Yoga is one of the great loves of my life, and I enjoy sharing it with my yoga students and my own children because it offers families a unique way to connect and gives people of all ages and abilities mental clarity and emotional balance. Plus, when practiced often, yoga improves flexibility and balance.
Spring is the perfect time to head outside with a yoga mat or beach towel to soak up the warmth and spend some time stretching as a family. Here are five spring-inspired moves for yogis of all ages:
Reach High Like a Tree
Tree pose
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Begin standing tall on both feet. Imagine that there are roots growing from your feet into the ground. Shift your weight onto one foot and lift your other foot onto your ankle, calf, or thigh. Reach your arms up into the air to create branches. Once you try one side, try the other foot. One side will probably be easier than the other.
Note: Young children often struggle with balance. Try keeping a toe on the ground to help stabilize.
@macaronikidnational Yoga fun for the entire family this spring. 🌼 Find more at MacaroniKID.com #yoga #kidsoftiktok #yogi #yogapose #fyp #foryoupage #selfcare #MacaroniKID #familyfun #familytime ♬ Cute - Aurel Surya Lie
Curl into a Little Seed
Child's pose
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Begin by kneeling on both knees. Sit back so that your thighs are touching your knees and reach your arms forward so that your belly is resting on your knees. Relax into the position.
Slither Out Like a Garden Snake
Cobra pose
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Lay flat on your stomach with your legs stretched out behind you. Rest your head on the ground. Place your hands under your shoulders. Lift your head and chest up and look slightly towards the sky. To make the pose extra fun, make some hissing snake sounds.
Crouch Down to Pick Flowers
Squat pose
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Stand with your legs spread hip-width apart. Turn your toes out slightly. Squat down so that your hips are parallel to the ground. To make the pose kid-friendly, pretend to plant seeds and pick flowers while squatting.
Fly Like a Bird
Warrior III variation
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Why not end with a challenge? Stand tall with your feet slightly apart. Shift your weight onto one leg and start slowly lifting the opposite leg while also slowly bending forward. Take your arms out beside you like a bird's wings.
Once you finish, try with the other leg! Have fun with this one! Even experienced yogis struggle with balance sometimes.
Happy spring, yogis!
Rebecca Seidenberger is the Pennsylvania publisher for Macaroni KID Allentown and Macaroni KID Bethlehem, and a certified children's yoga instructor.
