5 Yoga Poses for Children

The activities our children do are very important. Swimming, karate, theater, painting… there are endless activities that can enhance our little ones’ skills. What you probably don’t know is that yoga poses are the most recommended activity to help children start understanding what “me” time is all about.

Yoga originated in India as a form of mental and bodily stimulation over 35 centuries ago. Europe didn’t become aware of yoga until about the seventeenth century when archaeologist John Marshall found a stamp with figures in positions unknown to the Western world.

Nowadays, there are many different types of yoga to suit every person’s needs. Some focus more on spiritual well-being, others on physical. There are some who consider it a purely religious ritual and there’s even a therapeutic discipline.

Among these types, there’s a type of yoga for children. Doctors highly recommend it since it has infinite benefits. They can also practice yoga at home as these exercises can help with their psychomotor development, spine strengthening, and flexibility. It’s really wonderful!

5 yoga poses for kids

It’s likely that your child may not be super interested in yoga at first, but that’s only because they haven’t tried it yet. The poses we talk about below are clear examples of how an ancient technique can be adapted to any person, including children.

Sun salutation

The child should stand with their legs open and try to lower their body with their feet parallel to one another. This is one of the most recommended yoga postures for children who are just beginning to practice yoga.

Doing this pose is easy and it doesn’t take too much effort. However, you should keep an eye on them so they don’t extend their back too much or move too quickly. For many children, this pose is fun because it’s easy to understand. However, if they get too excited, their impulsiveness can make them tip over.

Lumbar stretch

The lumbar stretch pose is perfect for flexibility. The child should sit with their legs stretched forward and try to reach their toes. They must maintain this posture for a few seconds. Doing this helps them strengthen their joints little by little.

The spine plays a fundamental role in this pose. Children particularly enjoy it because they’re able to use their creativity and imagination. Once they can touch their toes with their hands, they can try to go even farther.

Tree pose

For this pose, the child should pretend that they’re a tree. They should stand straight and imagine that their roots are keeping them on the ground. Then, they must move the sole of one foot and put it on the inside of their opposite leg. They should keep it there for as long as they can hold it.

Once they’re balanced, they should raise their arms above their head. They should visualize they’re a strong tree that not even a huge storm can shake. 

Warrior pose

To do this pose, the child should start by bringing one of their legs forward and flexing it. They should keep the other leg stretched. Once the child is balanced, they have to raise their arms above their head as in the previous pose.

While in this pose, the child has to visualize that they’re a strong warrior. They must think that nobody can knock them down or move them. This is a perfect way to enhance their concentration and strength, in addition to improving their balance quickly.

Cobra pose

The cobra pose is one of the best-known poses for children. They should first lie face down. Then, with the help of their hands, they have to slowly raise their upper body. The lower part of their body should stay straight and stretched out.

This exercise strengthens the spine. It also helps to strengthen the upper body joints, such as the arms and hands. Children often associate this pose with a snake attacking. Therefore, when they’re doing this pose, they’ll probably feel courageous.

Yoga is one of the most complete exercises that exist. Starting your children at a young age is a big step in the right direction, as it will help them acquire certain skills and abilities such as strength and focus. But don’t try to force them to participate. There’s nothing worse than a child who feels pressured into doing something.

Doing yoga will make your child feel accomplished. This exercise equips children with some important life skills.