During childhood development, introducing yoga to kids can lead to optimal health and overall well-being. This article highlights several key yoga poses to consider.

Instilling the significance of physical activity for a healthy lifestyle from an early age is crucial for sustained fitness and well-being. Introducing children to yoga fosters a holistic approach to physical fitness and mindful wellness, enabling them to connect with their bodies effectively. Yoga not only fosters physical health but also nurtures mental and emotional growth in children.
In today’s fast-paced world, where technological advancements are ubiquitous, children are increasingly exposed to screens at a very young age. Research indicates that excessive screen time can impede children’s development during their formative years. Yoga, however, promotes both physical and mental well-being in children, aiding them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
To understand which yoga poses are beneficial for children and how yoga supports their developmental journey, Healthonlyforyou spoke with Manisha Pandey, Yoga Instructor at Holistic Vibes in Noida.
Yoga Poses Suitable for Kids
Discussing the significance of yoga for children, Pandey emphasized, “Yoga strengthens the mind-body connection, fostering attentiveness, focus, memory power, and concentration in children.” Additionally, she highlighted yoga’s ability to enhance a child’s stamina, strength, and flexibility, while also serving as a means to alleviate anxiety and stress. Below are some yoga poses recommended by Pandey for kids.
1. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
This beginner-friendly yoga pose, often enjoyed by children, entails arching and rounding the back, mimicking the movements of a cat. It aids in enhancing flexibility in the spine.
2. Butterfly Pose
While seated, children can bring the soles of their feet together and gently flap their knees up and down, mimicking the wings of a butterfly. Butterfly pose, also known as Baddha Konasana, helps open up the hips and stretches the inner thighs.
3. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This yoga pose, known as Downward Facing Dog, strengthens the arms and legs while also stretching the back and hamstrings. Children can engage in playful imitation, pretending to stretch like a dog, adding a fun and lighthearted element to the pose.
4. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
The Tree pose involves balancing on one leg with the other foot placed on the inner thigh, providing support to the standing leg. This asana is excellent for children to enhance their balance. Additionally, the pose aids in boosting concentration, focus, and calming the nervous system.
5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
In this pose, lying down on the stomach, individuals can lift their chest off the ground and rise like a cobra. This posture is beneficial for improving posture and strengthening the back muscles.
6. Rabbit Pose (Shashankasana)
To perform this pose, start by placing your buttocks on your heels, then bend forward and place your palms on the ground. This posture stimulates the digestive organs, enhances heart health, and increases the flexibility of a child’s body.
In addition to the aforementioned yoga asanas, Pandey also recommends that children practice stretching, breathing exercises, and pranayama. Specifically, she suggests Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama, which help regulate the respiratory system and bolster children’s immunity against various diseases. In conclusion, Pandey emphasizes, “Yoga is a healthy habit, and if cultivated from an early age, it will endure for a lifetime.”