Spring Forward with Yoga
As the seasons pleasantly change and the weather warms, we tend to think about ways to be more active. With such transitions come great opportunities to experience new activities with your family.
Here are some beginner moves to engage the family in a group yoga practice to enjoy together.
Flower Power
This super fun pose caters to everyone and doubles as a way to create a bouquet of flowers. In the process, participants grow and develop just as flowers do. For starters, get in a seated position with your back against the wall and your feet pressed together. Hold the bottom of your ankles with your hands while lifting your legs up. The wall supports your back and holding your ankles helps to elevate 
[1]your legs. The beautiful bouquet forms when the family does the pose in unison.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Staying in the bouquet pose, your family can savor the moment. For added entertainment, encourage everyone to bring their toes to their noses to smell the flowers. Next pretend to smell the flowers of siblings and parents as everyone takes a deep breath in through the nose and then exhales, trying to let the air out for an extra breath. This brings calmness to your floral family.
A beautiful bouquet forms when the family does this pose in unison.
Butterfly, Fly, Fly, Fly
[2]Following a good group exhale, have everyone bring down their legs, removing their hands from their ankles. Once seated, get in butterfly pose with the soles of the feet touching and knees angled outward. Flap your arms slowly while all follow suit to the tune of a butterfly song. Stretch arms up high and outstretch one leg at a time. This is a wonderful hip opener. It works just as well if you need to stay against the wall for support or bring a child on your lap to assist him or her.
Celebrate spring with your family and the leaps and bounds you’ll all make this season.
[3]
The benefits of yoga are many, including increased balance, flexibility, coordination and strength.
~ Teresa Anne Power
Kami Evans is a Registered Yoga Teach and Children Registered Yoga Teacher, she is also a Family and Child Advocate and speaks at various events in the US and UK. Contact for more info 800-584-7940 or [email protected]
Helpful Articles
- Fun & Educational Things Kids Can Do During Their Spring Break [4]
- How to Make Spring Break Fun! [5]
- How to Help Your Child Manage Spring Fever [6]
- How to Sneak In Physical Therapy on Vacation [7]
- 10 Places That Offer Special Days for Special Needs [8]
- Top 5 Children’s Museums That Are Fun for Everyone! [9]
- Spring Break Fun 7 Recipes to Make Together [10]
This post originally appeared on our March/April 2012 Magazine [11]