8 Cool Yoga Postures For Preteens. Make Yoga A Bridge Between Childhood And Adolescence

For most preteens, life can be difficult and confusing as the body is undergoing several changes. In this situation, yoga can be an excellent bridge between childhood and adolescence. Yoga can help preteens understand what's going on, giving them time to step back from the everyday activities of life and look at things from a new and fresh perspective.

Why is yoga important?

Yoga is the best tool for preteens to cope with their changing moods. The breathing exercises and guided dharana like visualization assist by reducing stress, teach coping techniques and provide calmness and acceptance. The ability for the child to manage their mood changes themselves will allow them to learn better and to participate in educational and daily routines effectively.

In general, yoga flaunts a hipness quotient among teens today so you should be able to easily persuade your teenager to pick it up. Before you start, know some of yoga's many physical and mental benefits.

"Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life." B.K.S. Iyengar

Essentially, yoga:

• Creates a self-awareness of your own body
• Increases the energy levels for the day to day activities
• Improves concentration and focusing
• Helps manage the weight within limits
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence
• Makes your body flexible and fit
• Makes you a good decision maker
• Acts as a stress buster
• Strikes a balance between body and mind
• Makes you compassionate to peers
• Promotes relaxation
• Improves mood and cognitive functioning
• Improves breathing
• Promotes better posture

Yoga can provide many benefits, both physical and mental, to preteens. This article looks at some important yoga poses for pre-teens such as:

Tree pose

The tree pose is an excellent practice for training your body to balance. It strengthens the thigh and calf muscles, torso, and groin. This pose is an excellent remedy for flat feet and also helps alleviate leg pains. It's also an excellent practice to balance the hormonal system.

This ClipBook contains 8 super yoga poses that one can try at home. Teach your son so that he can reamin healthy and wise.

Triangle pose

If done properly and consistently, there are many benefits to triangle pose: It stretches legs, muscles around the knee, ankle joints, hips, groin muscles, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest and spine. It also strengthens legs, knees, ankles, abdominals, obliques and back. Stimulates function of abdominal organs. Relieves stress.

Bow pose

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) Open the heart, boost prana flow and lighten the mental load with a backbend or two. Dhanurasana is known to promote flexibility of the spine, tone the internal organs, increase energy and counteract depression. Dhanurasana is highly recommended for pre-teens as the digestive issues are very common among them. This also helps in improving the gut health.

Locust pose

Shalabasana is beneficial in strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the entire spine. It is a 'must do' pose for those suffering from back-related ailments. This helps one to gain a strong back and helps the teens especially during long sitting in the school and at home.

Downward facing dog pose

Downward Facing Dog (Adho mukha ?v?n?sana ) The downward facing dog pose relieves stress, stretches the hamstrings and calves, strengthens hands and legs, and energizes the body. Set yourself for the pose with your hands and knees on the floor. This also helps in building the core muscles and helps in gut health

Warrior pose

Virabhadrasana or the Warrior Pose is a graceful stance commemorating the exploits of a great warrior called Virabhadra, a mythological character created by Lord Shiva. If you are an early riser, practicing the pose in the morning is ideal. Hold the beginner level Vinyasa Yoga pose for about 20 seconds on each leg. It tones your arms, legs, and lower back. With the lack of physical activity in their daily routines, teens often suffer from back-related health issues. Virabhadrasana will conquer this stiffness and prepare your child for battle. Try the warrior pose for peace for it brings courage and victory.

Cobra pose

A mood regulator, this pose helps you breathe better and makes you flexible. It is the perfect remedy for digestion problems. If your Pre-teenager suffers from asthma, sinusitis, or cramps, bhujangasana is the ideal exercise.

Child's pose

The child's pose stretches your back muscles, hips, thighs, and ankles. Proper practice of this asana can help alleviate a backache. This pose relaxes the body and helps you sleep better.

Author is Wellness Director at Atmantan Wellness Centre.