Yoga not just for adults, kids too!

It can be hard finding enough activities to keep kids busy, and even harder to keep their attention. Well, there's a way to do both all while staying fit.

Kelly O'Connell, Studio Owner at Yoga One joined The Rhode Show to talk more about yoga for kids.

Children can benefit greatly from yoga. Physically they become more flexible and strong. Yoga can also calm children, reduce obesity and enhance concentration.  

Practicing yoga builds a child’s self esteem by instilling confidence with new challenges and experiences.

Yoga classes for children rarely focus on perfecting poses. Instead, they teach yoga basics, such as the the importance of compassion — rather than competition — and deepening the connection to the inner self.

A typical yoga class for children depends on the age group. Older children’s classes will resemble a class for an adult with a warm up, a series of postures, cool down and relaxation.  For younger children, the class is set up more like a adventure. 

The greatest challenge with younger children is to hold their attention long enough to allow them to experience the benefits of yoga which include stillness, balance, focus, peace, health, and well-being. Small children love to assume the role of animals, trees, flowers and warriors so for these children the class is set up more like an adventure.

For example, a trip to the zoo to practice poses like lion, giraffe, elephant and snake. Often Yoga One incorporates postures and principles into stories and songs as well.

Games can also be incorporated into a children’s class to teach a pose, work on breathing or to just have fun.

Kelly said that in addition to health benefits, children will gain greater self-esteem through Yoga by overcoming obstacles and experiencing new things.

Online: yogaoneinc.com