International Yoga Day 2021: Best weight-loss asanas for kids

International Yoga Day is being celebrated on June 21^st every year since 2015. This is a UN observance day which was created in order to promote healthy living and create awareness about the various health and psychological benefits of yoga. This mind-body technique comes with a lot of weight-loss benefits which may be especially relevant for kids during the lockdown. Doctors across the globe have observed a worrying increase in childhood obesity during the pandemic. Yoga asanas can be instrumental in helping your child shed those extra kilos. Here are some easy-peasy poses that your little one can try at home under your supervision.

Plank pose
This yoga asana not only helps in weight-loss, it also strengthens the core. Help your kid strike the pose with this step-by-step guide:

Get in a standard push-up position, arms under the shoulders and legs straight.
Keep your abdomen, thigh and posterior muscles tight.
Now, raise your legs on your toes and hold this position for around 45-60 seconds.
Rest and repeat once.

Downward dog pose
This pose will help strengthen your children’s arms, thighs, hamstrings and back. It improves concentration and blood circulation as well. Help her follow this step-by-step guide:

Start on all fours and tuck your toes and bend your knees such that your heels face upwards.
Press your belly and lengthen your spine to form a long line from the neck to the tailbone. Hold this pose for a few breaths.
Slowly straighten your knee and get back to the starting position.

Triangle pose
This asana helps improve digestion and stimulates blood circulation. It also helps in reducing belly fat while building thigh muscles and strengthening hamstrings. Here is a step-by-step guide for your kid to follow:

Stand straight with your legs a little more than shoulder-width apart.
Raise your right hand straight above the head as you inhale. Keep the right arm parallel to the right ear.
Bend your torso at the waist, to your left side as you exhale.
Simultaneously, slide your left arm down along the left leg till your fingers touch the ankle.
Make sure that the right arm is horizontal as your head is tilted left.
Hold the pose for 30 seconds keeping your knees and elbows straight.
Inhale and gradually stand erect. Repeat the same on the other side.

Bow pose
This asana helps reduce belly fat and strengthen core muscles. It also increases flexibility and helps massage organs, improve digestion, and strengthen chest, thighs and back. Here are the steps:

Lie down on your belly and place your hands alongside your hips with palms facing up. Slowly bend your knees, stretch your hands towards the feet and hold your ankles.
Now, breathe in and gradually lift your body in a way that your chest and thighs are off the ground. Stabilise in this position for 15-20 seconds and hold your breath. Return to your original position by lowering your body gradually.
Exhale while releasing your ankles. Stretch and repeat this asana at least five more times.