If you’re a parent, caregiver, or have children in your life, it’s important to encourage a healthy lifestyle from an early age. One great way to do this is through kids’ yoga, which offers both physical activity and mindfulness benefits. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership to get started! Here are some animal-themed yoga poses that your kids are sure to love.
The Cat Pose
The Cat pose is a fun way to stretch out the body and engage the core muscles. Simply start on hands and knees, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Then, as you inhale, round your spine upwards, looking towards your belly button. Exhale and release, returning to neutral. Repeat for as many breaths as you’d like.
The Cow Pose
The Cow pose is the yin to the Cat pose’s yang. From the starting position on hands and knees, as you inhale, extend your belly downwards and lift your tailbone upwards. Look forward and up towards the sky. Exhale and release back to the neutral position. Continue alternating between Cat and Cow pose for a smooth, flowing movement. This is a great way to connect breath to movement.
The Downward Dog Pose
The Down Dog pose is one of the most recognizable yoga poses, and it’s a great full-body stretch. Starting on hands and knees, tuck your toes under and lift your hips up towards the sky. Straighten your arms and legs as much as possible, but don’t worry if you can’t fully straighten them. Lengthen your spine and look towards your belly button. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release back down to hands and knees.
The Frog Pose
The Frog pose is a fun way to work on leg strength and mobility. Starting on your hands and knees, spread your knees wide apart and bring your feet in towards each other. Keep your hands under your shoulders and your toes pointing outwards. Slowly lower your hips down towards the ground, keeping your spine straight. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release and come back up to your starting position.
The Butterfly Pose
The Butterfly pose is a gentle way to stretch out the leg muscles and hips. Sit down on the ground and bring the soles of your feet together, with your knees pointing outwards. Hold onto your feet with your hands and gently pull your feet in towards your body. Lean forward to increase the stretch. Take a few deep breaths here, then release and stretch out your legs.
The Snake Pose
The Snake pose is a great way to stretch out the chest and engage the back muscles. Lie down on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders and your elbows pointing towards your feet. As you inhale, lift your chest and head up off the ground, keeping your arms straight. Be sure to engage your back muscles to avoid any strain. Exhale and release down to the ground. Repeat for a few breaths.
The Horse Pose
The Horse pose is a challenging way to work on leg strength and balance. Starting in a standing position, step your feet out wider than your hips. Turn your toes outwards slightly. Bend your knees and sit your hips down towards the ground, like you’re sitting on an imaginary chair. Keep your hands in prayer position in front of your chest. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release and return to standing.
The Fish Pose
The Fish pose is a relaxing way to stretch out the chest and neck muscles. Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides. Lift your chest and head up off the ground, and place your hands under your hips for support. Tilt your head back and rest the crown of your head on the ground. Take a few deep breaths here, then release and return to lying flat on your back.
The Giraffe Pose
The Giraffe pose is a fun way to engage the arms and shoulders, and it’s great for promoting good posture. Stand tall with your feet hip-distance apart. Reach your arms up overhead, as tall as you can. Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release and return to standing.
The Lion Pose
The Lion pose is a fun way to work on facial expressions and breath control. Start on your hands and knees. As you inhale, open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as you can. Look up towards the sky. Exhale and release, returning to your starting position. Repeat a few times, making silly faces and noises if you’d like.
Kids’ yoga is a great way to promote healthy living in a fun and engaging way. These animal-themed poses are just the beginning - there are countless variations and modifications you can make to suit your child’s needs and interests. Plus, you can practice yoga anywhere, anytime - no gym membership or special equipment required. Give it a try and see how much fun you and your child can have!
