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Strike A Pose

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 20, 2007

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 has been practicing yoga since she was a baby. She's ready to teach Cameron, who was born Dec. 28, a few moves.

Wilson, who has 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.

ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA (DOWNWARD-FACING DOG)

You recognize it. Down Dog is an all-over rejuvenating stretch that develops strength in your arms, shoulders and back. With your head lower than your hips, fresh blood is sent to your brain, nourishing both body and mind.

Kneel on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart. Push your hips back and up as high as possible so your body forms a triangle. Push your heels into the floor. Hold.

Take this dog for a walk by moving around in this pose. If that's too difficult, try Walking the Giraffe. Get into the Down Dog position, but bring your hands and feet closer together to take the strain off your arms and shoulders. Feel the stretch in your hamstrings! To kick it up a notch, from the Dog Down position, lift your right leg up as high as you can and lower, then repeat with your left.

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

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