| flexibility | |
ARMS |
Hasta sanchalan
This pose strengthens and loosens the child’s neck, arms, and shoulders.
1. Lie on your back, with your legs slightly apart. Extend your arms along your body and raise them up a few inches. Bring both arms up in a semi-circle so your hands are both above your head. Clasp your hands and turn your palms outward while stretching your whole body from head to toe. It is helpful to push the soles of your feet towards the floor. Come back to your initial position, with your arms alongside your body.
2. Extend your arms upward, bringing them above your head. Clasp your hands, then turn your palms outward while stretching your whole body from head to toe. Come back to your initial position, arms along the body.
3. Arms are extended, slightly off the floor along your body. Using a semi-circular side motion, bring your arms above your head and back down above your stomach, making several scissor movements. Come back to your initial position, arms along the body.
These flexibility exercises (activities 17 to 21) are perfect as an introduction into yoga. They also work on your child’s flexibility, “oil” the articulations, and maintain their muscles. They should be practiced in a relaxed environment, without straining. You can use your imagination and add head movements (yes, no, perhaps, etc.) or shoulder swimming, etc.