The Benefits Of Yoga Can Also Help Children

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Although many people embrace the benefits of yoga as a good exercise routine especially for those subjected to sedentary bouts of inactivity by sitting in a desk all day by having it as an alternative activity to refresh the body.

There are still growing concerns however, about yoga being touted as a means of propagating a religious practice instead of just an exercise technique, which are also leaning towards children.

This, after a recent controversy in Georgia, USA which involved parents complaining about the practice of yoga in the classroom during one of the regular class sessions. The parent claimed that the children should not be indoctrinated by the practice.

Contrary to popular belief that yoga is a religion, it is in fact a philosophy that is rooted in Hinduism composed of various movements designed to heighten spirituality, but the more popular Western ‘version’ taught in schools is more on the application of some movements for mental and physical benefits, except spirituality.

In a study published in The Journal of Behavioural Health Services and Research, claimed that yoga classes among middle-school students yielded positive attitude and mood changes, increased energy levels, improved relaxation and posture.

Here are some of the reasons why yoga, as an exercise method is beneficial for children.

It enhances physical flexibility as it promotes the use of muscles in new ways, especially for children. Common physical activity among children involve the feet for running and walking, kicking a soccer ball, hands for playing basketball or racquetball, among others. But with yoga, the movements involve muscles moving in new patterns and ways that would enhance more flexibility in movement and form.

Yoga also refines balance and coordination. Balancing poses in yoga were designed to promote physical and mental poise, where mental clarity and stability result from the effort involved to maintain the pose. It promotes overall dexterity and physical balance, allowing children to stay calm and composed.

It also develops focus and concentration. The act of practicing the poses would require children to clear their minds and focus on the effort to maintain the pose. This practice enables children to establish their focus to stay balanced, which in turn, paves the way for their mental capacity to replicate the same focus with their studies.

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