Virasana or Kneeling Pose

Each week, 2-3 days, we do a 15 minute yoga work out in my home daycare. Kids from 1 1/2 to 4 do this and each does as much as they are able and in a way they are capable of giving them all get a nice stretch, a scheduled work out time, and some fun new body movements. We do thesun salutations and then add a few jumps, hops, new yoga pose, and teacher assisted summersaults at the end. In doing these poses always consult a doctor first, only attempt what is in your child’s ability level, and do what is comfortable for your and their body. These are only suggestions and like any exercise you and your children try them at your own risk.

This yoga pose, Virasana or Kneeling, is simple, but beneficial to us all.  Have each kid start standing with feet slightly apart.  Have them breathe in so much their arms lift above their heads!  Now, exhale until all the air is out so their bodies bend at the waist and their hands reach toward the floor.  Have them hold here for a while, maybe wiggle some toes?  Next, place hands on the ground and lower their bottom toward the floor as their heels come off the ground.  Slow as snails; place the knees on the ground.  Release the toes so the tops of the feet touch the floor.  See how long they can hold this; maybe have a short story time?

Have them place their hands in front of their knees and raise their bottom up putting the bottoms of the feet back on the floor.  Have them put their hands on their hips and unfold to they come to a stand once more. 

Remember even poses that seem simple can cause injury so always be mindful of your and their bodies.  I love this pose for kids because it is easy so concentration can be placed on practicing patience and holding our bodies still.  Kids vibrate sometimes so teaching them early on how to calm themselves and focus is always good practice.  To close, we all get to busy and can find ourselves vibrating with energy, taking a few minutes to refocus, calm our bodies, and still our minds can allow us to increase our productivity or allow us to function once more.  

Namaste!

Abby