Yoga is for all ages, including kids!

Yoga has been shown to help improve focus, self-esteem, physical fitness, classroom behavior, and can also help reduce stress levels. It’s no wonder more kids are picking it up, and gym teachers are sharing its benefits at school. Try to work yoga into your summer routine. You can do it indoors on a flat surface, or give it a try outside in the grass. Your kids will work some of their energy out, while improving their focus and flexibility.

 

Here are 6 basic yoga poses to learn with your kids:

 

Mountain Pose

This is perhaps the easiest post to learn, and it may feel like you’re just standing there, but it serves as a base for all of the other poses. Stand with your feet together or hip-width apart. Roll your shoulders away from your ears and draw your shoulder blades down your back. Your arms should be at your side with palms facing the front of the room. From there, focus on your breathing.

 

Chair Pose

Once you’ve gotten into mountain pose, chair pose is a good next step, although a little more challenging. On an inhale raise your arms and reach up. Then on your exhale, sit down as if you were sitting on a chair. Hold and breathe.

 

Tree Pose

Tree pose involves focus and balance. From mountain pose, shift your weight to one foot as you lift the other leg off the ground. Using your hand, bring your foot to your inner thigh or shin (take care not to put it on your knee). Pick a point on the wall and focus on being still and balanced as you breath in and out.

Bridge Pose

Kids do this one all the time already! Lie faceup with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. With your arms at your side, and your feet parallel and hip-width apart you will lift your hips off the floor toward the ceiling. Hold the pose and when you’re ready slowly lower yourself back to the ground.

 

Downward Dog

Downward dog is one of the most common yoga positions. It’s often used in yoga flows to transition, build strength or take a rest.

To get into downward dog, start on all fours, walk your hands six inches in front of you, tuck your toes and lift your hips, forming an upside down “V” with your body. Press the floor through your palms and distribute your weight evenly across your hands. Your head should relax comfortably, and your ears should be aligned with your upper arms. Lift your sit bones to the ceiling and press down through your heels to the floor for a good stretch.

Once you’re in this position you can pedal, bending one knee forward while one remains straight, getting more stretching in. You should feel a stretch on your calves, and it will also help build muscle in your arms, shoulders and legs.

 

Seated Forward Fold

Sit with your legs straight in front of you, with thighs touching the floor. Fold at your hips and reach for your feet. If that’s too hard, reach for your calves or thighs (avoid grabbing the knees). Hold this position as long as you like to stretch your back and hamstrings.

 

 

What is your favorite yoga pose? Try Happy Camper Live’s yoga camp today!