Kid’s Yoga Sun Salutation

Sun salutations are a staple of most adult vinyasa (flow) yoga classes. But this flow isn’t only for adults it has multiple benefits for children as well. Sun salutations limber up and energize the body, especially the back, making it flexible and strong. Sun salutations improve focus and concentration by teaching children to link their breath with movement. Additionally, this sunshine stretch improves working memory, clears and mind, and brings a smile to your face.

WHAT TO SAY

1. Start in Mountain pose. Feet firmly planted hip width distance apart. Hold your hands in Namaste. Take a big inhale and exhale. Imagine a cord from the crown of the head, drawing you upward as your feet stay planted. Set an intention.
2. Stretch arms up high above your head on the inhale.
3. On the exhale bring palms together and fold forwards, bending your knees. Bring hands to the ground in front of you, keeping palms flat. Shake your head “no” and “yes.”
4. Come up half way for Monkey pose. Bring hands back to the ground in front of you. Knees bent. Plant your hands.
5. Step one leg back as far as you can, and then the other. Push back through your heels, keeping your legs straight. Imagine that your whole body is stiff and strong like a plank of wood. State affirmation “I am strong.”
6. Slowly lower all the way to the floor. Take a big inhale and slowly lift your head and heart center up as you hiss a long exhale. This is cobra pose.
7. Push slowly back up to plank (knees up or down). Tuck your toes under and lift your tail high for Down Dog pose. Hold here for a few breaths. Wag your tail or walk your dog.
8. As you exhale, look forward at hand, bend your knees and hop for walk both feet forward toward your hands and squat down like a frog.
9. Come up half way for Monkey pose. Bring hands back to the ground in front of you. Knees bent. Plant your hands.
10. Deep breath in as you straighten your legs, sweep your arms wide as you stand with hands above your head with palms together. Grow tall. Exhale hands down to heart center.
11. Take a few deep breaths while you revisit your intention. This completes the sunshine dance. Let’s do it again!

Learn more ways to do kid’s yoga flows by joining us for a kid’s aerial yoga class.