Yoga Instructions for Kids

Yoga can be a rewarding exercise for the entire family.

Yoga exercises are a wonderful way to promote relaxation, focus, balance and energy. Although yoga has become quite popular among adults, there is no reason why children can’t experience the benefits of yoga as well. Although children may not have the discipline required to pursue an advanced study of yoga, they are naturally flexible and will find beginning yoga exercises rewarding. Share simple yoga instructions with your children, and make yoga a fun and relaxing activity for the entire family.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat or carpeted surface Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing

Instructions

1. Teach kids the most important aspect of yoga—breathing—with a simple standing deep breathing exercise. Stand tall and relax your shoulders and arms. Exhale completely. Slowly inhale, drawing your arms up over your head as you do so. Continue to raise your body upwards as you inhale, until your arms are straight overhead, with fingertips pointed, and you are standing on your toes. Slowly exhale and lower your arms until you return to a normal standing position, and continue exhaling as you bend at the waist and allow your upper body to fall as far forward as you can. Repeat five times.

2. Perform the “tree” exercise by beginning in a normal standing position. Slowly raise your right leg, breathing evenly and deeply. Place your right foot against your left leg, just above the knee. Slowly raise both arms up toward the sky, breathing deeply. If you lose your balance, just steady yourself and begin again. Lower your arms and return your right foot to the ground. Repeat the exercise two more times, and then repeat three times with your left foot raised.

3. Sit on the floor to complete the “butterfly” exercise. Keep your spine perfectly straight, and place the soles of your feet together in front of you. Grasp your feet together with your hands, and gently lower your knees toward the floor until you feel a stretch. Hold the butterfly position for 15 seconds, and then repeat two more times.

References

• Parents: Yoga for Kids