivate, and get you moving.
