Practicing yoga can help kids develop better body awareness, self-control, flexibility, and coordination.
Yoga is a lifestyle practice that involves training both the mind and the body through meditation and physical exercise. The physical part of yoga involves performing a series of specific poses while using controlled breathing techniques that are designed to reduce emotional stress and nervous anxiety. While there are some advanced yoga poses that require a good deal of practice in order to execute successfully, there are many other poses that are perfectly suitable for beginners and children of all ages.
The Butterfly
To get into this position, sit down on the floor and put the soles of your feet together. Sit up straight and allow your knees to drop toward the floor. Grasp your ankles and use your elbows to help push your knees downward. Breathe easily and naturally.
The Fish
Lie down on your back and place both hands on your stomach. Press your legs firmly together and keep your toes pointed. Use your elbows to prop yourself up and lift your chest upward. Let the top of your head rest lightly on the floor so that an arch is made between your upper body and the floor. Hold the position while you inhale and exhale slowly, and then carefully lower your back to rest back on the floor.
The Airplane
From a standing position, inhale deeply and then exhale as you stretch your arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Lean forward and shift you weight onto one leg as you point the other leg out directly behind you. Keep your arms outstretched and make sure that the leg that is off the ground is straight and in line with your chest. Repeat this position using the other leg.
The Two-Person Bridge
Grab a friend who is roughly the same height as you and take hold of each other's wrists while standing up. Bend forward until both of your backs are horizontal and straight. Try to breathe in sync with your partner as you balance in the pose. If you or your partner is having trouble getting your balance, try bending a little. Slowly raise your back into an upright position to come out of the pose.
The Bow
To get into the bow position, first, lie down on your stomach. Then, with your knees bent to lift your feet off the ground, reach back with your arms and take hold of your ankles. Gently straighten your knees to pull your feet away from your body and stretch out your chest and stomach. You should feel the arch in your back as you slowly inhale and exhale. Come out of the pose by releasing your ankles and slowly lowering your feet and chest to the floor.
The Gorilla
With your knees slightly bent, get into a wide stance with your feet spread apart. Bend forward, let your arms dangle down in front of you, and then swing your body back and forth in a gorilla-like manner. If you really want to get into it, try stomping from side to side and making gorilla noises.
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