Kids, Parents Find Calm in Yoga Poses

Most kids are natural yogis. Babies grab their toes; toddlers bend at the waist and put forehead to floor; elementary-school kids demonstrate an affinity for headstands and handstands — all variations on yoga poses. Young yogis tend to be more flexible, less fearful practitioners. And minors are not intimidated by major tongue-twisting required by reciting Sanskrit names of poses, perhaps because pronouncing Adho Mukha Svanasana and Salamba Sarvangasana and Uttitha Trikonasana is not a far cry from Dr. Seuss.

Today, more young Americans — from babies barely out of the womb to college students — have a yoga practice.

"It's nascent because yoga creates such all-over health for adults, who know it benefits them mentally and physically and makes them peaceful; and naturally people want that for children," said Sydney Solis, founder of Storytime Yoga.

Boulder-based and internationally recognized, Solis created a yogic brand primarily for preschoolers to foster "children's peace, health and literacy through yoga and storytelling." She uses yoga poses and puppets to teach kids physical alignment, as well as life lessons. (More)

Source: The Denver Post