Ready for kiddie yoga-losophy?

Move over net ball and badminton, yoga as a children’s activity is gaining in popularity owing to its benefits.

While Telegraph.co.uk recently reported that schools are now ‘axing rugby in favour of yoga’, in Mumbai too, yoga is turning out to be the new health regimen.

Child yoga expert Shradda Setalvad who is launching her DVD at a mall in Lower Parel  believes, “Yoga is not the one-stop remedy for all problems such as weight, stress management but a far more holistic discipline. It should be included in the mainstream of education. “We are appealing to the Education Ministry to introduce it as a compulsory subject in schools,” she says.

Aasanas for kids
Children are said to be able to perform aasanas more easily because they are more flexible. So, at what ages can kids take up yoga? “Yoga for kids can be started at the age of four. However, the selection of aasanas should be age-appropriate and should not hinder the natural growth process of the body," she informs."

The under-six regime primarily aims to increase focus of the mind and brings a sense of discipline within the body. From seven to twelve years when a child's body is stronger, the aim is on doing more dynamic aasanas.

How it helps them
Explains Setalvad, “Yoga helps to bring focus of the mind, agility in the body and makes them very sharp.  This is reflected in their studies. Yoga aasanas through proper alignment helps to increase the intelligence of the body to match the mind and thus changes are visible. If pursued consistently the results are exhilarating on the child’s growth, discipline, well being and lifestyle.”