Children are not little adults. They have different needs, respond to different stimuli, and learn in different ways. Children can relax with relaxation techniques and calming visualization but it does need to be presented in a way that they will identify with. Children's yoga at its best is particularly designed to inculcate the importance of yoga and meditation in everyone's lives and the actual training is chosen to bring the maximum range of benefits to kids.

Children should receive certificates at the end of each course to show which yoga postures they know.

They are natural-born yogis. Their spontaneity, flexibility and energy are inspirational and sometimes challenging for parents. Children will incur increased flexibility, awareness of their bodies, knowledge of health and nutrition, and much more. In the short term however, Yoga can still be used to educate children socially and make them aware of what their bodies can do, and above all - have fun!

Children with special needs are included into mainstream classes wherever possible. All classes are offered at concession rates. In one course which is available the children are always the heroes of their Yoga-Bugs adventure and love using their imagination in the stories. We tend to find that children are such natural yogis that they surprise their teachers with their skills. Yoga means union of mind and body, and anyone who has seen a child run, play, laugh, bend and stretch has seen how beautifully unified they are.

Postures take on new life, becoming magical tools to keep the children's attention through shorter classes based on play and creativity. Postures are described and clearly illustrated in stages of progress into the final pose.

Often these stages have their own descriptive name, so there are lots more Sanskrit terms for us all to learn. Postures are normally held for 10 breaths with an emphasis placed on correct alignment. Detailed verbal instructions are given by the teacher along with very gentle hands on adjustments.

Classes bring together a combination of stretches, back arches, twists and balances which help to support and strengthen children mentally as well as physically by building confidence in themselves, improving their concentration and helping them to sleep better.

Classes are typically 45 to 60 minutes long, and are tailored to suit the needs of the children. Classes with small numbers work best and also we like it best when they are seen working slowly with the breath and gravity to undo tension and encourage effortless asanas from deep within the body.

Breathing is important in yoga and one course recognizes this in the name they give to the whole course which is named Breathing Yoga. This is one yoga school which runs regular hatha yoga classes for men women and children of all abilities. The aim of this trainer, as for so many others, is to offer small tailored yoga classes that allow students to develop their practice in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Breathing should not be learned from your Yoga teacher and forgotten.

You and your children should practice proper breathing every moment you think of it. Breathing and relaxation techniques will allow you to enjoy deep rest to compensate for lack of sleep. The classes you attend will help bring a sense of well being, alleviate aches and pains, combat fatigue and re-tone the muscles.

Practice Yoga regularly and it will strip away the obstacles that separate you from your source. Yoga practice can be invaluable in this process, as it can alleviate tension from and clear energy blocks in the body and mind. Practical study features aid individuals in understanding and retaining relevant information. Practiced for thousands of years now in India, its birth home, yoga has become a refuge and a great cure in the western world.

If in the Far East, yoga is a spiritual path to be followed towards superior enlightenment, for the very practical mind of the modern westerner, the health benefits of yoga are the ones that matter the most.