Statistics show that 33 percent of U.S. kids are now obese and that many more suffer from a poor diet and lack of exercise, with a correspondingly higher risk of developing diabetes and other life-altering diseases.
In response, the celebrated author of the award-winning picture book The ABCs of Yoga for Kids has released a DVD titled Yoga Adventures with Down Dog: A Yoga Alphabet Playdate that takes her efforts to teach yoga to kids to a whole new level.
This engaging DVD by longtime yoga practitioner Teresa Anne Power not only teaches children yoga postures, but also the alphabet, letter recognition and spelling. The result? Children will delight in singing yoga songs, practicing simple yoga poses and using letters of the alphabet to have fun and feel great while simultaneously reaping the many significant benefits of practicing yoga.
In children, notes Power, yoga helps develop discipline, aids in the performance of other sports activities, heightens body awareness and self-control, helps children gain strength and flexibility, increases the ability to concentrate and focus, helps kids feel empowered and helps them stay calm (even kids with ADD or ADHD). All told, this translates into healthier minds and bodies, not to mention a better performance at school.
Power comments, “Today’s kids need to develop healthy habits as early as possible. Yoga nourishes the mind, body and spirit and paves the way for a life-long tradition of health and fitness.” She adds, “By helping kids maintain a healthy weight and feel more prepared and focused in school, yoga can help them feel better about themselves for life.”
About the author
Teresa Anne Power, avid yoga practitioner for 28 years, is the author of the multiple award-winning book The ABCs of Yoga for Kids and creator of Yoga Adventures with Down Dog, a children’s yoga DVD. For the past nine years, she has taught yoga to young children, both in schools and at local organizations, and has spoken at numerous libraries, schools, book stores, yoga studios and school conferences. Power has also taught Children’s Yoga Teacher Training Seminars in Los Angeles at both Children’s Bureau and Pathways (a child care resource center) to help children from all walks of life be exposed to the health benefits of yoga. She is a member of the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators, The Independent Book Publishers Association and USA Yoga. Additionally, she writes articles about children’s health and fitness on www.examiner.com. For more information, visit www.abcyogaforkids.com.