Benefits of YOGA
October is National Physical Therapy month, and as a pediatric physical therapist I am excited to help celebrate my profession! As a PT who works with kids of all ages and abilities, I have often found myself incorporating some of the concepts and benefits of yoga in my practice. Despite several myths about yoga including that it is a religious practice, you must bend into impossible positions, or that it is just the latest fitness trend, yoga is a beneficial and useful tool for kids of all ages, and here is why from the perspective of a physical therapist:
- It promotes whole-child learning. Yoga engages the child’s entire being, including his or her body, mind, and spirit. It provides challenges and opportunities for exploration physically, but also emotionally, intellectually, and behaviorally. It allows the child to explore different sensations and positions through movement. For the child surrounded by technology, constant distractions, and a society focused on the need to change and improve, yoga provides an environment in which the child turns the focus inward, reflects, and is able to be who they are, where they are right now.
- It helps relieve stress. Childhood can be a stressful time for many reasons. It is a period of growth–physically, mentally, emotionally, and intellectually, which can place a lot of pressure on a child. Yoga provides a safe, inviting, and inclusive environment for children to exercise, focus on the present moment, and leave all their stress on the mat.
- It can help fight childhood obesity. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 12.7 million children ages 2-17 are obese. Most children do not get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day, and it has been estimated that school-aged children only receive 15 minutes of recess per day. A lack of physical activity is a large contributor to increased rates of childhood obesity, and yoga can help combat this epidemic. Keeping our bodies and mind healthy and fit for a balanced life is one of the main goals and concepts promoted in yoga, and one that can help reduce childhood obesity.
- It promotes physical function. The physical postures and poses utilized in yoga help improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, flexibility, balance, body control and coordination, and overall fitness. For the child having difficulties in one or more of these areas, yoga can be individualized and adapted to meet the physical needs of each child. Children who do not enjoy or have trouble participating in traditional competitive sports, such as soccer, tennis, golf, etc., yoga can provide an environment for physical activity that is safe, inclusive, and fulfilling for them. Yoga emphasizes participation in physical activity for children of all abilities, and allows them to explore, expand and improve their physical fitness, function, and overall health.
Contact your physical therapist for more information, tools, and resources about yoga! Happy National Physical Therapy month and Namaste!
