FAQs

Kids’ yoga uses the principles of adult yoga to bring its many benefits to children in a way that they can understand and enjoy. It is fun, creative and non-competitive, and the use of animated poses and basic stretching exercises promotes strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness.

Breathing and visualisation techniques teach children how to focus, relax and develop self-control. Through yoga, children develop the tools they need to cultivate wellness and health in their everyday life which will help them as they grow in their adult life. You can read more in our What We Offer and Benefits sections.

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present moment. Being mindful is about observing our thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. It is an incredible tool to develop self awareness and help us to understand, tolerate, and deal with our emotions in healthy ways.

Young children are naturally very good at being mindful, in this present moment, and through simple breathing and meditation practices they learn to relax and boost their level of attention and concentration.

It is a great way for children to build their resilience and their ability to cope with difficult situations. It has also been found that mindfulness help us feel more compassionate, both toward ourselves and others.

There are many Benefits of yoga for children. Whilst being excellent for developing strength, balance, focus and concentration, yoga also gives children the tools to create their own relaxation techniques and build their confidence.

Starting the healthy life habits of stress reduction, mindfulness, movement and positive thinking at a young age will help empower children for physical, emotional and social wellbeing as they grow. A positive yoga experience at an early age will encourage a lifelong love of yoga and all the benefits and support that can bring.

Lastly, it is a non-competitive form of exercise, suitable for children of all ages, sizes and athletic ability.

Yes, yoga for children is a playful and safe activity. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of your child and we practice gentle yoga stretches and movements in all our classes and adapt postures to the different abilities and individual needs of children.

If your child has any mental or physical condition, we ask that you contact your doctor to check the suitability of the classes.

No, yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. It predates Hinduism by hundreds of years and is practiced by many religious and secular groups for physical and mental wellbeing.

Our private classes are taught in the comfort of your home, or chosen location, within zones 1 and 2. We also teach classes in schools, and offer workshops in yoga centres in Central London.

Each yoga class generally lasts up to an hour and consists of breathing exercises, traditional yoga postures, creative and playful yoga movements, singing and dancing, yoga games and arts activities.

The classes always end with relaxation time to enhance the feeling of total wellbeing within each child. Children are introduced to the world of yoga in a safe, fun, and engaging way.  The poses are taught in an age appropriate way and are further developed as children gain more confidence and understanding.  Each class focuses on a different theme or story to keep children engaged and enthusiastic about their practice.

There is no specific outfit or uniform for yoga. Kids should dress in comfortable loose clothing that won’t interfere with his/her movements in class. Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt are perfect.

Yes, yoga works beautifully with children who have emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties. It has been proven especially beneficial for children with ADD, ADHD, Autism, anxiety or trauma.

Yoga is also very beneficial for children with physical disabilities and additional needs as a supportive therapeutic treatment.  Have a look at some of the research listed in our Resources section for more information.

Yoga directly supports many of the compulsory subjects such as P.E. and English (literacy and listening skills), but it is also beneficial across the curriculum by teaching children to reduce stress and understand how to be calm and relaxed, which improves their approach to academic learning and handling the stress of SAT tests and exams.

Yoga also give them tools to improve concentration and focus.  See our Resources section for research on the benefits of yoga and meditation in school.

Yes, all Happy At Heart teachers are fully insured, DBS-CRB checked and have training in child protection.

You can book a class by calling +44 (0) 7468 335125 or you can Get In Touch.