YOUNG children are relishing the opportunity to take part in yoga classes that have been designed specifically for them.

Pupils from Priorsford School in Peebles were the first to benefit from the three-week courses that have just been launched.

The scheme is also covering the primary school at West Linton with Kingsland School, Peebles, St Ronan’s, Innerleithen, and Eddleston Primary School next on the list.

“Recently I started working with Borders Sport & Leisure Trust which has enabled me to visit schools for three week blocks to highlight the benefits of yoga and show them what my classes are all about,” said YogaBellies teacher Stephanie Kitching.

“The feedback from parents who have attended the classes has been amazing. Some of them have thanked me for bringing yoga to Peebles as their children are not interested in any other sport activities but they love yoga!” YogaBelliesKidz yoga postures focus on the things that excite and trigger the imagination of today’s children.

“By engaging children in this positive way, we encourage them to use their imagination, become independent, resilient and strong,” said Stephanie.

“Each of our Kidz postures is grounded in traditional yoga with all of the benefits that adults can expect to see during a yoga practice, but with a much more gentle and fun approach.” A typical session may include a flight to the moon, whizzing past the many colourful planets, meeting interesting space creatures, shooting past the stars, looking for hidden treasure and returning to the beautiful earth that we live in.

Each week covers a new theme grounded in the national curriculum, which means the child has an exciting session encompassing both and action and relaxation but also support for their nursery and school based learning.

The pre-teen class is more advanced and aims to aid confidence, flexibility, learn meditations and also learn to relax the mind. This can help children cope with the transition to high school, developing friendships and building confidence.

“Children are subject to a great deal of stress these days because of their workload at school and the high expectations that their parents have for them,” said Stephanie.

“They are pushed to be achievers at every single point of their lives, and when they fail, they take it to heart and become depressed.

“Yoga helps them relax and de-stress when they feel upset or depressed. It soothes their frayed minds and helps them get back to a normal mental state.

“Children are more flexible and agile than adults, so the earlier you get kids started on to yoga, the more benefits they gain.

“The class is also highly beneficial for children who are involved in other sports such as Football, Dancing, Rugby etc. By learning different techniques to stretch and stay flexible it can help them progress further in these other activities/hobbies.” Free taster session are offered to schools, nurseries and playgroups and private classes are available. For more information contact Stephanie Kitching on 07507109032 or log on to the following website: www.yogabellies.com