+44 07513 522 896
info@ptcsports.co.uk
+44 07513 522 896
info@ptcsports.co.uk
As a society we are becoming more aware of how important both physical and mental health is for all ages. Are you looking for an activity your whole family can enjoy with no equipment required, improves both physical and mental health and develops self-awareness? Have you tried yoga with your children?
Yoga once judged as an activity for later in life is seeing a boom in classes and popularity amongst all ages but most recently children. In some school’s detentions are even being replaced with yoga practice which as a result has seen students with fewer unexcused absences and detentions, and pupils becoming more engaged in school. Children can participate in yoga from as young as two or as soon as they are able to understand and follow basic instructions. Yoga is highly commended due to its calming benefits. In the UK, anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 5-19% of all children and adolescents, and about 2-5% of children younger than 12.
Studies have repeatedly shown children who practice yoga often feel calmer, happier, more relaxed, and less stressed than those who don’t do it regularly, but there are a host of other benefits too.
Here at PTC sports, we love Yoga. It’s a great activity the whole family can participate in regardless of age or fitness level, it’s also highly versatile as it requires no equipment, just a little space (a mat is desirable, but not essential). Yoga is one of only a few activities that can be done in the home, in the great outdoors, in a studio and even when travelling, you can follow a class, self-practice or utilise the thousands of free videos online.
Here are the 5 reasons why we recommend introducing your children to Yoga:
– Improves flexibility
Yoga poses work by stretching your muscles, which will help you move better and feel less stiff or tired. At any level or experience of yoga you may see up to a 35% improvement in flexibility in as little as 8 weeks, which will benefit other sports and activities both you and your children enjoy.
– Teaches breathing techniques
Yoga promotes relaxing breathing exercises which stimulates calmness. Learning skills of managing day to day stress is an excellent life skill which children can utilise throughout their lives during times of turbulence, life changes, exam season and day to day stressors.
– Strengthens muscles.
It takes a lot of strength to hold your body in a balanced pose. Regular practice will strengthen the muscles in arms, back, legs, and core. Increasing your child’s strength will increase their endurance, improve performance in sport, and help protect your child’s muscles and joints from sports-related injuries.
– Develops self-awareness
Yoga is an excellent way for children to learn self-control, which is important in all aspects of life. Yoga teaches children how to listen to their body and how to stay calm in stressful situations by focusing on what feels good instead of what hurts or doesn’t feel good at all.
– Improves Sleep
Practicing yoga as part of a regular night-time routine teaches children how to relax, self soothe and regulate their emotions. When kids practice yoga on a consistent basis, they develop a greater ability to relax themselves mentally and physically, setting the stage for deeper sleep. As a result, they sleep better at night and wake up refreshed in the morning.
