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Introduction - What Is Posture
One of the major reasons behind successful human existence remains gravity. It makes the atmosphere, water bodies, and existence possible for us. However, its magnetic pull also exerts a force on human joints, ligaments, and muscles, when they move about. This is because humans do not move in the direction of the force applied, that is, horizontally.
They stand upright or in a vertical posture before moving around. This causes them to move against gravity. This is where posture saves the day. It helps evenly distribute the force applied by gravity throughout the body. This way, no single body part or muscle gets overstressed.
Maintaining proper posture helps humans, especially children, lead a better, healthier life. This is because those kids possess better coordination and balance, along with enhanced muscle resilience and energy. So, give the following exercises a try to help kids develop good posture from an early age.
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Exercises To Help Kids Develop Good Posture From An Early Age
Crunches
Crunches are an excellent exercise to engage in from an early age as they require proper posture for successful execution. Its ability to burn fat and improve digestion is just a bonus at this point. To do this, your kids need to lie on the ground with their feet folded from the knees, closely placed together. Now, they can either take help from you or simply try not to lift their feet every time they lift their upper body half to do a crunch.
Plank
Plank is a wonderful exercise for kids as its primary focus is on proper posture and muscle endurance. Its ability to boost core strength and stamina in kids is just a cherry on top. To do this exercise, all your kids need to do is get into the push-up position. The only difference will be balancing the body on their elbows and fists instead of palms. Their body should be slightly inclined in position as time ticks by without letting their abdomen touch the ground.
Animal Movements
Animal movements are a fun and engaging fitness activity that also improves your kid’s muscle strength and posture. Try crab walks, frog jumps, and rat runs with your kids to boost their mood and energy while improving their spine health and muscle resilience in the process.
Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana or the bow pose, is ideal for stretching your kid’s back and abdomen muscles and improving the overall functioning of vital bodily organs. To do this pose, kids need to lie down face-first before folding their legs backwards from their knees and stretching their arms behind them to catch them. Now, ask them to inhale, raise, and stretch their entire body based on their abdomen. Watch them arch like a bow with proper posture.
Naukasana
Naukasana, or the boat pose, is one of the best yoga poses for kids as it not only strengthens their abdominal muscles but also improves their balance and coordination. As a result, these kids automatically prefer maintaining a healthy posture. To do this pose, ask your kid to sit on the ground with their knees slightly bent and feet flat on the ground. Then ask them to slowly start leaning back, raising, and straightening their legs together without losing balance. Ask them to stretch their hands in front of them and hold the pose.
Padmasana
Padmasana or the lotus pose, is a simple yet vital asana for improving posture, boosting metabolism and blood circulation in children. To do this pose, all your child needs to do is sit cross-legged before lifting each foot over the opposite thigh. It is difficult to maintain posture, padmasana’s health benefits are tremendous.
Vrikshasana
Vrikshasana or the tree pose, is a creative yet tough yoga asana for kids to master. To do this pose, all kids need to do is stand straight before shifting all balance to one foot and raising the other one to place it on the inside of the opposite thigh. Once the balance is restored, ask them to raise their arms above their and clasp them together in a praying position. This asana develops proper posture, balance and coordination in kids while also boosting their focus in academics and extracurriculars.
Kagasana
Kagasana or the crow pose, is an important asana as it helps tone thigh and lower abdomen muscles while maintaining a wonderful posture. It also strengthens your kid’s pelvic and knee joint with daily practice. To do this asana, ask your kid to stand straight with their feet a few inches apart. Then ask them to bend and squat on their feet. Their ankles should stay flat on the ground and both their arms should be placed over their knees.
Conclusion
Posture is something that cannot be compromised as far as kids are concerned. Their health and well-being are related to the posture they maintain, as poor posture can lead to weakness, fatigue, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and pilonidal infections.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
