Why RJ Yoga

Adults

Yin & Yang style of yoga is a well-rounded practice of mindfulness of the body, heart and mind.

The yoga practice is the elasticity of muscle and connective tissues when we move and bend our joints doing yoga postures, both muscles and connective tissues are being stretched. The muscles are Yang because they are soft and elastic, the connective tissue is Yin because it is stiff and inelastic.

Kids

What is it that all parents want for their children? Good health? Happiness? The confidence to tackle the growing pressures of childhood?

Well; 'RJ Yoga' offers them this and much much more! 'RJ Yoga' is more than just a leisure activity and a hobby, it is an education. It considers 'the whole child' by addressing it's brain, heart, body, mind and spirit, whilst integrating fun and games to enhance it's imagination and attention span.

'RJ Yoga' encourages the youngster to express itself, resulting in a more confident, healthy child.

Now read on to find out:

• Where did the idea originate?
• What is 'RJ Yoga' all about?
• What happens in a class?
• Fun & Games
• The Benefits!

Where did the idea originate?

The teachings of Yoga have been around for thousands of years, but it is only in past decade that Yoga for children has been addressed. It originated in America and is now a popular and fast-growing activity for children in the States. Yoga for children has been unheard of in the UK up until now. 'RJ Yoga' offers children a chance to learn about their bodies and their health, whilst having fun and developing their social skills with other youngsters.

What is 'RJ Yoga' all about?

'RJ Yoga' is about educating children of all ages to develop physically and mentally. In terms of physical exercise, Yoga is based on a series of stretches, positions and movements, which extend the muscles, resulting in increased flexibility. In terms of their mentality, 'RJ Yoga' offers them a chance to develop their creativity and imagination. In classes, the children assume different poses and movements to imitate animals and elements, for example, balancing like a flamingo, or standing steady like a tree.

This aspect allows children to imagine taking on the qualities of what they are imitating, often making noises like a roar for a lion to bring the position alive. This adds the element of fun to classes, along with story telling, music and games.

What happens in a yoga class?

A 'RJ Yoga' class is based around Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory. According to Gardner, all human beings have eight types of intelligence. 'RJ Yoga' strives to educate children in different areas, according to these intelligences. It allows children to absorb information through many avenues, therefore learning becomes easier and there is a better chance of retention.

Fun & Games

Children respond to learning when it is presented in interesting and fun ways. A typical class integrates the eight intelligences to educate the 'whole child'. The children undergo a process of stretches, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, whilst benefiting from the playful aspects which stretch their imagination. The incorporation of music, dance and games is of the utmost importance. In order for children to fully appreciate what it is they are learning, it must be made a fun experience for them, which 'RJ Yoga' provides.

They go through stages of exercise, firstly engaging in class activities, and then progressively they are led into a place of calm and relaxation. The result of a class being happy smiling faces!

Benefits of yoga

Now, the most important bit of all, what are the benefits of 'RJ Yoga'? Well, 'RJ Yoga' above all is a progression, a learning experience: in order for children to really notice and benefit from the physical and mental advantages of learning Yoga, it will take time.

In the long term, Yoga can be extremely beneficial in terms of physical health and mental well-being. Children will incur increased flexibility, awareness of their bodies, knowledge of health and nutrition, and much more. In the short term however, Yoga can still be used to educate children socially and make them aware of what their bodies can do, and above all - have fun! It also teaches them to express themselves, to be creative in terms of music and dance, and imaginative with respect to the multitude of movements and poses which they assume in classes.

Advantages for youngsters who learn yoga are that it can equip them with sufficient knowledge to handle the stress of growing up. It can provide them with a sound basis to cope with pressures of everyday life such as school, homework, friends and growing competitiveness amongst peers.

'RJ Yoga' also encourages a healthy, relaxed state of mind and body, often achieved through meditation, calm and a peaceful environment. Once this state has been gained, it can increase levels of concentration focus and attention.