Kids Yoga

A fun form of yoga for healthy, happy kids

How can kids yoga nourish you?

Kids yoga aims to encourage children’s capacity for calm, concentration, coordination, strength and suppleness^[1]. It is also a wonderful way to help kids to connect with each other and their emotions. Kids yoga is a more playful and interactive style of traditional yoga. It may include the use of games, animal sounds, creative names^[2], stories and visualisations.

Kids yoga grew from children’s natural tendency to imitate yogi adults and is part of the curriculum in many Indian schools. Kids yoga evolved in the western world as schools started to recognise the rewards of regular practice. Renowned yoga teachers such as Geeta Iyengar^[3], Satyananda Saraswati^[4] and Swami Sivananda^[5] all contributed to the cultivation of kids yoga worldwide. Montessori and Kundalini yoga teacher and teacher trainer Shakta Khalsa^[6] began to teach yoga to children in the 1970s.

Professional accreditation is not essential^[7] to teach kids yoga. Certification as a yoga teacher, professional liability insurance and a Working with Children Check are preferable for a kids yoga teacher.

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Practitioner offering Kids Yoga

Bec Fish

Sotai Yoga

Freshwater, New South Wales, Australia

Online session

In person session

Japanese yoga Kids Yoga +2

View profile

Freshwater, New South Wales, Australia

Online session

In person session

Japanese yoga Kids Yoga +2

View profile

Benefits of kids yoga

Scientific peer-reviewed research is highlighting the various benefits of yoga for all ages. Kids yoga has similar advantages to adult yoga with an amplified fun factor.

Some recognised physical benefits^[8] of practicing yoga include an increase in flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, energy, circulation and cardiovascular health. Mental benefits include enhanced clarity, calmness, concentration and self-awareness.

Kids yoga can, in some children, improve relaxation^[9], sleep, empathy, memory, cognitive function, social relationships, breath control, determination, perseverance, self-regulation, independence and mood.

A growing body of evidence suggests that kids yoga could be beneficial for children with special needs.

One study found that it helped to sustain attention in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)^[10], while another reported improved gross motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder^[11] who had average or below-average motor skills. The modality has also been applied as a complementary aid to conventional approaches for children with asthma^[12] and obesity^[13].

Kids yoga may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

ADD/ADHD Anxiety Asthma Autism Back pain Balance, stability and coordination Circulation and cardiovascular conditions Concentration, focus and problem solving Confidence and self-esteem Depression Show all

What to expect from a kids yoga session

Kids yoga varies according to the teaching style. Generally classes are adapted to suit the physical, mental and emotional development of the students. Classes often incorporate age-appropriate names, songs, sounds and games to teach poses, hand positions, breathing, meditation and relaxation.

Kids can enjoy the social, non-competitive class environment which may have them assuming the role of animals, trees and warriors. Postures range from dynamic standing poses to balancing challenges and seated stretches. Classes often conclude with a lying down guided relaxation which may include non-sectarian affirmations and visualisations.

As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing kids yoga. If you have any concerns at all, also speak to the teacher, who will be happy to address these and evaluate whether it is a suitable modality for your child.

References

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of Kids Yoga for children?

Kids Yoga aims to enhance children's calmness, concentration, coordination, strength, and suppleness. It provides a playful and interactive approach, fostering connections with others and promoting emotional well-being.

How does Kids Yoga differ from traditional yoga?

Kids Yoga is a more playful and interactive style compared to traditional yoga. It incorporates elements like games, animal sounds, creative names, stories, and visualizations to make the practice engaging and enjoyable for children.

How did Kids Yoga evolve and become popular in the western world?

Kids Yoga originated from children's natural inclination to imitate yogi adults and became part of the curriculum in many Indian schools. Its popularity grew in the western world as schools recognized the benefits. Influential yoga teachers like Geeta Iyengar, Satyananda Saraswati, and Swami Sivananda contributed to its global development.

Who played a significant role in the development of Kids Yoga?

Shakta Khalsa, a Montessori and Kundalini yoga teacher and teacher trainer, played a pivotal role in introducing and teaching yoga to children in the 1970s, contributing to the cultivation of Kids Yoga worldwide.

Is professional accreditation necessary to teach Kids Yoga?

While professional accreditation is not essential, having certification as a yoga teacher, professional liability insurance, and obtaining a Working with Children Check are preferable for those teaching Kids Yoga.

What elements make Kids Yoga engaging for children?

Kids Yoga incorporates games, creative names, stories, and visualizations to keep children engaged and interested in the practice. This approach makes yoga enjoyable and beneficial for their overall development.