Yoga has many benefits that are similar to stretching but yoga can also help decrease stress levels, and can help digestion. As yoga increases mobility and involves working with the breath, this is very helpful for swimmers especially. Did you know that yoga can increase arm strength by 12% after sixteen classes? Although you can’t go to yoga classes right now you can still practise at home with these simple yoga poses. This will compliment other exercises for young simmers that we have covered in previous blog posts.
Warrior pose
Start in a lung position and then straighten your leg. Pivot your back foot to the side but keep your body facing forward. Hold your arms up in the air and take a few long deep breaths.
Triangle pose
Stand with your feet further than hip width apart and straighten your arms to the side and bend to the side to touch your foot whilst keeping your arms straight. Take a few deep breaths and then slowly move to the other side.
Butterfly pose
Sit on the floor and bend your legs and hold your feet together. Try to push your knees towards the floor as much as you can. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Upward facing dog
Lie on your stomach and place your hand on the floor near your hips and stretch your upper body upwards.
Dolphin pose/downward facing dog
Place your hands or forearms on the floor and thn your feet on the floor. Make sure your feet and hands are close enough together so that your body makes an upside down v shape. Close your eyes and take a few long deep breaths.
Child’s pose
Sit with your shins on the floor and straighten your arms and place your body straight down on the floor with your arms straight. Take a few long deep breaths here.
Mountain pose
This pose is great for the end of your yoga session as it is a full body stretch. Stand up tall and hold your arms straight above your arms in a streamlined position with your head facing towards the ceiling. Close your eyes and take long deep breaths.
A good idea might be to play a mirroring game with your children. You can show them each pose and encourage them to copy you. This is a fun and easy way to teach your children the yoga poses.
Remember to take long deep breaths whilst doing these yoga poses to achieve the maximum benefits.