Why Your Kids Should Try Yoga
By Genevieve Cunningham
Yoga is a hot workout. People of all shapes and sizes are giving this practice a try, and they're learning to love it! The benefits that come from regular yoga are becoming quite well known, and more and more groups of people are being encouraged to add it to their lives. But even with all of the advancements in the world of yoga, there's still more work to be done. And maybe the next place to encourage the practice is with kids! Kids can benefit in more ways than we realize. If you have kids and you want to teach them something that truly brings benefits for a lifetime, take a look at why you should introduce yoga sooner rather than later.
It Teaches Self-Control
Yoga is one of the best practices for teaching self-control and self-regulation. Kids will learn deep breathing exercises and personal meditation. They'll learn how to hold poses against resistance -- which certainly requires control over both the body and mind. And self-control is a skill that kids need. It's something they can use with friends, in confrontations with others, at school, at home, and in everyday life. If this is a skill that could benefit your child -- hint! It can benefit every child so allow your kid to give yoga a try.
It's Good Exercise
Yoga is hard. Though each class is age and ability appropriate, it's still challenging. It requires muscle strength, stamina, and flexibility. And as your kid keeps practicing, their physical fitness will improve. It's a very gentle way to improve their health and keep them moving with very little thought involved.
It Can Last
Yoga is challenging, but it's also gentle. That means that it can literally last a lifetime. No matter when you begin -- as an adult or as a child -- you can keep doing it through your whole life. And if you come across circumstances in life that make it difficult, you can modify it to meet your needs. It's one of the best exercises for long-term mental and physical wellness, so why not start your kids down this healthy path right now?
Yoga isn't only for adults. It's for everyone! Take your kids to a class and let them explore the practice. They might love it, and if so, they'll have a great workout to enjoy for the rest of their lives. Give yoga a try for your whole family and everyone may benefit with better health moving forward.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Allen, Va.