Yoga teachers and sports scientists working with both primary and secondary schoolchildren are reporting alarming levels of stiffness in a new generation of kids who, thanks to computer games, digital TV, schools with no playgrounds and busy parents who don’t exercise either, have little or no body awareness. The upshot of this is that we are raising a generation which, hampered by tight shoulder girdles, ribcage restrictions and tight hamstrings, find it uncomfortable to either stand or sit up straight.

Over the years the practice of Yoga has grown in popularity among adults as a non-competitive but effective way of exercise that also helps to relieve stress and encourage relaxation.  Now attention is turning to Yoga for children.  The benefits are clear for youngsters of all ages and ability, and great results can be seen in those suffering with poor concentration, respiratory problems such as asthma, migraines, or sleeping difficulties.

But what is Yoga? Yoga is one of the oldest forms of exercise, developed over 5,000 years ago in India when the Yogis still lived close to the natural world and used animals and plants for inspiration together, with the movements of children.

It works on the theory that we are all born with an innate flexibility: you will often see a young child unknowingly take up Yoga poses like the snake, the lion or the frog.

Unfortunately we lose this ability if we don't continue to stretch those ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Yet retaining this precious elasticity can help us prevent injury our whole lives!

Children have an amazing imagination and they will love to imitate the movements and sounds of animals and nature, whilst at the same time bringing stillness, balance, flexibility, focus, peace, and well-being into their life which of course will help them in their everyday life now and in the future.

The beauty of Yoga is that you don’t have to be ‘sporty’ to enjoy it, because it is non-competitive. The integrity of Yoga is held in the effort, not the execution. When children learn new poses, they experience a strong sense of accomplishment and pride without ever having to win or lose. In time they will feel themselves become stronger and more flexible.

As with adults, children who practice Yoga are encouraged to learn deep breathing for stress control, meditation for focus and concentration, and respect and love for themselves, the earth and all its inhabitants. Schools that offer Yoga either as part PE classes or as an extra-curricular activity are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits to youngsters not only in their physical and mental wellbeing, but also their behaviour.

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