The world we live in can be hectic, making it imperative for even our little ones to find mental and physical balance.
Yoga catalyzes this through a combination of mental health optimization, breathing exercises, strength enhancement and body mindfulness.
Yoga is no longer just an exercise for adults. It’s a haven for our kids, too.
Happy Baby Pose
Firstly, let’s talk about the “Happy Baby Pose” as one of the easiest yoga poses for kids.
This simple yoga pose is fit even for beginners and offers an excellent way to kickstart your child’s journey into yoga.
Your child begins by lying flat on their back, hugging their knees into the chest and grabbing the outer part of their feet with both hands—the exact body position mimics the broad smile of a happy baby.
Standing Forward Bend and Eagle Pose
Boosting the upper body strength, the “Standing Forward Bend” and the “Eagle Pose” are yoga exercises that help kids understand their bodies better and enhance physical balance.
These poses strengthen the upper body, improve posture and stimulate the abdominal organs.
Butterfly Pose
In the meantime, the “Butterfly Pose” has its own unique set of perks.
This simple yoga asana activates the kidneys and the prostate gland, aids in digestion and improves overall flexibility.
Plus, it’s a great fun for kids as it invokes the imagery of a fluttering butterfly.
Downward Facing Dog Pose
Named after the way dogs naturally stretch their bodies, “Downward Facing Dog Pose” stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands, energizes the body and helps calm the brain and relieve stress and mild depression.
Dancing Shiva Pose
Our subsequent pose on the list, “Dancing Shiva Pose”, is not just a fun yoga exercise but also teaches the kids about body coordination and balance.
Extended Mountain Pose
“Extended Mountain Pose” is another active pose that elongates the upper body, relieving tension, and improving body posture.
Upward Facing Dog Pose
Moreover, the “Upward Facing Dog Pose” is excellent for a shoulder blades workout.
It also treats depression, strengthens the spine, and promotes lung capacity— a mix of deep breathing practices and a good old fun exercise!
Warrior 3, Tree Pose, and Table Top Pose
“Warrior 3”, “Tree Pose”, and “Table Top Pose” are yoga poses that truly represent the essence of resilience and inner strength.
Also, these poses have the power to ignite the spark of strength in your child mentally and physically.
Flower Pose, Child’s Pose, and Sun Salutation
On the other hand, ‘Flower’, ‘Child’s Pose’ and the ‘Sun Salutation’ pose included in yoga exercises for beginners embody aspects of patience, calmness, gratitude, and the art of slowing down.
The ‘Childs Pose’ is the perfect pose that manifests tranquility for all, it relieves tension in the back, shoulders, and chest.
Boat Pose and Elephant Pose
In contrast, poses like the “Boat Pose” and the “Elephant Pose” represent parallels between life and nature. The boat Pose is great for building abdominal and core strength while Elephant Pose helps in joint movements, coordination and fosters creativity.
Cobra Pose and Corpse Pose
We seal our list with the “Cobra Pose” and the “Corpse Pose”. In the former, children benefit from spine flexibility and amplified lung volume, while the “Corpse Pose” is an ideal breathing exercise tool teaching kids the essence of deep breathing, stillness, and relaxation.
Teaching Yoga to Kids
Teaching yoga to kids requires a slightly different approach than teaching adults. Here are some helpful tips.
Firstly, make the sessions exciting and engaging. Children respond to fun and visual stimulation, so include storytelling or take them on imaginary journeys while doing yoga poses such as pretending they’re a tree in the wind for ‘Tree Pose’.
Secondly, use easy-to-understand language. Detailed technical jargon will only confuse them. So instead of saying “straighten your spine”, say “stretch up tall like a giraffe”.
Thirdly, patience is key. Kids might not get a pose right at the first attempt, and that’s okay. Regular practice and encouragement are essential.
Furthermore, focus not just on the poses but also on breathing. Deep breathing has immense health benefits, and teaching kids early on will serve them well.
Last but not least, always end your sessions on the ‘Corpse Pose’ or the ‘Savasana’ and add a brief meditation period. This would help create mindfulness, another beautiful gift of yoga. Remember, the ultimate goal is for kids to enjoy yoga and inculcate a long-lasting, beneficial habit.
Summary: Yoga Poses for Kids
To conclude, yoga exercises for beginners, particularly kids, act as the perfect harmony of pleasure and beneficial bodily functioning. So, take a deep breath, and introduce your little ones to this mystical world of ‘mental health meets fun’ with our 22 yoga poses for kids.