Get in on the yoga fun this week and start moving your body, freeing your mind and letting your spirit soar! Here are some family friendly yoga postures to get your yoga on! Enjoy and have fun ☺

Child’s Pose (Sleeping Bunny)

Sitting on your heels bring your upper body towards the earth. Rest your forehead on the mat and place your hands back towards your feet. Adults may wish to bring their knees apart to make room for their upper body to ground into the earth, or stack their hands/fists for their forehead to rest on if this is more comfortable. Take a few deep breaths here, promoting relaxation & rejuvenation. You may notice that many toddlers sleep in this position, born natural yogis!

For toddlers and preschoolers you may wish to incorporate the Sleeping Bunny song/rhyme:

See the sleeping bunnies, sleeping ‘till its noon.

Oh so still, are they ill?

Shhh, shhhh, shhhh

Wake up sleeping bunny, wake up, wake up (bunnies come sitting up on their heels)

Hop little bunny, hop, hop, hop (bunnies start to hop around their mat)

Stop little bunny, stop, stop, stop (bunnies come back to their resting position)

Downward Facing Dog

From child’s pose, curl your toes under to touch the mat and lift your hips and tail bone (doggie tail☺) up and back. Press your heels (back dog paws) into the earth and spread your fingers wide (front dog paws).

If your little yogi would like they may wag their tail, make dog noises or even do a dog trick by lifting one leg up high in the air!

Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend (Pizza legs!)

Mmm, who doesn’t like to eat yummy pizza?! Find a spacious place on the floor and spread your legs as far apart as comfortable for you. Ensure your toes and knees are facing towards the sky. You may walk your fingers out in front of you as your heart moves towards the earth, rounding and relaxing the spine, neck and head. You may wish to make some delicious pizza with your little yogi. Have them choose the ingredients as you spread sauce, cheese, mushrooms, maybe even jelly beans all over your big slice of pizza. Don’t forget to eat it and enjoy!

Amanda DeGrace

Accelerate your career and be empowered by Amanda DeGrace, respected fitness professional & yoga teacher. Energy, charisma and an amazing passion for life are qualities displayed by Amanda in both her everyday life and her yoga and wellness classes. Amanda is CEO of DeGrace Energetics, and creator of the innovative Little Lotus Yoga program. Amanda currently teaches in the Ottawa area and presents at educational events and trainings across Canada. Be inspired and empowered as Amanda shares her enthusiasm to keep moving, keep fit and keep it fun!

DeGrace Energetics & Little Lotus Yoga programs may be found at www.amandadegrace.ca

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