Yoga Club at STA The St. Thomas Aquinas Yoga Club meets every Thursday during the lunch hour. Here, students participate in stretching, meditation, and relaxation. Students have mastered everything from the Downward Dog pose to the Half Moon pose. In the process, students learn about balance, coordination, and stability, while building strength and endurance in their bodies. After yoga, students leave feeling relaxed, centered, and calm! They are ready for their busy afternoon of learning after participating yoga! Studies have noted many benefits of participating in yoga for children which have been proven to enhance not only their physical fitness level and health, but also their intellectual development and critical thinking. Body Benefits: Assists neuromuscular-development Promotes development of the vestibular system Encourages midline crossing motions; motor development on both sides of the body Develops a strong and flexible body Increases balance, body awareness and coordination Improves posture and alignment Develops core strength, essential for good posture and correct physical alignment Reduces injuries and improves performance Improves digestion, circulation and elimination Strengthens the immune system Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep
Mind Benefits: Calms and clears the mind, bringing us into the present moment Relieves tension and stress Increases concentration, focus and attention span Promotes thinking and memory Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness Expands imagination and creativity Reduces stress and anxiety Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions Balances energy (high or low) Spirit Benefits: Builds confidence and self-esteem Supports character development and emotional intelligence Enhances team skills and social interaction Develops discipline and self-control Supports individuality and self-expression Encourages social and environmental awareness and responsibility Supports a sense of universal connectedness Inspires respect for self and others
Benefits of Yoga in the School Setting: Provides students healthy ways to express and balance their emotions Promotes a more relaxed, comfortable state of being - the perfect state for teaching and learning Brings students into the present moment the most basic requirement for learning Encourages community and connectedness within the classroom Helps to create an atmosphere of confidence, enthusiasm and noncompetitiveness where everyone can succeed Provides opportunities for beneficial motor breaks throughout the day Eases anxiety and tension (such as pre-test or performance jitters) Enhances focus, concentration, comprehension and memory Provides opportunities for reflection, patience and insight, reducing impulsivity and reactivity Supports social and emotional learning Improves listening skills Wakes up sluggish minds and creativity as needed Enhances organizational and communication skills Improves posture, assisting students to sit comfortably for long periods Enhances motor skills and balance Improves mind/body awareness and connection Improves confidence and self-esteem Encourages respect for oneself and others Creates a calm, harmonious classroom Source: Yoga for Classrooms http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/benefits-of-yoga-in-schools Yoga has the power to boost self-confidence in students by allowing them to see the beautify within themselves. Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation lead to a lifetime of health and wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
Downward Dog Pose Half Moon Pose Airplane Pose
Butterfly Pose Boat Pose Upward Dog Pose
Bow/Basket Pose Child's Pose Warrior II Pose
Tree Pose Dancer's Pose Hindi Squat
Camel Pose Plank Sun Warrior
Triangle Eagle Pose Relaxation Pose
Namaste