Young Yogis

A few months ago,10-year-old Vardaan Mehta discovered a new recipe to enhance his performance at the badminton court. After practicing daily few minutes of tada -asanas punctuated by breathing routines,he has been able to improve his flexibility and reduce knee injuries. “Yoga has given me more power in my game,” smiles Mehta,a district level badminton champion. Once a recommended regimen for adults,Yoga is now finding favour among 10-14 year olds. The recently organised yoga camp for junior badminton players at the Community Centre was proof,as it had as many as 50 children practicing asanas and breathing techniques.

But there is a caveat to the craze. Yoga practitioners admit that not every type of yoga asana is suited for children. “We should take into consideration that a child’s body is still growing and it cannot cope with strenuous asanas,” agrees Abishek Rayal,yoga teacher at the Sector 7,Community Centre,Panchkula. Usually asanas like the bow pose,bridge pose,surya-namaskar,tada-asana,sarvangasana and a handful of breathing,stretching techniques are taught to kids.

While adults mostly practice yoga for stability and peace of mind,kids do not seek similar benefits. Their reasons are mostly physical conditioning. “In kids,a certain level of flexibility is achieved to make them less prone to injuries,strengthen weak joints,increase stamina and boost self- esteem,” explains Rayal. Instructors not only focus on physical attributes but develop mental balance too. “It develops a child’s creativity,helps in focusing on their school work and makes their reactions spontaneous,” he adds. To make the activity fun,practitioners intersperse yoga with appealing props like strengthening bands,fitness balls,music,blocks,dumbbells and weights.

Parents vouch for the benefits. “Since the inception of yoga camp,I have seen a lot of difference in my children. It has not only contributed to their mental focus and boosted their appetite. They have reduced intake of junk food,” says Mrinalini Mehta,a homemaker,who now religiously drops her

children for yoga practice at the nearby community centre.