Work Out - YOGA

Work out with NAMITA
Mother’s query:
My kids spend most of the time watching TV and playing computer games. To make them more active, will yoga benefit? What asanas should they do? Can it help them in their studies?

TIPs
Yoga at an early age can help channel kids’ natural energy and help develop better concentration, co-ordination, flexibility and strength. Many asanas were deprived by observing nature and some poses imitate the spirit of animals.

AGE THREE TO SIX
In this young age group, when tremendous physical and mental developments is taking place, think of simple stories or use their favourite story books to incorporate the different animal or object poses.

AGE SEVEN TO TWELVE
From this age onwards the yoga session can be more structured. Such dynamic poses boost strength and energy in older children, invigorate the body and mind, and stretch the spine.

Tree Pose
For concentration and balance
Stand upright. Bend your right leg and place your foot on the inside of the left leg. Take your palms overhead into a Namaste position; hold for a while and then switch legs.

Butterfly pose
Increases mobility of hip joints
Sit with your legs outstretched on the mat. Bend your knees and bring your feet in towards you. Bring the soles of your feet together. Keeping spine straight, gently move your legs down and up.

Cobra pose
Massages ab muscles
Lie on your mat on your abs. Place your palms below your shoulders. Slowly lift your head and chest and arch your back.

Cat pose
Releases spinal stress
Start on all fours like a cat on your mat. Place your hands directly below your shoulders. Now lift your tailbone up towards the ceiling so that your lower back is concave. As you do this your head will lift up naturally toward the ceiling. Now round your back like the hump of a camel and roll your head towards your chest. Make the movements as fluid as possible.