Pyramid Pose or Parsvottonasana

Each week, 2-3 days, we do a 15 minute yoga work out in my home daycare. Kids from 1 1/2 to 5 do this and while each does as much as they are able and in a way they are capable of they all get a nice stretch, a scheduled work out time, and some fun new body movements. We do the sun 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.  Today we worked on Pyramid Pose or Parsovottonasana.

These are only suggestions and like any exercise you and your children try them at your own risk, I am not there to show you and see what your body is saying so I can only offer these on a very basic level. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, have a yoga mat to work on, and do not wear socks because of the risk of slipping!  Lastly, always remember to smile and never go past what your capable of and don't push a kid to go past what they are capable. 


I suggest starting with other poses before doing this one, forward folds, warrior, and cobra are a few good postures to try before starting.  Make sure your kids are warmed up before doing this pose.  Start by having the kids stand with their feet slightly apart.  The flow I like to use from here is this: Reach up High and touch the sky, reach, reach, reach, now dive down, down, down low and touch your toes.  Wiggle them a bit like they are having a fit, then bend your knees so your hands are flat, jump your feet for a flat back!  Now, lay down and nap on the ground.  Now, push your chest up high just like a snake, HISSSSSSS! Then, press your bottom in the air for a downward dog, wiggle your tail from side to side.  One leg up for a lucky dog pose, put it down and other leg up to keep it even, place your foot to your hands and hold right there!  Your pyramid stands and the Mummy's are safe!  Now, step your other foot to your hands and take a deep breath, dive in reverse till you stand up right, hands to the sky and touch the sun.  Bring your hands to your heard and that side is done!  

Repeat this on the other side to make sure everything is even and balanced.  Remember that this can be a tricky pose and if they need their feet spread apart for stability that is fine.  Make sure to go slow and have an area they can fall safely out of the pose if needed and be near by to help ease any fall that can happen.  Remember to be safe and that these poses should only be done based on the child's ability and doctor approval.

Ask the kid to describe the pyramid they made with their body, was there a mummy inside?  Was it big or small, old or new, and write it down in your Kid's Journal.  Maybe use it to talk about Pyramids for a learning moment!

Namaste!