headstand Archives - Go Go Yoga For Kids

Yoga Inversions for Kids

by sara | Jun 17, 2017 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

Change Your Perspective: Try an Inversion

Want to try something different with your dad this Father’s Day? Try an falling pose together. Do not worry, there are many types of inversions and all have health benefits.

Inversions to Try:

Legs up the Wall
Shoulder Stand
Crow Pose
Side Crow
Tripod
Headstand
Handstand

Benefits of Inversions:

1. Boosts Your Brain: When your body is upside down and your feet are higher than your heart, the normal pull of gravity on your body is revered, which helps blood return to the heart.

2. Makes you Happy: Endorphins are released and your frown will literally be turned upside down.

3. Helps Digestion: Inversions release trapped gas and keeps things moving along.

4. Strengthen Your Body: Your muscles are turned on and your core engaged so this creates strength and balance throughout your body

5. They are fun! Be like a kid again! Kids are usually pretty good about trying anything and getting right back up again if they fall. There’s nothing wrong with trying a falling pose.

Remember that some inversions do require great strength and balance, so take things slow. You will get the same benefits from Down Dog or Legs up the wall as you will from a headstand, so there is no need to rush your body.

Read our 6 tips on getting into a headstand here.

Bonus tip: There is nothing wrong with using a wall. Same benefits are achieved.

Let’s Get Upside Down! How to Safely Teach Headstands For Yoga Kids

by sara | Mar 30, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses

Inversions are the act of putting your heart above your head or going upside down. Children find inversions like headstands exciting and thrilling but often their teachers are a little hesitant to include them into their yoga class lesson plans.

I really like this simple order to teach and show kids how to do a headstand. I have also helped many kids achieve a tripod or headstand with the simple tip of placing your hands in front of your head to gain more leverage and balance.

Place mat against the wall.
Place the very top flat part of your head on your mat. The back of the head should be against the wall.
Place your hands in front of your head so you are able to see all 10 fingers. This gives more space for balancing.
Go into a Tripod pose first. Lift your legs slowly.
Flex your feet so they are flat as if stamping the wall.
Pull core tight and utilize the wall for support if needed.

Use the wall when teaching handstands as well. Many people don’t think about using a wall but knowing it is there if needed and having the extra support can build confidence. My own kids, who are not gymnastically inclined, loved kicking up into a handstand against the wall in our living room.

Remember that safety is crucial when teaching inversions. There will always be some students that will try to whip right into a headstand as soon as you say the word but you must be ready for that and have them watch first. Take the students through the pose step by step and allow them to see the proper technique so they can practice correctly and safely.