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Amanda Butterfield reportingYou've probably got your children signed up for soccer, football, dance or other activities. But have you ever thought your little one needs some balance in a non-competitive sports? How about yoga?
It might be the noisiest downward-dog pose you've heard. In all the poses, the children are encouraged to make whatever sound is appropriate.
Nikki, a mother of two, has been doing yoga for a while. "Just for you, emotional and daily balance," she said.
She recently found a Yoga Monkeys class for children. "My guys do soccer as well, and this is a great balance," she said.
But unlike soccer games and team practice, Nikki can do this with her boys. Sammy and Roo say they aren't competing against the other children. "It makes me feel strong," Sammy said.
"They're really learning how to deal with a lot of new emotions right now. They're 2 and 4, and learning that deep breath can make you feel better," Nikki said.
Melissa Hallenbeck founded Yoga Monkeys. She teaches classes in different studios and schools across the valley and says yoga has helped her daughter too. "She likes to do her poses and shows those off for people, so it's definitely built her self-confidence," Hallenbeck said.
"Yoga, like any sports, can be beneficial for children," said Dr. Charles Pruitt, of Primary Children's Medical Center.
Pruitt teaches yoga at his children's school. He says the few studies available on yoga and children show it can help them relax and is great for those with physical limitations or who are not competitive. "Children don't exercise enough, so any is good," he said.
The little "yogis" probably don't understand that a chicken pose helps increase muscle tone, flexibility, and reduces stress. They do yoga for a simpler reason. "Because it makes me happy," Sammy said.
For more information on Yoga Monkeys, where classes are held and how much it costs, click the related link.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
