Can children do yoga?
Yoga can be safely introduced to children at around seven years. When young they need to be taught in a playful manner such that they can enjoy what they are doing and are so motivated to continue with it. The basic nature of children is dynamic and they love things which are fast and quick; their minds are very alert but never very steady and therefore they constantly need variety. Also children learn faster by observing than by words so a teacher needs to perform along with the children and at the same pace; as B.K.S. Iyengar says “Children are controlled by their eyes not by words.” All these aspects must be taken into consideration in teaching Yoga successfully. In practice this means postures should be taught in quick succession with plenty of variety and continuous challenges such that their latent energy is used positively. Gradually precision and perfection can be introduced as they grow. Introducing yoga to children develops in them the attributes of courage, concentration and
