Most of us are living our lives in the fast lane and we tend to put time for ourselves last and amidst all this we drag our children along with us.
Even though children don’t bear the stresses that comes with adulthood, they still deal with many life experiences that are not always easy.
Bullying, academic stress, family troubles, hyperactivity, eating disorders, image issues and not to forget just trying to work out ‘who you are’, are all contributing factors that can make the adventurous journey of growing up feel like you are on a 4wd drive track in a golf cart.
New yoga classes for adults, teens and children at the Pottsville Beach Neighborhood Centre (PBNC) aim to use yoga as a tool that can help to smooth out this rough ride.
Yoga is an ancient practice that has existed for thousands of years, however in the last 50 years we have seen its popularity increasing in the west. Yoga approaches the mind and body holistically using pranayama (breath), asana (postures) and relaxation techniques to assist a person in being the best they can be.
Yoga teacher at the PBNC Jessica Cohen has been teaching yoga for more than five years and has trained in India, Canada and Hawaii.
Jess is excited to bring yoga into the local community, especially to the youth.
“We have seen adults benefit from yoga for years and there is no reason children shouldn’t be enjoying these benefits too,” she said.
“Some people think that because children’s bodies are already fairly strong and flexible and that they don’t have the stresses that adults have to deal with they don’t need yoga, but I like to think of it as a preventative measure, keeping their minds and bodies healthy as they grow.”
In recent years we have seen an increase in child obesity and hyperactivity. Australian Bureau of Statistics results show we are attempting to make changes displaying an increase in physical activity in children and adolescents.
Jess believes “it is important to keep this level of activity rising in our community to keep our kids healthy and active”.
Yoga poses strengthen muscles as well as keeping them supple and flexible so they can support growing bones and encourage good joint movement. This also helps to reduce the risk of injury and aids physical performance as the body will be working to its optimal potential. The action of asana increases range of muscle movement and improves overall balance and coordination.
