Madison and I had a lot of fun practicing yoga moves with the help of the new GapKids Marvel – GapFit Marvel collection, after all, you need the perfect workout gear when working out.
Yoga has numerous benefits for both children and adults. If you already practice yoga and want to introduce it to your child(ren), or if you want to get into it while also involving the kids, here are some pointers on how to get started.
Keep it simple and quick
Children often don’t want to pay attention for long periods at a time, and that is very normal. When introducing yoga, keep it simple as far as poses go, and only do a pose for a minute before moving on with younger children (6 or younger).
You want to keep your yoga session around 15 minutes unless your child is over the age of 7, or thoroughly enjoys the practice. If they do enjoy it, be sure to mix in many minimally strenuous poses so that their body can keep up without being injured or strained.
Plan your yoga time
It’s best to do yoga after eating a light snack or right away in the morning. A full stomach can prevent your body from getting into the proper form and will hold you back from getting the full benefits of yoga. It’s also not good to let your child eat too much before yoga as they will quite possibly feel tired and not want to participate as they normally would.
Encourage them to use the proper form and breath, don’t force it
While doing yoga with your child, you will want to encourage the proper form and help them. However, you do not want to force them into it. Let their bodies naturally adjust as you continue to practice yoga, and they will eventually be able to get into the proper form. (Practice makes perfect!) You should also encourage them to breathe properly while doing yoga, as this will help them relax and enhance the practice’s effects.
Use positive reinforcement often
Before, during, and after doing yoga you should be using positive reinforcement with your young ones. They need to feel like they are doing a good job and should never feel discouraged. If they are having trouble with a pose, be sure to let them know that it’s okay and that they will get better each time they do it.
Introduce it with a game of Simon Says or tell a story that includes yoga poses
Actually, getting your child to participate is the first and can be the most challenging task. You’ll want to start off by playing a game of Simon Says with them, or telling them a story about the poses and having them do the poses with you. Some children may jump right in and love it, others not so much. Allow your child to act naturally; don’t force yoga on them; it’s fine if they want to do a different pose than the one you want them to do. There will come a time when they will participate and do exactly as you do. Age is a big factor here; if you have young children, don’t get frustrated if they just want to run away and play; keep introducing it to them every day, and they’ll eventually want to join in.
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