During childhood, parents wish their kids to be both mentally as well as physically strong. A proper diet and good exercise help the kid improve stamina and flexibility and what better is any other exercise than Yoga? Yoga has numerous health benefits and it also assures proper oxygen and blood supply to all the organs of our body. Therefore, practicing yoga in everyday life is a very good option, especially when amidst the pandemic situation, they are not able to step out of their home.
Our yoga expert, Rinky Arya, MA Yogacharya, Founder of Vimal Yoga suggests some asanas (poses) for kids and their benefits:
Palm Tree Pose (Tadasana)
This pose helps in increasing the height of the kid and also straightens and strengthens their spine.
- Stand with your spine straight on the floor with your hands on the sides.
- Now inhale and lift your arms above your head, interlock your fingers and palm facing towards the ceiling or the sky.
- Come on your toes and stretch yourself upwards as much as possible, balancing your body.
- Hold the pose for few breaths and come back slowly to the normal position while exhaling
- Repeat it 8-10 times.
Hand-To-Feet Pose (Padahastasana)
This pose helps make the hamstring, calves, and hips flexible, calming the brain to relieve stress and strengthening the thighs. It is also helpful with digestion.
- Stand straight on the floor and arms straight on the sides.
- Inhale and bring your hands straight up, so that your palms face forward.
- Now exhale and bend your back from the hip-joint and go down. Try to touch your feet with your hands.
- If you can easily touch your hands to your feet, try moving your head towards your knees.
- Remain in this position of 30-60 seconds and slowly come back to the normal position.
- Repeat it at least 5 times.
Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)
It helps strengthen the muscles of your legs and lower back and increases the body balance.
- Stand with your legs 3-4 feet apart and turn your right foot out 90 degrees and left foot a little inside.
- Lift your arms on your side as you inhale and turn your head towards the right
- As you exhale, stretch your right arm further while bending your right leg, trying to push your pelvis down.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds and come up as you breathe in.
- Bring your arms down and repeat it on the left side.
Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
It is beneficial for the respiratory and digestive system. It strengthens the spinal cord and is effective with thyroid problems.
- Lie on your stomach with your feet a little apart and hands on the sides.
- Now bend your knees and lift your hands backward, in order to hold your ankles.
- Inhale and lift your chest up, legs up and back. Take long deep breaths and hold the pose for 15-20 seconds.
- Now exhale and come back to the normal position.
Along with boosting their immunity, it is very effective in dealing with common digestive problems often faced by kids at a growing age like indigestion, vomiting, stomach ache, etc. Yoga also relieves stress, boosts self-confidence, and brings a positive outlook in children. Therefore, parents should motivate their kids to practice yoga everyday and they may do it along with them as well.
You can reach to Rinky Arya with your queries at Rinkyarya0524@gmail.com
