Commentary by Anne Johnson
From the moment they are born, we can’t help but wonder about the people our children will become. We hope they are grounded in their sense of self, are healthy inside and out, and meet the challenges in their lives with strength and grace. A mindfulness practice such as yoga can benefit children of all ages by establishing a foundation of wellbeing that will support them throughout their lives.
Yoga provides different growth opportunities as children mature. For toddlers, yoga plants a seed and helps build building confidence and body awareness. For school-age children, it nurtures growth and improves balance and focus. For pre-teens and teens, yoga strengthens hearts, minds and bodies to build self-esteem and confidence.
There are benefits to a child practicing yoga beyond positive social growth. Yoga has been found to alleviate the symptoms of asthma in children; developing greater self-awareness related to breathing. Noncompetitive in nature, yoga can be the perfect complement to other physical activities and sports.
Jessica Rosenberg, a 500 RYT yoga instructor in Minneapolis, is helping make yoga more accessible to children through The Adventures of Super Stretch Program. This vibrant kids’ yoga fitness program gives parents, educators, and health practitioners a way to help children achieve optimal wellness. The program speaks to kids visually through an inviting mix of characters and animals, led by yoga superhero, Super Stretch.
Simply Yoga in Zionsville will host Rosenberg and offer her Adventures of Super Stretch Teacher Training on March 7. The six-hour workshop is ideal for anyone who loves movement and yoga and wants to share it with children.
Yoga isn’t about perfecting poses. Super Stretch encourages us to be brave, breathe through rough patches, and explore balance in our bodies.
Anne Johnson teaches kids, tots, expectant and new mothers yoga at Simply Yoga in Zionsville. As a 200 RYT registered yoga teacher and former engineer, she enjoys writing and sharing “adult ideas” in a way that makes yoga fitness accessible to children.
Super Stretch Coming to Zionsville
Register for The Adventures of Super Stretch teacher training program on March 7 by calling Simply Yoga at 317-938-5794. Learn more about The Adventures of Super Stretch at www.adventuresofsuperstretch.com.
