Why Young Children Should Practice Yoga

A 2012 poll found that 1.7 million American youngsters, or 3% of all children, practiced yoga. The popularity of yoga among children will increase as more and more schools incorporate it into their physical education curricula. Studies have demonstrated that it can enhance a child's balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity. 

Additionally, there are psychological advantages. Along with lowering anxiety and tension, yoga can enhance focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom demeanor. Additionally, according to study, it improves kids with ADHD symptoms including impulsivity and hyperactivity to a lesser extent.

Pose at the table

Many additional positions, including the cat and cow poses, have this as their starting position. Bring knees to hip distance apart while resting on hands and knees (the feet should be in line with the knees, not splayed out). With the fingers pointing forward and the palms directly beneath the shoulders, the back should be flat.

Cow and Cat Pose

In the tabletop position, circle the back and tuck the chin into the chest to do the cat pose. For a cow, lower the belly toward the ground while arching your back and gazing upward. You are welcome to switch between the two positions. (Meowing and mooing are not required but highly recommended.) These are frequently used as spine-warm-up exercises.

bent forward while seated

Ask your youngster to bend forward at the waist and try to grab their ankles. To make it simpler, they can also budge their knees. This aids in strengthening the thighs and knees while stretching the hamstrings, calves, and hips.

Infant Pose

To perform the aptly titled pose, lean back on your heels and slowly lower your forehead toward your knees. Arms should be placed next to the body. This meditative position helps to quiet your child's mind while gently stretching the hips and thighs.

Simple Pose

Cross your legs and place your hands on your knees. Prop your child up on a folded blanket or place a pillow under their hips if they are having trouble sitting flat.

Soldier Pose 

Step one foot back and rotate it so the toes are facing slightly outwards while standing (that's mountain pose for you yogis). the arms up and parallel to the ground (one arm in front, the other toward the back). In order to glance forward over the fingers, bend the front knee. Reverse the feet, then repeat on the opposite side. Your child's legs and ankles will be stretched, strengthened, and their stamina will be increased by doing this pose.

Pose with a dog looking down

One of the simplest stances for your child to imitate—and one they probably already do naturally—is this one. They can either stand up from their hands and knees or lean forward and place their palms on the floor before stepping back and raising their butts into the air in an upside-down V configuration. This stance not only stretches them, but it also gives them energy. They'll also enjoy the upside-down perspective.

Pose of a Three-Legged Dog

This version of the downward-facing dog, often known as one-legged down dog, has one leg raised. Your child's arms will become stronger, and they'll learn better balance.

Fig Pose

Stretch your arms behind your body and lift them up just a little while lying on your stomach and elevating your chest by pushing your shoulder blades together as much as you can. Your youngster can pull their chest up by pushing off with their hands while keeping their arms down by their sides to make it simpler. This aids in enhancing their posture.

Boat Pose

Stand on your butt with your arms out in front and your legs extended out and up (you can bend your knees to make it easier). This position fortifies the spine and abdominals.

Bridge Pose

Knees bent and feet flat on the floor, lie on your back. Arms should be resting beside the body as you elevate your back and butt off the ground to form a bridge. Tuck your chin into your chest. Slide a bolster (or a pillow) under your child to rest if they are having problems elevating their pelvis off the floor. This position develops spinal flexibility while stretching the shoulders, legs, hips, and chest.