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Endlessly energetic, children love to play and express themselves. That’s why, yoga offers the perfect activity! It combines movement with meditation, which helps release pent-up energy in creative poses. At the same time, yoga teaches kids healthy habits and how to focus in an engaging way. So, get the whole family together and roll out your mats with these fun and easy yoga poses for kids (and kids of all ages).
Tree Pose
Stand tall and strong like a tree in this balancing pose. According to the Yoga Journal, the tree pose improves concentration, posture, and stability.
First, shift the weight to your left foot. Then, place the sole of your right foot on your left inner thigh or calf, avoiding the knee. Press your hands together in front of your chest. Find a focal point and steady your gaze. Slowly raise your hands to the air like the limbs of a tree. Hold for 20-30 seconds (if you can!), then switch sides.
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Boat Pose
Row, row, row your boat. This yoga pose for kids helps strengthen the back and core muscles, according to a blog from Children Inspired by Yoga. They’ll love rocking and rolling like a boat on the water as they try to lift their arms and legs in the air.
Start the boat pose by sitting on the mat with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly, keeping your spine straight. Lift your feet off the ground, extending your legs to form a V-shape with your body. Stretch your arms forward, parallel to the ground. Keep your chest lifted and shoulders relaxed. Hold the pose, breathing steadily, for 20-30 seconds. Don’t worry if you feel a little rocky!
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Downward Dog
Woof woof! This kid-friendly yoga pose stretches the body from head to toe, just like a doggy does after a nice long nap. the downward dog for kids strengthens legs, arms, and back while also helping to relieve stress, according to TODAY.
Enter the downward dog pose on your hands and knees, with hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. Next, lift your hips toward the sky, gently straightening the legs while keeping a slight bend in your knees. Focus on lengthening your spine and pushing your heels toward the ground. Engage your core and relax your head between your arms. You can even walk the dog by lifting the right and left heel for deeper stretches in each leg.
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Butterfly Pose
Flap your wings like a beautiful butterfly! According to the Namaste Kids teaching site, the seated pose helps kids release tension as they flutter their legs.
To begin the butterfly pose, sit on the mat with your back straight and legs extended. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to drop to the sides. Hold your feet with your hands and gently pull them towards you. Keep your spine long and embody a butterfly floating in the breeze.
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Child’s Pose
What better way to end this youthful practice than with the child’s pose? This relaxing posture is perfect to close your yoga practice. According to the Kids Yoga Stories blog, child’s pose helps calm the mind and stretch the muscles of the lower back, hips, and legs.
Start on the mat with your big toes touching and knees apart. Sit back on your heels and stretch the arms forward as you lower your belly between your thighs. Rest your forehead on the mat. Breathe deeply, and hold for 30-60 seconds, allowing your body to relax. It’s the perfect pose for kids to calm down after a hectic day.
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