Kid Friendly Yoga to do at Home
Yoga is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it's not just for adults. Yoga can be a fun and rewarding activity for kids, too! In fact, yoga for kids has become increasingly popular in recent years, as parents seek out fun and easy ways to keep their children active and engaged.
If you're looking to introduce your child to the benefits of yoga, there are plenty of beginner-friendly yoga poses and routines that you can do together at home. Not only is it a great way to stay active and improve flexibility, but practicing yoga with your child can also be a wonderful bonding experience. Here are a few kid-friendly yoga poses and routines to get you started.
Downward Dog
The Downward Dog is a classic yoga pose that's great for both adults and kids. Start on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Push your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs to form an upside-down "V" shape with your body. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release.
Tree Pose
The Tree Pose is another easy yoga pose that's perfect for beginners. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then shift your weight onto one foot. Place the sole of your other foot against the inside of your standing leg's thigh, then bring your hands together in front of your chest. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then switch sides.
Butterfly Pose
The Butterfly Pose is a gentle pose that can help stretch the hips and lower back. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and the soles of your feet touching. Use your hands to gently press your knees down toward the floor, then hold the pose for a few breaths.
Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation is a series of poses that's great for warming up and stretching the entire body. Start by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and raise your arms overhead, then exhale and fold forward, bringing your hands to the floor. Inhale and lift your chest halfway, then exhale and step back into a plank position. Lower your body down to the floor, then inhale and lift your chest into a cobra pose. Exhale and push back into downward dog, then step forward and repeat the sequence a few times.
Partner Poses
Partner poses are a great way to bond with your child and have some fun with yoga. Try poses like the Double Tree Pose, where you stand back-to-back with your child and each lift one leg to rest against the inside of the other leg's thigh. Or try the Partner Boat Pose, where you sit facing each other with your legs extended and your feet touching, then lean back and lift your legs to form a "V" shape.
Practicing yoga with your child is a great way to stay active and improve flexibility, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to bond and spend quality time together. Encourage your child to get creative and come up with their own yoga poses or routines, and make it a regular part of your family's routine. Who knows? You may just inspire a lifelong love of yoga in your child.