Yoga Poses For Children of 9 To 12 Years

Yoga Poses For 

Children Of 9 To 12 Years 

Note: Friends, if you are comfortable in reading this article in any other language, please change the language from the translate button at the top of this article.

Overview

Yoga can be highly beneficial for children aged 9 to 12 years old. 

Here are some of the ways in which yoga can be beneficial for children in this age range:


1. Promotes physical fitness: 

Yoga helps children develop physical strength, flexibility, and balance. It can also help to improve posture and overall physical fitness.

2. Reduces stress and anxiety: 

Yoga teaches children relaxation techniques that can help them manage stress and anxiety. Breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices are all integral parts of a yoga practice.

3. Improves focus and concentration: 

Yoga can help children improve their ability to focus and concentrate, which can be beneficial in school and other areas of life.

4. Develops self-awareness and confidence: 

Yoga encourages children to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their bodies. This can help to build self-awareness, self-esteem, and confidence.

5. Enhances social skills: 

Practicing yoga in a group setting can help children develop social skills such as teamwork, communication, and respect for others.

6. Promotes a healthy lifestyle: 

Yoga promotes healthy habits such as regular exercise, mindful eating, and self-care practices, which can have a positive impact on a child's overall health and well-being.

Overall, yoga can be a fun and engaging way for children aged 9 to 12 to develop physical and mental fitness, self-awareness, and social skills, while also promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.


Here Are 5 Yoga Poses For Children Aged 9 To 12 Years

1. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)


Girl doing Camel pose
Camel Pose is a challenging backbend that helps to stretch and
strengthen the back, hips


How to do Camel Pose?
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) is a challenging backbend that helps to stretch and strengthen the back, hips, and thighs, and promote energy and vitality. 

Here's how kids aged 9-12 can practice this pose:
  • Start by kneeling on the mat with the knees hip-distance apart and the toes pointed behind them.
  • Encourage the child to place their hands on their lower back, with the fingers pointing downwards and the thumbs pointing outwards.
  • As they inhale, encourage the child to lift their chest up towards the ceiling, arching their back and reaching their hips forward.
  • As they exhale, encourage the child to slowly reach their hands back towards their heels, and to lower their head down towards the ground.
  • Encourage the child to hold the pose for a few deep breaths, and then release by slowly lifting the chest up and releasing the hands from the heels.
  • Make sure that the child is not straining their neck or lower back, and that their breath is deep and steady throughout the pose. 
Encourage the child to engage their core muscles to support their spine, and to only go as far as feels comfortable for them. 

You can also offer modifications, such as placing a block under the hands for support, if needed.

2. Boat Pose (Navasana)

Girl doing Boat Pose
Boat pose, is a challenging yoga pose that can help to
strengthen the core, improve balance
        Image: Depositphotos

How to do Boat Pose?
Boat pose, or Navasana in Sanskrit, is a challenging yoga pose that can help to strengthen the core, improve balance, and promote overall physical and mental health. 

Here are some tips for children aged 9-12 to do boat pose safely and effectively:
  • Start in a seated position on a yoga mat with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor.
  • Encourage the child to sit up tall and engage their core muscles.
  • Ask the child to extend their legs straight out in front of them, keeping the feet together and the toes pointed.
  • Instruct the child to place their hands behind their hips, with the fingers pointing towards the feet.
  • Ask the child to lift their chest and lean back slightly, while keeping the core engaged and the spine straight.
  • Guide the child to slowly lift their feet off the ground, while keeping the legs straight and the toes pointed.
  • Encourage the child to hold the pose for a few breaths, focusing on maintaining balance and engaging the core muscles.
  • To release the pose, ask the child to slowly lower their feet back to the ground and come back to a seated position.
It's important to remind children to listen to their bodies and not push themselves too hard. 

Encourage them to take breaks and come out of the pose if they feel any discomfort or strain. 

As with any yoga pose, proper alignment and breathing are key to getting the most benefit from the practice.

3. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

Girl doing Plank Pose
Plank pose, is a challenging yoga pose that can help to
strengthen the core, arms, and wrists


How to do Plank Pose?

Plank pose, or Phalakasana in Sanskrit, is a challenging yoga pose that can help to strengthen the core, arms, and wrists. 

Here are some tips for children aged 9-12 to do plank pose safely and effectively:
  • Start in a tabletop position on a yoga mat with the hands directly under the shoulders and the knees directly under the hips.
  • Encourage the child to engage their core muscles and keep the spine in a neutral position.
  • Instruct the child to step one foot back at a time, extending the legs straight out behind them so that the body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  • Ask the child to keep the hands firmly planted on the mat and the fingers spread wide, with the weight evenly distributed between the hands and the feet.
  • Guide the child to engage the core muscles and hold the pose for a few breaths, focusing on maintaining a straight line from head to heels.
  • Encourage the child to gaze slightly forward, rather than dropping their head down.
  • To release the pose, ask the child to slowly lower their knees to the mat and come back to a tabletop position.
It's important to remind children to listen to their bodies and not push themselves too hard. 

Encourage them to take breaks and come out of the pose if they feel any discomfort or strain. 
As with any yoga pose, proper alignment and breathing are key to getting the most benefit from the practice.

Our Other Must-Read Articles:

NosebleedsDiabetesKunjal KriyaKnee Pain,InsomniaLiver ProblemsGastric Problem,Cough and ColdAnger ControlToothache,AnemiaVertigoSkin allergiesEczemaFeversArthritisGinger BenefitsItchy ears,Irregular periodsEndometriosisOvarian CystPCOS,  Glowing SkinConstipationDiarrheaBelly FatThyroidHair FallEyes and EyesightLow Blood PressureBack PainHeadache or Migraine,  

4. Crow Pose (Bakasana)


Girl doing crow pose
Crow pose is an arm balance yoga posture that requires a lot 
of upper body strength and balance 

          Image: Pexels

How to do Crow Pose?
Crow pose (also known as crane pose) is an arm balance yoga posture that requires a lot of upper body strength and balance. 

While it can be challenging for children aged 9 to 12 years old, with proper guidance and practice, they can safely learn and perform the pose.


Here are some tips on how children aged 9 to 12 years old can do Crow Pose:
  • Warm-up: Before attempting the pose, it's important to warm up the body with some sun salutations or other yoga poses to prepare the muscles.
  • Start with variations: Children can start with variations of the pose such as frog pose, which involves bringing the knees to the outside of the elbows, or practicing lifting one foot off the ground at a time.
  • Use props: Use a yoga block or a rolled-up towel to place under the forehead to help prevent the fear of falling forward.
  • Focus on core engagement: In Crow Pose, the core plays a vital role in maintaining balance. Children can practice engaging their core muscles by doing plank pose or boat pose.
  • Practice with a wall: To build confidence, children can practice the pose with the support of a wall. They can place their feet on the wall and lean their weight forward onto their hands.
  • Safety first: It's important for children to avoid putting too much pressure on their wrists and to listen to their body. If they experience any discomfort, they should come out of the pose immediately.

Remember that learning Crow Pose takes time and practice, so it's important to be patient and gentle with yourself. 

With consistent effort and the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher, children can gradually improve their strength and balance and eventually master the pose.
5. Headstand Pose (Sirsasana) 
(Only under the guidance of an experienced teacher)


Girl doing Headstand pose
Headstand pose is an advanced yoga posture that requires a
lot of upper body strength and balance
         Image: iStock

How to do Headstand Pose?


Headstand pose (also known as Shirshasana) is an advanced yoga posture that requires a lot of upper body strength and balance. 

It is generally recommended for children aged 9 to 12 years old to wait until they have developed the necessary strength and coordination before attempting the pose. 

With proper guidance and practice, they can safely learn and perform the pose.

Here are some tips on how children aged 9 to 12 years old can do Headstand Pose:

  • Practice with a wall: It's best to start practicing headstand pose with the support of a wall. Children can place their hands on the floor about a foot away from the wall and slowly walk their feet up the wall until their body is in a straight line.
  • Warm-up: Before attempting the pose, it's important to warm up the body with some sun salutations or other yoga poses to prepare the muscles.
  • Focus on core engagement: In headstand pose, the core plays a vital role in maintaining balance. Children can practice engaging their core muscles by doing plank pose or boat pose.
  • Use props: Children can use a folded blanket or yoga mat under their head to cushion their neck and head.
  • Proper alignment: Ensure that the elbows are shoulder-width apart and the forearms are parallel to each other. The top of the head should be on the floor with the weight evenly distributed between the head and the forearms.
  • Safety first: It's important for children to avoid putting too much pressure on their neck and to listen to their body. If they experience any discomfort, they should come out of the pose immediately.

Remember that learning headstand pose takes time and practice, so it's important to be patient and gentle with yourself. 

With consistent effort and the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher, children can gradually improve their strength and balance and eventually master the pose.


While doing the above Yoga Poses, remember to start with a warm-up and cool-down for every practice session, and to always listen to your body and not push beyond your limits.

Friends, Stay Fit, Stay Happy

---------------------------------------------------------

Friends, if you liked it, please share it with your friends. 
SHARING IS CARING.

Comments