Yoga for children

Rachana Ramesh | NT
Bengaluru

Yoga is not only restricted to adults. Starting young has its own benefits, say parents and yoga teachers. Sadhana Erumal, a parent of two, says her children picked up on the habit when they saw her do it herself.

“They were eager to find out what I was doing and voluntarily chose to come to classes,” she said. Cherishma and Kanisk now wake up at 5:30 every morning and do a routine of asanas for a good hourand- a-half.

Not only has yoga helped the kids learn discipline, counter their concentration issues and form a morning habit of physical activity, but their continued practice has also allowed them to control their emotions and not act on their impulses, she elaborated.

Sadhana said parents must take up yoga themselves, which will encourage the curious minds of the children to dig deep and follow.

“Breathing techniques taught at a young age will come a long way when they are adults. Your tummy must ideally bloat when you inhale. It does not happen with adults.

“At a young age, it is very common to see this and it will continue when breathing techniques are taken up,” said Swetha Krishnappa, who runs the preschool, Honeybees.