Kids-Friendly Chair Yoga Poses

Chair yoga poses, adapted from ancient practices, can be done using a chair. These poses are suitable for kids in classrooms, homeschool settings, or any space. They’re designed to stretch young bodies after prolonged screen time and to energize their minds and bodies for learning.

This blog explores various kids-friendly chair yoga poses, highlighting their ease of performance and benefits for overall health.

Tips to Consider Before Doing Chair Yoga Poses

Safety should be considered while performing any yoga practice or exercise, especially in the case of kids. Kids are newly introduced to yoga, so here are some tips to always keep in mind before performing any yoga pose or exercise with them and also make them understand:

• Feel free to adapt or change the chair yoga poses which suit kids’ needs.
• Always focus on having fun with every movement with kids and not only on practicing aligned poses.
• Engage your kids fully and follow their interests.
• Try to create authentic, meaningful experiences of yoga poses and practices for kids.
• Always match their energy levels and different learning styles.
• Be creative and enjoy with kids and also keep them safe from any injury.
• Ensure that the chairs are in proper condition so that the poses are safe to practice.
• Gently introduce them to the link between breath and movement.
• Add those breathing techniques that are easy to perform initially.
• Finish each chair yoga session in a resting pose to allow time for peace and quiet.

Read more: Best Yoga Props for Kids

Some Kids-Friendly Chair Yoga Poses for Kids

Here we are with some Kids-Friendly and really easy Chair Yoga Poses for kids. Let’s have a look:

1. BOAT POSE

Balance on your buttocks with your arms and legs straight out in front of you in a V shape, grasping the sides of the chair for balance. Keep a straight spine and open chest.

2. CAMEL POSE

Come to a sitting position, with your feet flat on the ground and your legs together. Lift your head, open your chest, squeeze your shoulders, and place your hands on the back of the chair. Gently press your hips forward while shifting your shoulders back, slowly arching your back. Look up, keeping your spine neutral.

3. CAT POSE

From a sitting position with your feet flat on the ground, round your back and tuck your chin into your chest, stretching your back.

4. CHAIR POSE

In front of your seat, stand tall in Mountain Pose with your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees, and keep a straight spine. Take your straight arms up in front of you, look up, and try sinking a little deeper into your knees as if you’re about to sit back down in the chair.

5. CHILD’S POSE

Sit back on your chair, slowly bend your upper body to rest on your thighs, rest your arms down towards the floor, and take a few deep breaths.

6. COBBLER’S POSE

Come to sit in your seat. Bring your legs up on the front of the chair, with the soles of your feet together. Keep a tall spine.

7. COBRA POSE

Come to sit at the front of your chair. Open your chest, squeeze your shoulder blades together, look up, and bring your hands to the back of the chair. Arch into a baby back bend.

8. COW POSE

Sit at the front of your chair, with your feet flat on the ground. Place your palms on your knees and take a deep breath to neutralize your spine. Then look up slightly, arch your back, and open your chest.

9. CRESCENT MOON POSE

Sit comfortably on your chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Reach your arms up high over your head, bringing your palms together. Tilt your upper body to one side. Come back to the center. Tilt your body to the other side.

10. DANCER’S POSE

Stand tall in Mountain Pose behind your chair. Then grab the back of your chair with your right hand, stand on your right leg, reach your left leg out behind you, and place the outside of your left foot into your left hand. Bend your torso forward, with your right hand on the chair for balance, and arch your leg up behind you. Switch sides and repeat the steps.

11. DOWNWARD-FACING DOG POSE

Come to standing just in front of your chair, facing the chair. Place your hands flat on the front of the chair and slowly step back so that your arms are stretched out straight in front of you. Straighten your spine, ensure your legs are hip-width distance apart, and look down between your legs.

12. EAGLE POSE

Come to sitting up tall on your chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Wrap your left leg around your right. Bring your bent arms out in front of you, wrap your right arm around your left arm, and bend your knees slightly. Switch sides and repeat the steps.

13. EXTENDED MOUNTAIN POSE

Sit comfortably on your chair with your feet flat on the ground, look up, take your arms straight up to the sky, and touch your palms together.

14. FLOWER POSE

Come to sit on your buttocks with a tall spine on the chair. Lift your bent legs, balance on your sitting bones, and weave your arms under your legs with your palms facing up.

15. PLANK POSE

From the Downward-Facing Dog Pose in a chair, come forward to balance on your palms and on your bent toes in a plank position. Keep your arms straight and your back long and flat.

Conclusion

Kids-friendly chair yoga poses offer a fun way for children to experience the benefits of yoga. They improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Easy to introduce at school or home, these poses help manage stress and enhance well-being. Encouraging kids to practice chair yoga regularly, whether in class or at home, can enrich their daily routines and promote overall health.

FAQs

special chairs required for kids-friendly chair yoga?

• Special chairs are not necessary. Any stable and appropriately sized chair without wheels used for kids-friendly chair yoga.

How long should kids practice chair yoga each day?

• The duration of chair yoga practice for kids can vary depending on age and attention span. A session of 10-15 minutes is a good starting point and can be gradually increased as children become more comfortable with the practice.

Can parents and kids practice chair yoga together at home?

• Yes, chair yoga is an excellent family activity. Parents and children can practice together, creating a bonding experience and promoting physical and emotional well-being.

special chairs required for kids-friendly chair yoga?

• Special chairs are not necessary. Any stable and appropriately sized chair without wheels will be used for kids-friendly chair yoga.

What is the minimum age for kids to start practicing chair yoga?

• Chair yoga is introduced to children as young as 3 years old. However, the poses and activities should be adjusted to suit the child’s age and physical capabilities.