Kids have fun doing yoga poses that imitate the elements of life they find most interesting. There aren't many environments where most children are allowed to do these things freely. Not limited to kid's yoga practice, everyone is free to enjoy the yoga fun.
Lion Pose
Simhasana is the Sanskrit name for the famous lion pose that kids enjoy. Lion pose allows kids to have physically and verbal expression while practicing yoga. The facial exercises are a constructive way to channel hyperactive energy. The kids even get to roar as many times as they like while holding and enjoying this pose. Your child can perform lion pose by kneeling on the floor with feet crossed at the ankles directly under the buttocks. With chest lifted in this position, the child presses his palms firmly into his thighs while splaying his fingers to simulate claws. Here, the child takes a deep inhalation through the nose. On the exhale, the child stretches his tongue out and curls it downward toward his chin. While doing this, eyes are opened and looking up toward the sky or crossed by looking toward the area between the eyebrows. The child makes the roaring or "ahhhh" sound here. Your child can take a few more breaths and roar here and then switch the crossed legs and repeat on the other side.
Turtle Pose
Turtle pose is called yoganidrasana in Sanskrit and it looks a bit like the stereotypical pretzel yoga poses. However, it is fun for kids for this very reason. It looks so crazy, they just love to try it. Once they are led into the pose safely, the calming effects of this posture take over and it becomes a favorite to return to in nearly every class. This pose begins with a deep opening into a forward bend and it is known to stimulate a state of pratyahara, which is a state of tranquility resulting from a withdrawal of the senses. Your child should lie on her back with both knees resting beneath her shoulders. The child takes both hands and places the feet behind her head. Ankles should cross behind the neck and the feet form a pillow for the head. Now, the arms can be pulled behind the child's back with hands clasped to lift the chest between the legs. Smooth breathing in this position evokes the pratyahara. Just like zucchini muffins, kids have no idea what is does for them, it just feels good.
Headstand
Salamba Sirsasana is the original Sanskrit name for headstand. Yes, kids enjoy inversions of all sorts simply because it is fun. In yoga, there is discipline and strength required to do headstand safely, and this is useful for the kids to learn. To do headstand, begin on all fours and place your elbows and forearms on the floor. Interlace your fingers and open your palms to create a cup-like opening for the back of your head. In this position, your forearms and hands should be creating a V shape. Bring your elbows directly under your shoulders. Place the crown of your head on the floor inside the cup-like formation of your interlaced hands. Lift your sacrum toward the ceiling and begin to walk your feet in toward your chest. As you do this, you will begin to place more weight into your arms and the top of your head. While your feet are still on the floor, ground down into your forearms, stabilize your back by engaging your abdominals and lift your shoulders away from your ears. When you are ready, lift your right foot into the air and find your center of balance. Lift the left foot to meet the right. Stay here for two to five breaths.
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