Benefits of Garden Yoga for Kids

As our kids set off one summer evening to walk along the beach and gaze at the stars, they probably had no thought of the garden yoga practices that could have led them to such a serene place. Frogs! Butterflies! Children’s preschool classmates surely were keen to answer when asked what could see in a garden.

One response from several of them was “birds!” Most of us are aware of how beautiful flowers can be when they are in bloom. But did your kids know that there are yoga poses that combine flowers with yoga? Or that practicing Garden Yoga is a perfect way to connect the spiritual element of yoga with an appreciation of nature?

These new findings in yoga poses that combine both aspects of spiritual awareness and physical fitness seem very relevant to many children who are beginning to walk and think about how to get fit. And it makes sense that garden yoga would be a perfect activity for kids who want to join a group or teacher’s class. This combination of learning and physical exertion seems very beneficial in both realms. Not only does the garden yoga poses teach basic moves that children can practice at home on their own, they also provide a chance for kids to exercise in a safe, inviting environment. For parents who are hesitant about teaching yoga, these positions and movements may provide a chance to gain confidence and to see first hand how well their kids do.

The key is to make sure that garden yoga poses are easy enough for kids to learn and perform. Teachers should always take time to explain the movements and positions clearly. They should also emphasize that kids should wear comfortable clothing like shorts and tank tops to minimize the risk of slipping and falling. Kids will need to learn to sit and stand in a chair to complete the poses, so they must be taught to follow instructor instructions carefully.

Another way that garden yoga can benefit children is through pretend play. Children who have fun while performing the different garden yoga positions can often use this time for imaginative play. This can be especially helpful when kids are starting to transition from using traditional sports equipment like soccer balls and basketballs to using more adventurous toys. For example, pretend play can be useful if your child learns the standing twist, which is performed by facing the flower pose in the push up position, with their body turned to the side. Or they can learn to stand in the animal pose where they have their arms crossed and their hands clasped together as if they’re holding a small animal.

There are many more ways that garden yoga can help your children. It’s important to remember though that the child must be able to move comfortably and gently in order to practice any pose. Never let your child hold her poses too long or too tightly, as this will lead to injury. Also, your kids yoga routine should never end, so keep switching things up to keep your kids excited and interested!