Physical Health Benefits

General

Yoga works on the whole body and suits children of all ages and abilities.

Yoga postures were developed over 5000 years ago and were originally designed to strengthen the body and mind for long periods of mediation. Nowadays we teach the postures in school without any religious connection and they are seen as exercises in their own right.

Postures are easily grouped into specific categories or types, like balance, forward bends, backbends, twists, side stretching, squatting, inverted and relaxation. Each posture and each type have specific benefits for children (this is explored further in the table below). Generally the techniques of stretching and body movement are designed to enhance the flexibility and health of children’s spines, improve strength and mobility of movement at their joints, increase muscle tone as well as improving strength, posture and balance. Some postures gently massage internal organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas and intestines, areas that are vital for good health and vitality.

The combination of focused stretching and relaxation helps to develop better breathing techniques, greater efficiency of the lungs and a healthier cardiovascular system. Children easily learn the relaxation techniques, which help them to become calm and lessen anxiety. Relaxation also helps to relax muscles, especially in the chest area which leads to easier and efficient breathing. Above all relaxation refreshes and invigorates the body.

Many yoga postures help children to improve their co-ordination as well as developing greater body awareness.

Specific benefits from postures

This table shows specific physical benefits from each type of postures.

TYPE OF POSTURE	BENEFITS
Balance	Improves balance, body posture and co-ordination Improves muscle tone
Back-bending	Increases flexibility of the spine Increases diaphragmatic breathing Strengthens back muscles Stretches front of body
Side-stretch	Increases flexibility of spine Improves abdominal and pelvic circulation Improves muscle tone
Twist	Increases flexibility of spine Gentle massage of kidneys, pancreas intestines
Forward – bends	Gentle therapeutic massage of important internal organs Increases spinal flexibility
Squatting	Promotes healthy back, flexibility in ankles, knee and hip joints. Strengthens back and leg muscles Improves muscle tone
Inverted	Improves circulation Helps respiratory problems Promotes all over health
Relaxation	Relaxes muscles Improves breathing Refreshes and invigorates body Reduces anxiety Stimulates calm Promotes calmer min