Yoga is a group of ancient spiritual and physical practices that originated in India. In modern European and North American practice, the physical aspect of yoga is emphasized over the spiritual. Most modern Western yoga is based on a group of postures, called asanas, associated with Hatha Yoga, and is utilized as a form of exercise. Yoga is very effective at providing physical exercise without impact, and can be used by many groups of people, including those with injuries and disabilities. Of course, if you’re going to practice yoga and you have a prior condition, you should talk to your doctor first.

Some reported benefits of yoga include greater strength and flexibility, stress and anxiety relief, and regulation of health problems. It can help people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, back problems, and even asthma. Yoga has also said to help people who are suffering harmful effects of self-objectification.

Remember to wear comfortable clothing to practice yoga. Natural fibers are ideal, since they breathe well and will prevent our bodies from over heating. Restrictive clothing can make it a lot harder to perform the necessary yoga positions. You won’t need shoes to practice yoga – generally, it’s done barefoot on a mat. A good yoga mat helps you define the space in which you’re going to practice. It also helps you get traction, preventing slipping in difficult yoga positions.

While you can rent a yoga mat from the studio, there’s some risk of contracting fungi or other conditions from it. Buying your own is not expensive, and means that you won’t be exposed to the danger of other people’s contagious conditions. Avoid cheap mats, however. The foam out of which they’re made may not hold up as well, and can contain pthalates.

Other optional yoga equipment includes blankets and blocks, which can assist you in assuming difficult positions. If you’d like to practice yoga, having the right equipment can make it a lot easier. Practicing with low quality equipment, or in clothing that restricts your movement can make yoga more difficult. So, if you’re thinking of starting a yoga class, take a few moments to make sure that you have the right clothes and a high quality mat.

Children are being brought up in a world of noise and busyness. Busy parents, school pressures, additional after school activities, computer games and fast moving TV can all add to their stress levels. School tests, falling out with friends, arguments between parents, feeling overwhelmed by homework and being bullied or teased can add to the stress as they learns how to deal with the outside world.

Yoga is a wonderful activity that can help counter these pressures. When children learn simple techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life’s challenges with a little more ease. Learning yoga from an early age encourages body awareness and appreciation of their surroundings. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength and coordination as well as aids concentration and sense of calmness.

The beauty of yoga is that children of all shapes, sizes, abilities and ages can benefit from the exercises. Children can stretch as much as as comfortable as they learn that every body is different. Most of the poses have animal names and shapes which can capture the imagination of even the youngest of children. They can imitate the movement and sounds of the animals and imagine the qualities of that animal. For example when they adopt the lion pose, they can feel strong and courageous, while in the tortoise poise, feel quiet and still inside their mind as well as their body.

More and more schools are adopting yoga at this time. A recent government study reported by the Telegraph found that fewer school children are participating in school sports and are signing up for more “fun” non-competitive alternatives like circus skills (juggling) and yoga.

According to the article: “The study found that 58 per cent of secondary schools – and almost a third of all schools – offered cheerleading as a sport, more than a fifth trampolining, 21 per cent yoga and 18 per cent ‘circus skills’. This compares to the number offering rugby falling from almost three quarters of schools in 2006 to two thirds now.”

Interestingly enough, Nick Gibb (Tory schools spokesman) and Nick Seaton (Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education) were shocked and disappointed as they believe that competitive sport is crucial for exercise and team spirit.

It is wonderful news that children and their parents are choosing non-competitive options in school settings. Yoga is a great form of exercise for mind, body and mental health and so a wonderful way for children to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives.