Yoga for Children

Yoga is a wonderful way for you to improve your child’s health and bond with them over a playful activity. It’s very beneficial for children due to its holistic nature and the way that it targets the body, mind, and soul at the same time. With just a few simple steps, you can start yoga classes with your child either on your own through online yoga, outside yoga, or at a yoga studio today! 

The Benefits of Yoga for Children

Yoga is particularly beneficial for children due to the benefits that it has on their development. It improves concentration while also providing a great form of exercise. Through regular yoga practice, children can learn valuable tools for emotional regulation as well, helping them to live a calmer and more peaceful life. Yoga is a great way for family bonding, and it can also improve your child’s flexibility and strength. 

How to Practice Yoga with Your Kids

To start practicing yoga with your kids on your own, see the 3 main steps for a basic yoga class for kids below: 

1. Start with a brief 5-minute mindfulness meditation. 

Guide your child to inhale and imagine that they are smelling a beautiful rose through their nose, and then exhale through their mouth as if they are blowing out a candle.

2. Move into the practice of the poses or asanas. 

The best yoga poses for kids are the ones based on animals because you can make these poses into a more playful, imaginative activity. Some of the most popular animal-inspired yoga poses are Upward-Facing Dog, Downward-Facing Dog, Camel Pose, Lion Pose, Cat and Cow Pose, Eagle Pose, Frog Pose, and Pigeon Pose. Try to weave stories into the poses and encourage your child to play around while they are in the postures and use their imagination. 

3. End with a relaxing Savasana.

The end of every yoga class is Savasana or Corpse Pose. This is another opportunity for you to guide your child through a brief meditation here, but instead, try to focus on relaxing each body part, one by one, while they lay flat on their backs on the ground. 

Bottom-Line

Yoga is a great way to start improving your kid’s health while also having fun! Incorporate this as creative play in their day and watch how they transform mind, body and soul! 

Until next time Kuties!

-Keon