Yoga for Kids: Easy Poses for International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day celebrated on 21st June is a global reminder of mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. It is the perfect day for children to embrace yoga and learn this spiritual practise. Starting from a young age, children can adopt this habit in their later life and benefit from it. In this blog, let’s explore a few simple poses of yoga for kids that they can start with to promote flexibility, focus and growth in their life.

Table of Contents

1. Why Yoga for Kids Matters
2. Top Benefits of Yoga for Kids
3. Types of Yoga for Kids
4. Easy Yoga Poses for Kids (With Instructions)
5. How to Make Yoga Fun for Kids
6. Tips for Practicing Yoga with Your Child
7. Safety and Precautions
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Why Yoga for Kids Matters

What is Yoga for Kids?

Yoga for kids refers to age appropriate yoga postures that kids easily perform and benefit. These techniques match their physical abilities and are designed to be more interactive. It helps kids become aware of their body, mind and mood. Unlike adults, for kids to be engaged in any type of exercise, they need it to be engaging or else they will lose interest. Hence yoga for kids has to be planned in a way that they find interesting and playful. One of the examples of the yoga postures for kids names like cat pose, cobra pose and frog pose.

The Growing Popularity of Yoga Among Children

Today, thanks to schools, learning centres, communities and even playgroups kids know about yoga and regularly practise it with their peers. Due to these effects, they are slowly learning about this practise and including it in their life.

Top Benefits of Yoga for Kids

The benefits of yoga for kids are far-reaching. Here are a few reasons to include it in your Kid’s daily routine:

• Helps in emotional regulation and awareness
• Better awareness of their thoughts, feelings and actions.
• Promotes Good behaviour.
• Supports concentration.
• Contributes to physical fitness.
• Promotes more socialising and connecting with others.

Practicing fitness oriented practises like easy yoga poses for kids paired with nutritious support like Complan can contribute significantly to their memory, concentration and growth.

Types of Yoga for Kids

There are several types of yoga for kids and adults that include different asanas and cater to varied interests and age groups:

• Hatha Yoga – Suitable for beginners, this physical yoga focusing on posture and breathing.
• Vinyasa Yoga – An active style of yoga which goes on in a loop. It is suitable for kids who are experienced in basic yoga.
• Animal-Inspired Yoga – Interactive yoga where the postures are named after animals so that kids can easily learn and replicate them.
• Partner Yoga – Involves pairs of two to complete a yoga posture. It is great for bonding and teamwork

Easy Yoga Poses for Kids (With Instructions)

Here are a few easy yoga poses for kids that are fun and beginner-friendly¹:

1. Palm Tree Pose (Tadasana)

• Stand straight with a 2 inch gap between feet.
• Inhale and lift the arms up to the shoulder level.
• Exhale and Interlock the fingers with wrists facing outwards.
• Inhale and then raise the arms up.
• Now raise the heels and breathe normally.

This asana helps kids in increasing height and stretches the shoulders.

2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

• Stand straight,raise the right leg and place the foot on the left thigh.
• Inhale, raise the arms in the air and bring the palms together.
• Exhale, bring the foot and hands down.
• Inhale and repeat for the other foot.

This asana helps in developing balance and concentration in kids.

3. Horse Riding Pose (Ashvasanchalan)

• Get on all fours like a horse while placing the palms by the side of both feet.
• Stretch the right leg behind and bring the knee on the floor.
• Inhale and raise the head. Arch the back.

This yoga asana for kids helps in stretching, lengthens spine and strengthens the lower body.

4. Cat Pose (Marjariasana)

• Get in a cat posture and face the palms forward.
• Legs should be an inch apart and palms at shoulder length.
• Move your head down and arch your back upwards.
• Slowly, move the head up and arch the back downwards.
• Repeat this while inhaling and exhaling deeply.

This posture helps reduce stiffness in the back and strengthens abdominal organs.

5. Mountain Pose (Parvatasana)

• Inhale and slowly bend forward.
• Bring the palms next to the feet.
• Exhale, stretch both the legs back.
• Push the buttocks upwards forming the shape of a mountain.

This yoga pose for kids relaxes the shoulders and stretches the hip region.

6. Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana)

• Sit in a kneeling posture and spread the knees apart while touching the toes together.
• Bend forward, let the chin touch the ground and stretch arms outwards. Keep them parallel to each other.
• Look forward and breathe normally.

This yoga asana for kids helps kids rest the body, improves mood, memory and concentration.

These yoga poses for kids are perfect for beginners and safe when done with adult supervision.

How to Make Yoga Fun for Kids

To keep your child engaged with yoga for kids, try these simple techniques:

• Use kid-friendly terms for instructions.
• Use storytelling techniques.
• Play calming music or nature sounds.
• Reward kids for participation.

Tips for Practicing Yoga with Your Child

• Choose a quiet, non-distracting space preferably surrounded by nature.
• Practise at the same time daily to build a habit and stay consistent no matter what.
• Make the space kid friendly with yoga tools and mat.
• Let your kid follow you—lead by example
• Choose postures that match the kid’s interests.

Practising yoga with family not only builds physical and mental wellness but also the connection between them and the family members.

Safety and Precautions

When introducing simple yoga for kids, it is essential for teachers or parents to guide and supervise kids. Along with it, some points to consider are:

• Make sure kids do a warm-up before each session.
• Avoid difficult postures or forceful stretches. Allow kids to do as much as they can.
• Consult a pediatrician if your child has existing health or physical concerns.
• Keep sessions short, 10 to 15 minutes especially for beginners.

Conclusion

International Yoga Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kid to the world of yoga. From improving posture to uplifting mood and calming the mind, the benefits of yoga for kids are truly commendable. Kid’s yoga sessions should be combined with a balanced diet full of nutrition. In their daily diet, parents can add Complan which is a 100% milk protein based nutritional drink. Including protein it has 34 vital nutrients that support children in 2x faster growth and development.

So, paired with Complan, try incorporating easy yoga poses for kids into their daily routine and watch the transformation unfold.

FAQs

1. At what age can kids start yoga?

7 years is considered a good age for kids to start practicing simple yoga for kids under adult guidance.

2. How often should kids practise yoga?

Kids should practise Yoga 1 to 2 times a week to see positive results. Regularly practicing it can help kids manage their physical health, concentration, mood and stress levels.

Source

¹ https://health.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/health/ayush/yoga-1/yoga-for-children-of-age-3-6-years/yoga-asanas-for-children?lgn=en