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Strike A Pose

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2007

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It's no stretch to say that yoga is perfect for the young at heart. But it's also ideal for the young in age.

Practicing yoga gives us not only poise, balance, strength and flexibility, but also makes us attentive and centered.

"Kids do yoga naturally," says instructor Lisa Wilson of Yogani Studios in south Tampa. "Kids and babies are flexible because they're so close to the ground and so in tune with their bodies. It isn't until we're older when we sit at desks, chairs and cars that we start to lose that flexibility — physically and mentally."

Mommy and kid yoga classes are all the rage, and now you can take those poses home with you. That's what Wilson does with 2-year-old Grace, who's been practicing yoga ever since she was a baby. She's ready to teach Cameron, who was born Dec. 28, a few moves.

Wilson, who's been teaching pre-natal and vinyasa flow classes for four years, studied under Shiva Rea and Janice Clairfield.

Check out these kid-tested poses you can do anywhere.

MALASANA (SPIDER POSE)

Squatting is great for your feet, ankles and hips. In societies where people squat to cook and chat, hip problems are virtually nonexistent. The Spider Pose can help strengthen the abs and aid in digestion and elimination.

Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart.

Bend your knees and come into a squatting position.

Bring your palms together and use your elbows to push your knees wider apart.

Stay in this pose for several breaths.

If it's hard to squat with your feet flat, place a folded blanket under your heels.

Keyword: Yoga, to check out Wilson and Grace in action with this kid-friendly pose.

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