Days are no longer full of tree climbing, bike riding and cloud gazing in tall grass for our little ones. Modernity poses challenges for kids too and yoga may provide solutions.
With more adults than ever practising yoga, it’s no surprise that children are getting into the act as well. Yoga offers kids the same benefits that attract adults to the 5,000 year-old Eastern practice. Yoga provides physical activity in a non-competitive setting, increases strength, balance and flexibility and shows children how to quiet the mind, relax and focus.
Several local studios are now offering kids’ yoga classes, and there are many reasons to enrol your child in a class. Yoga can improve your child’s behaviour, health, academic performance and self-esteem.
We spoke to Natasha Robottom, business development manager at Bodytree Studio, to find out about the benefits of yoga for children. First we need to know what are the benefits for children? Natasha says, ‘Yoga instruction not only makes kids more flexible, but it is also inherently flexible. For example, we can tailor it to any unique group’s needs. A class for children tends to be more active, while teen girls often join our classes to unwind and quiet their minds.’ Natasha adds, ‘There’s no pressure in yoga. It’s non-competitive. There’s no scoring, winners or losers, and it’s not as sequential as something like ballet, so if something comes up, your child can take some time off and not worry about it.’
Natasha tells us that by practising yoga, children can, ‘Take time out to be relaxed and mindful, and it teaches kids to connect with their breathing. These small things will have a great impact on your child’s well-being.’ She adds, ‘All Bodytree’s youth classes focus on creating a positive attitude and awareness about your body, and aim to improve your mental focus and discipline.’
We ask if it’s hard to get younger children to be disciplined enough to meditate or hold poses. Natasha laughs, ‘No. The kids love the poses. They especially love the tree pose. They wobble about and giggle with their friends. With regards to meditation, we don’t push this on kids – even teens. We introduce the concept of mindfulness and quieting one’s mind in the form of mini games. Sometimes, they are having so much fun, they don’t even know they are learning such high-minded concepts.’
Interested and need to know where to sign up? Here’s how:
Find your child’s inner yogini at Teen Yoga for girls
At the end of long school week, indulge your teen in an hour of yoga to unwind, stretch out and release physical and mental tension. The class includes learning poses to develop strength, flexibility and relaxation techniques to support mental balance. You will leave the class feeling relaxed, calm and ready for the weekend. Dhs50 drop in. Thu from 4pm-5pm.
Kids Yoga
A 30-minute yoga session that teaches kids the basics of yoga and helps them develop better body awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination. Yoga can help kids carry these skills beyond class into their daily routines. Imagery and music are used as motivational tools. This class is interactive and great fun.
Dhs40 drop in or four classes pre-paid Dhs140 (valid for two months). Mon 4pm-4.30pm (four-eight yrs).
Dhs50 drop in or four classes pre-paid Dhs180 (valid for two months). Mon 4.30pm-5.15pm (eight-12 yrs).
If yoga’s not for your wee one, look into Bodytree’s other great kids’ classes. They offer Kindermusik, Twinkle Toes for twos, Kids’ Zumba, Ballet (I, II, III, IV, pointe) and Creative movement. Check Bodytree’s website for a full list of programmes.
If you wish to have more tech time-outs in your child’s life, the practice of yoga just might be for you. It’s been around forever and, these days, it’s viewed as the antidote to technology. Sign up and strike a pose.
Bodytree Studio, Al Khalidiyah, Between 26th Street and 11th Street, www.bodytreestudio.com, info@bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).
Choc chip chakras
Interested in preparing a healthy pre or post workout treat? Mira Naaman of the Nectar Café offers this recipe:
Raw chocolate chip cookie dough
Recipe makes 12 bites
• 1 cup of raw cashews
• 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free ones if you are avoiding gluten)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
Combine the dry ingredients in a food processor. Pulse together until you get a fine meal. Be careful not to over process the nuts – try to avoid them becoming nut butter. Add the wet ingredients to the cashew-oat mixture. Pulse to combine and then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Portion out some of the mixture in your hands and roll away.
Refrigerate until firm. Store them in a parchment lined container in the fridge. They also freeze well. Get the kids involved. A great activity to get those little hands working.
