Children Strike A Pose

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday July 9, 2008

ILSA CUNNINGHAM

Kids as young as five are tapping into the benefits of yoga in the Illawarra, says ILSA CUNNINGHAM.

If you mentioned a downward dog a few years ago no-one would have known what you were talking about.

But now, thanks to the wave of yoga enthusiasm sweeping the country, that particular yoga move is almost part of mainstream language.

Adults are usually bitten by the yoga bug, seeking flexibility or recovery from injury, and some a renewed sense of well-being.

Now kids are getting in on the act, which suggests yoga has more benefits than simply giving its followers a nimble, supple body.

Popular in Sydney, kids' yoga classes are slowly creeping into the Illawarra.

Otford yoga teacher Amber Muller takes weekly kids classes in Stanwell Park and Helensburgh, as well as teaching pupils at Otford and Scarborough schools.

At a recent Sydney fitness expo, Muller says there was considerable talk among yoga teachers and the association about the spread of yoga and its gradual introduction in schools.

She says it's not surprising there's increasing interest in yoga in a school environment, as it helps to calm kids down and teaches them to concentrate.

Muller takes her school classes after lunch, which has a dramatic effect on students' concentration levels by the afternoon.

She says yoga could be particularly beneficial for older students sitting exams, teaching them to relax through proper breathing techniques.

"It can help with remembering and allowing themselves to calm down when the breath becomes erratic," she says. "My 14-year-old knows he can calm down by going to his quiet space."

Yoga also improves posture, which in children can be a good head start against the growing incidence of musculoskeletal problems in adulthood.

"It's about the lengthening of the spine so they don't get curves in their spine from sitting in bad posture," Muller, 40, says.

"It has no damaging effects on (growing) bodies. It's more teaching them to become aware of their bodies and helping the muscles."

With children as young as five, and up to 11, taking Yoga With Amber classes, she's learned the art of keeping different abilities entertained.

"I'll say 'lets all be cats and dogs'," she says. "Younger kids need to link it to things that they know, so we'll have the tree standing pose, and the rag doll for the forward bend. Their breath will be like filling up a balloon full of air and slowly letting the air out."

For the older children she'll throw in more complicated moves, like walking up and down the wall as if they were crabs.

Most of the kids attending the sivananda style of yoga classes were introduced to yoga from their parents, or heard about it from their school friends.

Muller has been practising yoga for 30 years and teaching for 13, and keeps herself busy taking nine adult classes during the week as well as conducting regular retreats.

She can see yoga becoming even more prominent in our everyday lives in the future.

"I think there will be a bit of a crisis stage in the next four years. Mental issues are getting bigger and we'll need more things in place, with alternative therapies becoming much more important," Muller says.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home