Did you know that this September marks the third ever National Yoga Awareness Month designated by the Department of Health & Human Services? The goal is to educate people about the many benefits of yoga and inspire them to live happier, healthier lives.

Through extensive research it has been proven that yoga has countless benefits for the mind and body. Yoga is one of the oldest-known sciences in the world and is acknowledged by experts as a highly effective complementary alternative medicine. In fact, yoga is now being seen as a valuable tool in helping address the health care crisis we are now facing. Why not take this opportunity to start a yoga practice with your nieces and nephews! You will be shocked at the kids’ excitement and interest in this amazing practice.

Children today are under a lot of stress; homework, pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities, over-scheduling -- it all adds up. And just like we adults, kids could and should use Yoga to help them relax.

Teaching Yoga to children can help them develop better body awareness, physical and mental strength, self-control, flexibility and coordination. These skills can be carried beyond your practice and into their daily lives. What’s more, you will help them find self-compassion, self-acceptance, confidence, and relax, all in a non-competitive environment.

Based on my experience, Yoga poses that would work well with kids are the warrior pose and tree pose. They help instill calm, confidence and balance. The trick is to get beyond just "doing" the posture. The best way to practice would be to ignite their imagination and challenge their minds as well as their bodies. Try to get them to think about what the postures mean; let them try to become like the postures: strong and confident like a warrior or tree.

In addition to the aforementioned, developing a yoga practice with your niece or nephew is a great way to keep yourself in shape too. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and be strong like a warrior! Contact your local yoga studio for free yoga sessions during the month of September and to inquire about youth yoga programs.

Becky Wenner, owner of Becky's Fitness Company, is a proud Aunt of five.

Published: August 31, 2010