An interview with Gemma, founder of ‘Kids Can Yoga’.
What is yoga?
“Yoga is hard to define due to so many different types of yoga and so many different perceptions of each type. It can be thought of by some simply as exercise, or by others as a form of meditation, a spiritual practice or a philosophical school of thought.
Yoga means union and my definition of ‘yoga’ at a basic level would be ‘a mind and body workout’.”
What are the benefits of yoga?
“The benefits of yoga are well evidenced and documented and include both physical and mental health benefits, such as strengthening the body, improving balance, flexibility and mood. You can also get specific yoga practices to help with specific problems and an often overlooked benefit is that of joining a community where yoga is practised with others in a class or group.”
Why should children do yoga?
“The benefits of yoga for children have also been well evidenced. Similarly to adults, the benefits are physical, mental and emotional. Although they probably don’t need yoga to alleviate old age aches and pains (!), yoga may equip them with an increased body awareness and mindfulness, help to boost their self esteem, improve their emotional understanding and regulation and enhance their concentration and memory skills.”
How can I introduce my child to yoga?
“There are plenty of free yoga videos for children which you can access for free online. Try and search YouTube or alternatively they could join a zoom class.”
How is Kids Can Yoga any different from others?
“Kids Can Yoga sessions are learning sessions which put well-being first.
Learning should put children’s mental health at the heart of what it does. Then we should ensure that learning is fun, active and inspirational and this is what I try to create.
‘Kids Can Yoga’ is educational yoga for children. It is unique in that the yoga class is based around a national curriculum subject or theme. Therefore children are active and engaged throughout the learning process, and muscle memory will mean the lessons should be more easily recalled due to a greater initial impact. Children also learn breath-work and mindfulness throughout the sessions.
Don’t just take my word for it, check out my website to see others’ testimonials from the sessions and you are welcome to try a session for FREE to see what you think for yourself. Just get in touch and I will happily send you the details.”
“We must make children, and their well-being, the priority.“
You can contact Gemma through the contact form on this website, email kidscanyoga@hotmail.com, or find her on facebook, instagram or twitter.
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