Fun, Fast Yoga Workout for Kids

Yoga isn’t just for experienced yogis; it can benefit everyone, including young children. It offers a fun and health-conscious activity for you and your kids, creating a strong core, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. These benefits help reduce your child’s risk of injury and contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle. 

Introducing Yoga to Kids

The main thing is to make it fun! Help your kids create a positive association with physical activity. Here are some simple and easy yoga moves you can try with your kids:

 

Tree Pose

 

The tree pose is all about balance. Stand tall with feet together. Lift one foot and place it on the inner thigh or calf of the opposite leg. Balance and bring hands together in front of the chest, or for a challenge, lift your arms high like the branches of a tree.

Benefits:

Improves balance, concentration, and strengthens the legs.

Fun Tip:

Create a friendly competition: who can hold it the longest? Challenge your entire family and get the kids excited about it! Will they beat mum and dad?

 

Cat-Cow Pose

 

The cat-cow pose increases the flexibility of the neck, shoulders, and spine. Start on all fours. As you inhale, arch your back (Cow Pose), and look up. As you exhale, round your back (Cat Pose), and tuck your chin to your chest. Alternate between the two.

Benefits:

Stretches and strengthens the spine, improves flexibility.

 

Downward Dog

 

The downward dog stretches the upper back, hamstrings, and calves. Begin on all fours, lift your hips and tailbone up high, straighten your legs, and push back into your heels. Your body should create an upside-down ‘V.’

Benefits:

Stretches the entire body, especially the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.

Fun Tip:

Turn this pose into part of a human obstacle course. Have one of your kids hold the pose while others navigate through the course. Then, switch spots so everyone gets a turn.

 

Warrior II

 

The Warrior II stretches the shoulder, chest, and groin, and builds strength in the legs, torso, and spine. Stand with feet wide apart. Turn the right foot out 90 degrees and the left foot slightly in. Bend the right knee, keeping it over the ankle. Extend arms out to the sides and look over the right hand. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits:

This powerful stretch increases physical power and the ability to concentrate.

 

Fun Tip:
Let your child feel like a warrior as they loudly chant “I can do this!”
 

Butterfly Pose

 

The butterfly pose is great for developing joint flexibility. Sit with the soles of the feet touching and knees bent out to the sides. Hold feet with hands and gently flap legs up and down like butterfly wings.

Benefits:

Stretches the inner thighs, groin, and knees, improving flexibility.

Fun Tip:

Have your child sit facing you. Encourage them to coordinate their movements and breathing as they flap their butterfly wings at the same pace.

 

Child’s Pose

The child's pose helps to stretch your back and muscles around your hips. Kneel on the mat with big toes touching and knees apart. Sit back on the heels, extend arms forward, and rest forehead on the mat.

Benefits:

Calms the mind, stretches the back, and relieves tension.
 

Safety Tips

If any of these poses cause pain to you or your kids, stop immediately and encourage them to listen to their bodies. Help them create a healthy mind-body connection. If pain continues, seek proper medical attention. The use of our BodyICE Kids gel packs can also help with any bumps or bruises that may arise during your child’s yoga workout.

 

Remember, have fun with it! Laugh off any errors with your children. This is a time to make memories and instil positive values and habits.

Get your family’s yoga on and enjoy the benefits that come with it!