At Bala Shala, we want everyone to grow with mindfulness, self-confidence, compassion, and creativity. Kids learn that everyone falls and everyone gets back up again. There is no judgment, no competition. There are no winners or losers. Everyone has their own practice and moves at their own pace. There are lots of smiles, a ton of laughter and an overall feeling of love and respect.
Our Story
What is Kids Yoga?
Yoga is the practice of accessing and integrating all aspects of our true nature -- body, mind, and spirit -- in the pursuit of inner harmony. At Bala Shala kids yoga is designed specifically for children using the guiding principles of yoga at a level children will understand and enjoy.
Classes are non-competitive, safe, and fun so kids can focus on physical fitness, building strength in developing bodies, social skills, and relaxation techniques by encouraging partner and group work as well as breathing, posture, meditation, mindfulness, and fun games. Kids will learn to incorporate the principals of yoga into their lives forever.
The many benefits of yoga for kids are...
Physical and Mental Benefits of Kids Yoga:
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Increased Physical Strength and Flexibility
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Refines Balance and Coordination
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Develops Focus and Concentration
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Relaxation and Calmness
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Improves Quality of sleep (Amanda LoRusso "Yoga and the Science of Sleep". Huffington Post. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
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Improves Academic Performance (Darlene D’arezzo “Special Yoga for Special Kids”)
Emotional Benefits of Kids Yoga:
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Boosts Confidence and Self-esteem
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Improves Inner Strength and Body Awareness
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Reduces Stress and Anxiety (New York University study by Kristie Patten Koenigh, Ph.D.)
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A Feeling of Well-Being
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Respect for Others
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Why Yoga for Kids?
Our children live in the fast-paced world of busy parents, school, and social pressures, incessant lessons, video games, and competitive sports. We usually don’t think of these things as stressful for kids, but often they are. Kids need a mental break, a feeling of accomplishment and connection to themselves and others. Kids know how to stop and realize that it is not all serious. They can be focused while being fearless and have lots of FUN!
When children learn techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner strength, they can navigate life’s challenges a lot better. Yoga at an early age encourages confidence and body awareness with physical movement in a non-competitive environment which is healthy for every child.
Professional organizations that focus on children also support the idea behind yoga. For example, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The National Association of the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) recommend that children should participate in activities that support the development of the whole child. This is exactly what yoga is about!
There are so many benefits of yoga for kids, especially in today’s busy world.
Yoga Teaches Kids:
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To be strong - Yoga is a great way to move our bodies and feel healthy. When kids practice yoga and learn the different postures through stretching and breathing, their bodies become strong and flexible.
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How to focus - When kids practice yoga, they learn how to use the life force energy in our bodies to feel more focused, or motivated.
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How to be confident – Yoga can help kids strengthen their mind and body. As they begin to master their yoga practice and become stronger, they realize they have the ability to learn and do anything, making them much more confident in themselves.
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How to love their body – Kids yoga will help transform their relationship with their body. Yoga, which focuses on the body from the inside out, can teach them to view and appreciate their body as a whole, not just in segments. It centers on strength, flexibility, balance, and breath, rather than on appearance.
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How to breath better - When kids breathe deeply and fully, they become more aware and present, which can bring peacefulness or energy to their bodies and minds. Breath is a constant reminder to be right in the moment and enjoy it fully.
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How to quiet their mind and be relaxed – When kids practice yoga, they learn how to be still. This helps them to listen with attention
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How to respect others – By practicing yoga and working with partners or groups, kids learn to respect themselves as well as others.
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