TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Strike A Pose

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 27, 2007

It's no stretch to say that yoga is perfect for the young at heart. It's also ideal, though, 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 prenatal and vinyasa flow classes for four years, studied under Shiva Rea and Janice Clairfield.

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

BHUJANGASANA (SNAKE POSE)

Making your back strong and supple is s-s-simple with the Snake Pose. It's especially beneficial if you have asthma or respiratory disorders because it strengthens your diaphragm, the primary muscle used in breathing, and helps to expel carbon dioxide from your body.

1. Lie on your stomach and rest your forehead on the floor. Place your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Breathe in and lift your head, neck and chest slowly off the floor. As you breathe out, slowly lower your head to the ground. Hiss like a snake on each downward movement.

2. Breathe in, and use your hands to push your upper body off the mat into a supported backbend. Hold this pose for 15 to 30 seconds and release.

This pose promotes flexibility in the spine and opens up the chest. It also helps relieve stress and fatigue.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT