International Day of Yoga: Four poses to kickstart your child’s fitness journey

The term ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means ‘to unify’. It suggests that the body and intellect are in sync. Practising yoga relaxes the mind and body to a great extent, since it helps relieve stress, maintain weight, strengthen bones, reduce anxiety, and decrease the risk of heart diseases. 

More so, inculcating the habit of practising yoga in a child from a very young age has its own unique benefits, starting with increased flexibility, improved hand-eye coordination, better focus, prolonged attention span, and more creative thinking.

With a rich history that goes right upto the Vedic age, yoga today is a practice preferred by many for its restorative benefits and is suitable for all age groups. Hence, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga, we have curated four simple and fun poses for your child, which will give their yoga journey the perfect head start!

The Downward Dog Pose

This is one of the most common yet beneficial poses for children. Chances are that your child may be doing it already during their daily shenanigans!

Steps:

• Bend forward, place hands on the floor at shoulder level, and leave them wide open.
• Curl the toes and lift the hips up.
• Look towards the toes and remain still for a few seconds.
• Bend the knees and return to normal position.

Benefits:

1. Improves brain functioning
2. Reduces stress levels
3. Re-energises the body

The Triangle Pose

Performing this triangular pose is super fun, almost like a mini-dance.

Steps:

• Stand straight.
• Move feet apart sideways beyond shoulder-width, and maintain a three-feet gap between the legs.
• Extend both arms sideways and keep them level with the shoulders.
• Turn right leg out at roughly 90 degrees, and then turn the left leg in.
• Bend sideways to the right and touch the right ankle with the right palm.
• Extend left arm straight up and turn and look at it.
• Remain in that position for 15-20 seconds and return to standing position.
• Repeat the same exercise on the other side.

Benefits:

1. Improves digestion
2. Makes the body flexible
3. Strengthens the legs, especially the ankles

The Tree Pose

Watch out if your little one gets unsteady while doing this pose.

Steps:

• Stand straight.
• Place the heel of the right foot against the inside of the left thigh.
• Join hands together and outstretch them above the head.
• Remain in that position for 15-20 seconds and repeat.

Benefits:

1. Heightens concentration levels
2. Steadies body balance
3. Strengthens the back

The Bee Breathing Pose

Sometimes it’s important to make your child stay still.

Steps:

• Sit cross-legged and close eyes.
• Take in a deep breath.
• Use one thumb to close the ears and place the remaining fingers on the cheek.
• Breath out to make the sound of a humming bee.

Benefits:

1. Calms the brain
2. Improves memory
3. Helps cope with anxiety

Let us know in the comments section which of these yoga poses you enjoyed teaching your child! 

Also read:

Four Easy Asanas to do this Yoga Day

More Stretching, Less Stressing | International Yoga Day at BYJU’S