GO-Kids at the GO-Yoga Studio and in Schools

Due to popular demand, 2005 saw the launch of GO-Kids. West London yoga classes are now available for children from 7 to 12 year olds at the studio and GO-Kids classes are being offered at several schools across London. GO-Kids in Schools. Contact us if you would like to learn more about this …

All our childrens yoga teachers are fully qualified (Yoga Bugs & Yoga’d Up trained), insured and Criminal Records Bureau checked.

At a time when their bodies are growing and changing, yoga gives children of this age group energy & strength and helps them to deal with situations which can make them angry and frustrated.

As an emotion children feel anger very strongly and for them, yoga can be especially helpful. Certain postures can help them to deal with angry outbursts and rather than repressing the feelings, they can let them out in a controlled manner. See Lion Pose (home page) as example.

Yoga helps improve children’s flexibility which significantly changes from 7-8 years of age.

Boys tend to benefit because their muscles get stronger and through yoga remain more flexible and this in turn helps them in other sporting activities. Girls see the benefits of doing yoga as it can help to strengthen their upper bodies as well as helping them through some of the discomfort surrounding menstruation.

Yoga also helps children to concentrate for longer through postures that focus their mind and their attention. In addition children tend to get a better night’s sleep as they are more relaxed and calm.

Children often find that yoga practice is helpful in fostering some of the habits of mind that help develop students as optimal learners.

Outline of a GO-Kids Class:

Either at your child’s school, chosen town hall or here in our studio, please see below an example of what we offer in a typical GO-Kids yoga class:

*warm up pranayama (breathing) and asana (posture) exercises for body, breath and mind
*a theme is set and the children practice a varied sequence of postures including sun salutations, standing and seated poses
*your child will learn some of the traditional Sanskrit names
*your child will learn how to link postures together in a flowing meditative form
*your child will be given the opportunity to be creative in his/her practice and be respectful of other children practicing
*most importantly, your child will laugh and have fun
* all classes close with a relaxation and meditation technique that the children are able to use at home

Did you know? An interesting fact…Physical and psychological growth do not mature together. Between the ages of 7 & 8 the pineal gland starts to degenerate and the sex hormones begin to function in the body, stimulated by the pituitary gland. The adrenal and thyroid glands do not work together in co-ordination and this can lead to disruptive behaviour, anger and arrogance.

Emotional growth is rapid and the child finds it difficult to cope. Children become restless and are not physically, emotionally or mentally prepared for the changes that their minds and bodies are undergoing. Yoga slows down the degeneration of the pineal gland allowing the child to enjoy childhood without the stresses of inappropriate behaviour.

Yoga for this age group allows children to develop their own imagination, powers of visualisation, vocalisation and therefore, cultivation of their own personality. Children who are withdrawn, physically not so strong or confident are able to benefit from taking part in a class which their fellow class mates are doing too. Yoga is a complete exercise form which helps to develop physical stamina, emotional balance, intellectual skills and creative skills which all contribute to a happier, more grounded child.

At the age of 8, a child’s lungs cease to grow but the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs continue to increase in size rather than number. Pranayama, breathing control exercises are introduced to help maintain healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems, improve energy levels and the transitions through the different stages of life.

Children deal better with the issues of physical and emotional change if the mind and body are aligned to deal with them together. These children will tend to be more intuitive and sensitive adults.

Click here to view GO-Kids classes at the studio or Contact Us to arrange a school or other venue.