When it comes to those early athletes or kids who are extremely active and energetic, introducing yoga into their routine can be incredibly beneficial. Yoga taps into a unique blend of the physical and mental world and can support a child’s overall development and athleticism. Here are the five most compelling reasons as to why yoga is essential for early athletes:
Enhances Strength and Flexibility.
Yoga is a very safe way to promote physical strength and motor coordination, which is essential for early athletes. Poses such as the Plank and the Warrior Pose help build core strength, while poses like the Downward Dog help improve flexibility. Strengthened muscles with a larger range of motion not only tend to perform better but are also less prone to injury.
Improves Balance and Coordination
Many yoga poses require balancing or holding the body in difficult positions, which over time can significantly improve a child’s balance and awareness of their body in different positions. As an athlete, it is important to know from what positions it is safe to be explosive and it is equally important to have a strong balance. Being able to move more efficiently and hold difficult positions is great for not just sports, but any physical activity.
Supports Mental Focus and Concentration
Yoga teaches children to focus on their breathing while also being focused on the present moment. Breathe control is an essential part of any cardiovascular exercise but also serves as a tool to help boost concentration and mental clarity. Improved focus bleeds into all aspects of life, so yoga can help children perform on the field and on those tests!
Promotes Recovery and Injury Prevention Habits
Repeating difficult motions in sports can very easily lead to injuries, especially when the body parts responsible for these movements are not properly tended to. The many stretches done in yoga help boost recovery and also strengthen the muscles in uncomfortable positions or ranges of motion. This all combines relief in the joints, improved overall body alignment, and a lower chance of long-term injuries. Essentially, not only does yoga help you bounce back quicker but it also keeps you safe from getting seriously hurt!
Fosters Self-Acceptance and a Positive Mindset
Yoga is inherently a non-competitive practice. It encourages self-acceptance and fosters positivity in your mindset. Through yoga, children are taught to understand their bodies and their capabilities without the use of comparison. A positive self-image leads to a confident athlete, and any professional athlete can tell you just how important confidence is when faced with competitive pressures. Practicing self-acceptance also equips children with the resilience to handle losses and setbacks, letting them do what they love more effectively.
At Mindful Play Learning, we believe that yoga is an invaluable tool for nurturing the next generation of early learners and athletes. Incorporating yoga into their routine offers so many physical and mental benefits while serving as a healthy way to self-regulate in a world with so many vices. For more tips and resources on mindfulness and play, stay tuned to our blog and explore our offerings at Mindful Play Learning!
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