Yoga has become a popular activity among adults around the nation and many experts believe the benefits can apply to children. NBC affiliate KNOP-TV News 2 reports youngsters who visit the North Platte Area Children's Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, participate in more than just
natural play - they also engage in kid-friendly yoga.
Alecia Hoatha, an instructor at Stellar Yoga, runs children's yoga classes at the facility to encourage youngsters to enjoy the benefits of stretching and the calming effects the workout has on them.
"This [type of] yoga is all about returning to your mind and to your breathing and with kids that doesn't usually happen. They want to continue moving," Hoatha told the news channel, adding she uses stories to keep them engaged. "We took a story and acted it out through yoga postures."
Yoga can be a great way to help kids get in the 60 minutes of daily exercise as recommended by the Let's Move! initiative. Plus, the act helps
healthy kids learn other life skills including de-stressing techniques, Hoatha reports to KNOP News 2.
"Learning how to breathe deeply, stress management and coping skills can start as young as this age," she told reporters.
Parents can also encourage children to exercise as they grow by making workouts a family affair. Youngsters may benefit from climbing on
commercial playground equipment at nearby parks or by going for nightly family bike rides.