As posture practice yoga creates healthy strong, flexible and balanced bodies, when the posture practice is combined with breath work, relaxation, mediation and mantra it offers the child many life tools that they can take off the mat and into the world. Tools such as learning to be calm and control their emotions, dealing with tensions & stress and restoring their own sense of well-being.

Yoga helps children see the beauty and light within themselves, thereby boosting their self-confidence, allowing them to feel more comfortable with their bodies, and helping them get in touch with who they are inside.

One of the most overlooked values of Yoga classes for children and teenagers is the social connection and sense of community that the classes provide. Getting together with the same group of peers to practice Yoga on a regular basis also helps to foster new friendships.

Current classes for Children & Teenagers

When and where

• Wednesdays - Term time
• Dance Studio, Sir William Borlase Grammar School, Marlow.
• 8 – 12 year olds at 6.30pm – 7.30pm
• 13 – 17 year olds at 7.30pm – 8.30pm


• First class: Trial £1.00 donation to charity – all donations will be divided equally between www.peaceoneday.org and www.kidsco.org.uk
• Thereafter: £7.00 per class - payable termly in advance
• The sibling rate per class will be £5.50 which equates to appx 11% discount or a saving of £19.50 for siblings over a 13 week term

What happens in a class?

• Tuning in.
For children, it is a time to connect with themselves, an important part of the class in an age of such disconnection.
• Pranayama/breath work.
Bringing awareness to the breath and learning basic breath practices. Correcting paradoxical breathing. It restores the natural state of balance and can facilitate emotional stability, which can be very important during the ever-changing times of childhood and adolescence.
• Postures.
Physical postures are used to promote health. A sequence of exercises may be practiced in a set order to bring about a specific result.
• Relaxation.
The ability to relax is a learned action and the benefits received are numerous. This is not sleep, it is a relaxation that positively alters the hormonal balance in the blood and restores optimum brain function.
• Meditation.
A time for quiet self-reflection and connection with all.
• Tuning out.
Concludes the class in a neutral way and gives us a moment to express our gratitude and to experience the harmony created by the class. For children it is a time to acknowledge who they are and feel proud to be that person.

What are the benefits of Yoga for children?

The following are just some of the recognized benefits of yoga for children (and adults):

BODY
• Assists neuromuscular-development
• Promotes development of the vestibular system
• Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body
• Develops a strong and flexible body
• Increases balance, body awareness and coordination
• Improves posture and alignment
• Develops core strength, essential for good posture and correct physical alignment
• Reduces injuries and improves performance
• Improves digestion, circulation and elimination
• Strengthens the immune system
• Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep

MIND
• Calms and clears the mind, bringing them into the present moment
• Relieves tension, stress and anxiety
• Increases concentration, focus and attention span
• Promotes thinking and memory
• Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness
• Expands imagination and creativity
• Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions
• Balances energy (high or low)

SPIRIT
• Builds confidence and self-esteem
• Supports character development and emotional intelligence
• Enhances team skills and social interaction
• Develops discipline and self-control
• Supports individuality and self-expression
• Encourages social and environmental awareness and responsibility
• Supports a sense of universal connectedness
• Inspires respect for self and others

OVERALL
• Improves mind/body connection
• Encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle
• Promotes an overall sense of well-being

What are the benefits of Yoga in supporting Education?

Anti-bullying, health and wellness, and character education are common themes in schools today, all focusing on educating the whole child, mind, body and spirit. Yoga, by nature, supports this learning. The following are some of the benefits of yoga to support the education of the whole child, thus maximizing the learning process:

• Provides students healthy ways to express and balance their emotions
• Promotes a more relaxed, comfortable state of being - the perfect state for teaching and learning
• Brings students into the present moment – the most basic requirement for learning
• Helps to create an atmosphere of confidence, enthusiasm and non-competitiveness where everyone can succeed
• Eases anxiety and tension (such as pre-test or performance jitters)
• Enhances focus, concentration, comprehension and memory
• Provides opportunities for reflection, patience and insight, reducing impulsivity and reactivity
• Supports social and emotional learning
• Improves listening skills
• Wakes up sluggish minds and creativity as needed
• Enhances organizational and communication skills
• Improves posture, assisting students to sit comfortably for long periods
• Enhances motor skills and balance
• Improves mind/body awareness and connection
• Improves confidence and self-esteem
• Encourages respect for oneself and others