Relaxation and stretching exercises benefit people, young and old, particularly children who have decreased muscle tone and attention challenges. Brenda Bazan is a licensed Integral Yoga International instructor who specializes in classes for children with special needs. Bazan says she sees children increase their core strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation during yoga classes.
Bazan models her practice off of the ancient practices of Hindu cultures, where people would go to a yogini to assess individual challenges and then work in a private setting. A private session includes eye exercises that rein in a child’s attention, stretching that increases flexibility and strength and relaxation poses that require kids to lie on the floor and meditate in quiet.
Camille Crim, a North Texas mom, says her son Parker, 4, has greatly benefited from his yearlong regimen of private, weekly 30-minute classes. “As a child with Down syndrome, Parker has increased balance and breath support; He quickly learned to walk after only a month of yoga classes,” she says. “It’s important that he continues a healthy lifestyle, which yoga practice also promotes.”
