Yoga Asanas for Beginners: Tips and Techniques to Get Started
If you're looking for a fun and effective way to stay active and healthy, yoga asanas also called "yoga poses" are a great place to start. With its gentle movements and emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation, yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.
In this article, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process for teaching yoga asanas to a 6-year-old kid like. We'll use language that's simple and easy to understand, and we'll focus on the most effective techniques for beginners. So let's get started!
Step 1: Find a quiet and comfortable space:
The first step in practicing yoga asanas is to find a quiet and comfortable space where you and your child can practice without distractions. You don't need a lot of space - just enough room for a yoga mat or a soft, non-slip surface.
Make sure the space is well-lit and free from any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or uneven flooring. You can also play some calming music or use a diffuser with essential oils to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Step 2: Warm up with breathing exercises:
Before you begin practicing yoga asanas, it's important to warm up your body with some breathing exercises. These exercises help to increase circulation, reduce stress, and prepare your body for the physical demands of yoga asanas.
To start, sit cross-legged 🧘on the floor or on a cushion with your child. Place your hands on your knees or in your lap, and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your belly with air. Hold the breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your nose.
Image By: Chandra | Basic and First Asanas |
Repeat this breathing exercise for a few minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath and the movement of your belly. This simple exercise can help to calm your mind and prepare your body for the practice of yoga asanas.
Step 3: Learn the basic yoga asanas:
Once you've warmed up with some breathing exercises, it's time to start practicing some basic yoga asanas. These yoga poses are easy to learn and gentle on the body, making them perfect for beginners of all ages.
(a) Mountain Pose | Tadasana ⛰️:
The first asana among asanas or pose we'll learn is the "Tadasana" also known as "Mountain Pose". To do this yoga pose, stand tall with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms at your sides. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, roll your shoulders back and down, lifting your chest and lengthening your spine. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then release.
Image source: Chandra | Tadasana 4 steps (Mountain Pose) |
(b) Downward-Facing Dog Pose | Adho Mukha Shvanasana | Dog Pose:
The second pose is the Downward-Facing Dog Pose or Adho Mukha Shvanasana or Dog Pose. To do this Dog pose asanas, start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Press your hands into the floor, tuck your toes, and lift your hips up and back, coming into an inverted V-shape. Hold the very simple dog pose for a few breaths, then release.
(c) Tree Pose | Vrikshasana:
Vrikshasana or tree pose is a standing yoga posture where one foot is placed on the opposite thigh with hands held in prayer position. |
Step 4: Practice regularly and with patience ⚛.
The key to mastering yoga asanas is to practice regularly and with patience. Start with just a few poses at a time, and gradually add more as your child becomes more comfortable and confident.
Encourage your child to listen to their body and to take breaks when needed. Remember that yoga is a journey, not a destination, and that progress takes time and dedication.