Yoga is not only about fitness but also about discipline. Commonly, getting your children into fitness at a young age might seem complicated, but due to the discipline part, it might overall seem to be a task that is not so difficult. Kids tend to be active, and putting their energy in the right direction, such as kids yoga, is great for increasing their focus and fitness. In fact, since performing yoga has several benefits apart from just fitness, making your kid do yoga might turn out to be highly beneficial.
There are several asanas in yoga that require more strength or flexibility than others, which is why certain poses can be considered in kids yoga. However, if you are not familiar with these, do not worry. In this article, we will be sharing some yoga poses that will help your kids remain fit and active all at the same time.
1. Sukhasana or Easy Sitting Pose
The name of the asana is due to its ease of it. All your kid needs to do is sit cross-legged with a straight back. The hands can rest on the knees. This is one of the best asanas for kids yoga because it augments concentration. Other benefits include strengthening back muscles, increased relaxation, and posture correction.
2. Balasana or Child’s Pose
The child’s pose makes a person feel held, which is why it helps in the reduction of stress and provides a sense of relaxation. To do this, one must sit on their knees with hips toward the heels. Then as they exhale, the arms should be reached forward and the head or chin resting on the floor. It augments the strength and flexibility of the hips, legs, and ankles while reducing tension from the upper body.
3. Paschimottanasana or Seated Forward Fold
To do this pose for kids yoga:
- Sit with a tall spine.
- Bring the legs out in front with toes flexed.
- Inhale while raising your arms and exhale while bending forward.
- Hold the toes or the arch of your feet with your hands.
- Keep breathing while holding the pose.
- Inhale as you come up and rest your arms on the sides.
The seated forward pose promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, decreases stress, enhances digestion, reduces the chances of stomach aches, relieves headaches, and decreases fatigue.
4. Baddha Konasana or Butterfly Pose
One of the most popular kids yoga poses is the butterfly pose due to the fun part of flapping. This is not only good health-wise but also excellent for a bonding experience among parents and children. To do this pose, sit down with the knees facing outwards and the soles of the feet together. Then, you can either flap the knees or sit still while breathing regularly. This pose grounds oneself to reduce fatigue, relieve headaches, calm the body and mind, reduce anxiety, improve digestion, promote creativity, and strengthen the muscles in the abdomen and legs.