WHY YOGA?
Yoga has been getting a lot of press lately and for good reason. How can yoga help you/ your kiddos?
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increase flexibility
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increase strength
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improve weight loss/ maintenance
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decrease inflammatory proteins (which lead to aging and stress)
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stabilize moods
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improve sleep
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improve focus (as in ADD, ADHD)
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decrease anxiety and depression
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and so much more
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Yoga and mindfulness meditation are complementary meaning they work well together and are, in some ways, different ways to accomplish the same task. Mindfulness practice includes yoga as part of the training. And yoga, when done properly, is a very mindful form of exercise as you are constantly using your breath and made aware of your body.
Yoga Books
Little Flower Yoga for Kids by Jennifer Cohen harper
Yoga for Children by Lisa Flynn
Yoga Pretzels (yoga deck) by Tara Guber
BREATHING EXERCISES
Square Breath- the square breath is a great easy one for kids to learn and can be visualized easily. Basically you breathe in slowly to the count of 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold empty for 4.
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Candle Breath- another simple one for our littles. Imagine or make a candle with your hand (hold a finger up in front of your face or hands folded with index fingers up in front of face) and deep easy breath in, and slowly blow the candle out. Keep repeating!
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Darth Vader or Ocean Breath- for this breathing technique, breathe in fully then make an ocean or darth vader sound by constricting the back of throat during exhale. This constriction makes the exhale last a bit longer which decreases the stress hormone cortisol. A version of breath is commonly used in yoga flow classes
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4-5-6 Breath- This is a super simple breath that can help calm you down in the moment. In for 4, hold for 5, out for 6. This patterning helps really elongate the exhale which decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Slowing down your breathing, especially the exhale, sends a signal to the brain that says “I am OK.” And if your brain believes you are ok, it all gets easier!
GR kids yoga and mindfulness links
AM Yoga has an AMazing kids program and has a lovely prenatal and mama/ baby classes too! CheCk them out at http://amyoga111.com/kids
Yoga Zen in Caledonia is right in our neighborhood and offers a number of different options for kids including child care for certain adult classes! Love this! https://theyogazengr.com/kids-yoga-classes-grand-rapids-caledonia-byron-center-michigan
Renew Mama Studio has many interesting offers for babes and moms. Take care of yourself and your kiddos. https://renewmamastudio.com