Yoga often invokes the image of adults participating in lessons and learning to get peace of mind by doing special positions that allow for overall better well being. However, this ancient art of physical fitness does not only apply to adults these days. There is even yoga that caters to young children. Believe it or not, getting your child into yoga is greatly beneficial for their health, mental clarity and also helps with combating hyperactivity.

Yoga itself was created to help people develop a stronger union between their body, mind and spirit. This can be applied to people of all ages, including children. Kiddie yoga is great because it allows them to get exercise in a way that doesn’t necessarily involve running around and going wild. Doing kiddie yoga helps children gain better balance, coordination, flexibility and strength—all of which kids need in order to grow up into strong and healthy adults.

This type of exercise can serve as a fun challenge for your child, especially if they have never done kiddie yoga before. Kids tend to get bored easily and if your child needs something new to focus on, you can enroll your son or daughter into yoga classes for children if they are offered in your area. This is a great way for your child to not only learn yoga poses, but make new friends and allow you to meet other parents that are seeking the benefits of kiddie yoga as well.

If you don’t happen to have any such classes available to you, there are still ways you can introduce your child to kiddie yoga. There are plenty of online resources that offer yoga poses you can use for reference. Perhaps the best way to get your child into yoga is to do it with them. Even though the poses are for children, you’ll find that performing these same poses yourself also lets you enjoy the physical and mental benefits. Additionally, this gives you a chance to do something with your children as a family unit, which is always a plus. Parents with very active children can also find kiddie yoga beneficial for calming them and giving them something new to tackle.

Many of the poses used in kiddie yoga revolve around animals, which makes this type of exercise not only fun but allows your child to use their imagination. Some simple poses you can both do at home include the cat pose and the lion pose. To do the cat pose have your child sit on all fours. Then have them arch their back as much as they can (think of the scared or angry black cat that accompanies a witch on Halloween). After holding this arched pose for a few seconds slowly return to the original position and then repeat the process. The lion pose requires your child to sit with their backside resting on their calves. Have them place their hands in front of them on the floor and stick out their tongue as much as they can. Then force out a strong breath and make a roaring sound like a lion. Repeat as needed.

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