Balance is Built from Little On

Written by A. Simon, May 2019, MN USA

©️Minnesota Kid’s Yoga Co., LLC - Blog

Balance is something we all use each and every day…

Have you ever noticed how some kids (or adults) can instantly ride a bike, walk on a balance beam, water-ski on one leg, or can hold dancer’s pose with ease? Have you ever though about ability versus skill? Further, have you heard the saying, “Some people are naturally clumbsy and some people are just naturally coordinated?” If so, then this article will explain all of these ideas, in depth, even more!

I was recently attending an anatomy lecture for yoga teachers. A discussion was brought up around flexibility and balance/coordination. Many teachers agreed that some people can just bend easier than others can. The teachers also agreed that some people can do postures perfect the 1st time, while other people can work on a posture for years and never master it. We identified the reasons behind varying abilities. The explanation is this. If you don’t use it, you lost it. Also, when you are exposed to many things as a child, you are more about to “complete” things as an adult.

For example, I am a naturally flexible person, in comparison to my family members and friends. From little on, I was active in gymnastics, dance, soccer, track, and skating. All of these sports allowed me to stretch and move daily, and I therefore built up muscle memory. As an adult I can still do many of these sports. When I talk with friends, who never did sports as kids, they agree that they never stretched or competed in activities that required balance and coordination. They didn’t use these skills when they were little, and therefore, they lost these skills.

Yes, people can become more flexible and can learn poses that require stretching and balancing, however, it takes a lot of time, dedication, and years of practice for them. When someone learns skills from little on, it is almost like riding a bike. When you learn a language from little on, you naturally pick it up as you grow older. It all correlates to one another.

So, with that said, expose your children to many things, including yoga, early on! The earlier they learn to balance and stretch, the better they will be equipped to do so as an adult! Believe me, I am so thankful my parents helped me become the healthy yogi I am today!

Finally, children that have better balance and coordination at an early age, have better postures, muscle strength, and motivation to stay fit and healthy as adults.