Yoga Poses for Kids: Out of breath while trekking? Muscles cramping after just a few minutes?
Imagine your child facing the same struggles one day. Let’s not pass this down. Instead, let’s give them something better — strength, flexibility, and calmness — all through yoga.
In today’s fast-paced world, kids are constantly on the go, juggling school, screens, and stress. That’s where yoga for kids becomes a game-changer. Yoga isn’t just about sitting still or breathing deeply — it’s a fun and powerful way for children to become more active, balanced, and focused.
Starting yoga early helps kids build good habits for a healthy body and a peaceful mind. Practicing easy yoga poses can make a big difference — improving strength, posture, and even emotional control. And the best part? Kids actually enjoy it!
There are many yoga poses for kids that are simple, safe, and super fun. Some popular yoga positions names include the Tree Pose, Cat-Cow, Cobra Pose, and Child’s Pose. These yoga positions help improve flexibility, balance, and concentration — all while keeping things playful and relaxing.
So why wait? Introducing yoga into your child’s daily routine can shape not just their body, but their attitude toward life. With just a few minutes of practice every day, they can grow up stronger, calmer, and more confident. Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t run out of breath — but instead, breathes deeply and lives fully.
Yoga Poses for Kids
Yoga Poses for Kids are a fun and healthy way to help children grow strong, calm, and happy. Kids can start doing yoga as early as age 3, with simple movements, playful poses, and easy breathing exercises. The best yoga for children includes poses like Tree Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Downward Dog, which are safe, gentle, and full of fun.
These yoga positions help improve balance, build strength, and teach kids how to relax and focus. With just a few minutes a day, yoga can turn into a happy habit that supports both body and mind. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about feeling good and having fun.
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10 Easy Yoga Poses for Kids with Names and Pictures
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
How to Practice Mountain Pose:
- Stand up straight with your feet together or slightly apart, whichever feels more comfortable.
- Let your arms rest naturally by your sides.
- Slowly lift both arms up toward the sky.
- Raise your arms up high and gently press your hands together overhead, keeping them nice and straight.
- Spread your toes and press them gently into the ground.
- Keep your body tall and straight, like a mountain.
- Relax your shoulders away from your ears.
- Breathe in deeply and notice your chest rising gently.
- Hold the pose for a few breaths, feeling steady and strong.
- To finish, slowly lower your arms back down by your sides.
Why Mountain Pose is Good for You:
- Helps you stand tall and improves your posture.
- Makes your legs, back, and arms feel stronger.
- Teaches you to balance and feel steady.
- Calms your mind and helps you focus on your breathing.
- Mountain Pose is a simple yoga position, but it is the foundation for many other poses. Practicing it every day can help you feel more confident and grounded. Just like a mountain, you will feel steady and strong from the inside out
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2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
How to Practice Tree Pose: Stand straight, then slowly lift one leg and place the foot on the inner thigh or calf of the other leg (not on the knee). Bring your hands together in front of your chest or stretch them above your head like branches.
Benefits:
- Helps you practice balance and patience.
- Makes your legs stronger.
- Improves your posture.
- Teaches you to focus and stay calm, just like a tree standing still in the wind.
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3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
How to Practice Downward-Facing Dog: Begin by placing your hands and knees on the floor, like forming a tabletop with your body. Tuck your toes, lift your hips up to form an upside-down “V” shape. Keep your hands and feet flat on the ground. Let your head relax between your arms.
Benefits: This pose helps lengthen and loosen your arms, legs, and back, making your body feel more flexible and relaxed. It also helps kids release energy and feel calm. It’s one of the most fun and energizing yoga positions for children.
4. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
How to Do Cat-Cow Pose:
- Begin by getting down on your hands and knees, making your body look like a tabletop.
- For Cow Pose, gently lower your stomach, lift your head, and gaze upward, letting your back arch softly.
- For Cat Pose, push your back up toward the ceiling and bring your chin in, just like a cat stretching.
- Slowly switch between these two poses, breathing in as you arch your back and breathing out as you round it.
- Repeat this gentle movement a few times, moving with your breath.
Benefits:
- Makes your spine more flexible.
- Helps you learn how to move with your breath.
- Feels good for your back and neck.
- Pretending to be a cat and a cow makes it fun and playful for kids.
- This pose is easy to do and helps your body feel relaxed and awake, just like animals stretching in the morning.
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5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
How to Do Cobra Pose:
- Stretch out on your belly with your legs extended back.
- Place your hands under your shoulders, palms facing down.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides.
- Slowly push your chest up off the ground, using your back and arms.
- Look forward gently, keeping your neck long.
- Stay in the pose for a moment as you breathe, then gently bring your body back down.
Benefits:
- Makes your back stronger.
- Opens up your chest and helps you breathe better.
- Wakes up your body and mind.
- Fun to pretend you are a gentle, strong snake stretching in the sun.
- This pose is simple and helps you feel more active and ready for the day.
6. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
How to do it: Sit on your knees and bend forward so your chest touches your thighs. Stretch your arms out in front or let them rest by your sides. Rest your forehead on the ground.
Benefits: This calming pose helps kids relax, especially if they’re feeling tired or overwhelmed. It’s a perfect break between other yoga positions.
7. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)
How to Do Warrior Pose:
- Start by standing tall, then step your feet wide apart.
- Turn your front foot so it points straight ahead.
- Gently bend your front knee so it lines up over your ankle.
- Keep your back leg straight and firm.
- Extend your arms out wide at shoulder level, reaching out through your fingertips.
- Gaze over your front hand, feeling focused and powerful.
- Hold the pose for a few breaths, then switch sides.
Benefits:
- Builds strength in your legs and arms.
- Improves balance and focus.
- Helps you feel brave and confident, just like a warrior standing tall and strong.
8. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
How to Do Butterfly Pose:
- Sit up straight with your legs stretched out in front.
- Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees drop out to the sides.
- Hold your feet with your hands.
- Gently move your knees up and down, like butterfly wings flapping.
- Sit tall and breathe slowly.
Benefits:
- Makes your hips more flexible.
- Helps with digestion.
- Feels calming and is fun to do, like being a gentle butterfly.
9. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
How to Do Bridge Pose:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Place your arms by your sides, palms down.
- Press your feet into the ground and slowly lift your hips up toward the ceiling.
- Keep your shoulders and feet on the floor.
- Hold for a few breaths, then gently lower your hips back down.
Benefits:
- Strengthens your legs, back, and tummy.
- Opens your chest and helps you breathe better.
- Calms your mind and helps you feel steady, just like a strong bridge.
10. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
How to Do Happy Baby Pose:
- Lie on your back and bring your knees close to your chest.
- Hold the outsides of your feet with your hands.
- Let your knees open wide and point toward your armpits.
- Gently rock side to side, smiling like a happy baby.
Benefits:
- Stretches your lower back and hips.
- Helps you relax and let go of stress.
- Makes you feel joyful and peaceful, a perfect way to finish your yoga practice.
Final Tips for Parents and Kids
With so many gadgets and daily distractions, kids often need a break to move, breathe, and reset. Yoga offers that space—a fun and gentle way to help young minds and bodies grow strong and calm. Here are some ways that Parents and Kids should consider while practicing yoga.
- Practice in a quiet space with a soft mat or carpet.
- Always breathe slowly and deeply during each pose.
- Make it fun by giving poses animal names or turning it into a game.
- Don’t worry about being perfect — yoga is about enjoying the moment and feeling good
Advanced Yoga Poses for Kids to Energize Young Minds and Bodies
1. Crow Pose (Bakasana)
This pose makes you feel like a strong little bird! Start in a squat, place your hands on the floor, and slowly lift your feet off the ground as you balance your knees on your arms.
Crow Pose teaches balance, strengthens arms, and boosts concentration. It’s a fun challenge for brave kids who like to try new things.
2. Wheel Pose (Chakrasana)
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your hands beside your ears. Push through your hands and feet to lift your whole body into a round wheel shape!
This pose stretches the chest and spine while energizing the whole body. It’s perfect for kids who love to move and feel powerful.
3. Boat Pose (Navasana)
Sit with legs straight, then lift your legs and arms off the floor to form a “V” shape, like a little boat on the water.
This pose strengthens the tummy muscles and improves balance. It also helps kids sit tall and stay focused, like captains of their own ship!
4. Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
Stand on one leg, wrap the other leg around it, then cross one arm over the other in front of you.
It may look tricky, but Eagle Pose improves balance, focus, and body coordination. It’s like giving your arms and legs a friendly hug!
5. King Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)
Stand on one foot, reach back and grab the other foot, and stretch it behind you while your other arm reaches forward.
This graceful pose improves flexibility, balance, and strength. It makes kids feel like dancers, strong and steady as they stretch like a bow.
Benefits of Yoga Poses for Kids
Here are some benefits of Yoga for Kids:
- Helps kids become more flexible and move their bodies with ease.
- Builds strength in muscles, making them feel stronger.
- Improves balance and helps them stand or sit steady.
- Teaches kids how to focus and pay attention.
- Makes it easier to relax and feel calm, even after a busy day.
- Encourages good posture and healthy habits.
- Boosts confidence by learning new poses and skills.
- Turns exercise into a fun and playful activity.
- Supports better sleep by calming the mind and body.
- Gives kids a way to express themselves and use their imagination through movement.
Yoga Poses for Kids FAQs
Which yoga is best for children?
The best yoga for children includes easy yoga poses that are fun, safe, and build confidence. Poses like Tree Pose, Butterfly Pose, Cat-Cow, and Child’s Pose are great starting points. These yoga positions for kids help improve flexibility, balance, and focus while keeping them active and calm.
What are the 12 asanas in yoga?
The 12 classic asanas are part of the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) sequence, which includes: Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend) Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) Dandasana (Plank Pose) Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight-Limbed Pose) Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) Parvatasana (Mountain Pose) Ashwa Sanchalanasana (repeat) Padahastasana (repeat) Hasta Uttanasana (repeat) Pranamasana (end pose) These asanas are great for older children and teens, helping build strength, energy, and focus.
What are the 26 yoga poses?
The 26 yoga poses come from the Bikram Yoga series. These include standing, balancing, and floor postures such as Eagle Pose, Triangle Pose, Cobra Pose, and Bridge Pose. While this series is more advanced and usually practiced by adults, some adapted poses can be introduced to kids aged 7 and up under guidance.
What age should kids start yoga?
Children can begin yoga as early as 3 years old with basic stretches and playful poses. At this age, yoga should focus on fun, movement, and breathing. As they grow older, they can learn more structured yoga positions and mindfulness practices.
What is the easiest yoga for kids?
Some of the easiest yoga poses for kids include: Child’s Pose (resting and calming) Cat-Cow Pose (gentle and fun) Butterfly Pose (great for hips) Tree Pose (simple balance) These easy yoga poses help children feel relaxed, stretched, and focused, all while having fun.
Can 2-year-olds do yoga?
Yes, 2-year-olds can enjoy yoga through parent-led movement games, animal-themed poses, and breathing fun. At this age, yoga is about playful movement rather than perfect posture. Always supervise and make it interactive, using storytelling and music to engage them.
How to do Child’s Pose yoga?
To do Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels. Bend forward slowly until your forehead touches the ground. Stretch your arms forward or rest them by your sides. Breathe deeply and stay in the pose for a few moments. This pose is one of the most relaxing yoga positions for kids, perfect for calming down or taking a break during a session.