Yoga has long been billed as the perfect activity for mums and dads wanting to lose weight, tone up and incorporate regular relaxation into their weekly schedule. Phrases such as ‘The Lotus’ and ‘Downwards Dog’ are no longer met with blank stares when mentioned in conversation and yoga schools are booming businesses, such is yoga’s popularity today.

It’s little surprise when you consider the health benefits; improved flexibility and core strength, better posture, improved breathing, stress relief, higher levels of concentration and a lesser risk of heart disease. Adults all over the world are feeling these positive effects but there’s still a huge section of society missing out: children!

It’s been reported that only 1 in 250 girls and 1 in 20 boys are getting enough exercise to stay healthy and with the lure of TV programmes, computer games and the internet, it’s not difficult to see why. While yoga might not spring to mind as the activity of choice for kids with bundles of energy to expel, it provides a refreshing contrast with the sports clubs and lessons they might already be attending; allowing them time to unwind and relax.

Improving flexibility and core strength may even benefit other activities your little ones love doing- playing football or gymnastics for example. Developing a good posture in their early years will lessen the risk of developing back problems later in life and relieving stress and teaching him or her to concentrate from an early age will also set them in good stead for their school years.

Of course, convincing a toddler to sit calmly, concentrate and get into lots of unusual positions would probably challenge the patience of even a saint! But, four characters appearing regularly on CBeebies are proving to be most helpful when it comes to encouraging little ones to do so. The preschool series Waybuloo, features four ‘Piplings’ named Yojojo, Lau Lau, Nok Tok and De Li, who encourage children to practice Yoga; a gentle form of exercise similar to yoga.  In each episode of Waybuloo the Piplings perform four Yoga poses and encourage the children watching to copy. *Recent research found that the interaction and engagement element of the show was a key strength of the series, with 68% of the children who watch Waybuloo enjoy taking part in the yogo moves.

While the Piplings are very good teachers, taking on a new activity such as Yoga can be somewhat daunting for parents who don’t regularly practice yoga themselves. If you’re feeling that way, fear not!  Join the special Waybuloo Yogabugs instructor on 19th August at Westfield London shopping centre this summer for a gentle introduction to Yoga session performed to  the newly released Waybuloo single entitled ‘Time for Yoga’.  Children can take part in a 15 minute yoga class where they will be taught some of the moves from Waybuloo.  The children will also have a chance to hear about the Piplings’ adventures told by a professional storyteller and there will be a chance to win some Waybuloo goodies!

The Waybuloo Yoga sessions will be taking place at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm in the Autumn, and best of all- th ey’re free!
For more information, visit www.uk.westfield.com/london/