Children love to be active, so yoga and Pilates moves for kids will seem like play to them. Teaching your kids yoga and Pilates will get them started in the basics, and establish a more dedicated practice to enjoy for years to come
Benefits of Yoga and Pilates Moves for Kids

The average age to introduce kids to yoga and Pilates is around two. At this time, they have a lot of energy and are eager to learn.

Practical benefits include the following:

Both methods focus on moving the body with controlled breath.
Children gain a better understanding of how their bodies work.
Children learn quickly to dedicate themselves to the task at hand.
Yoga and Pilates performed in a group setting increases socialization skills while simultaneously building confidence in individual play.
Medical studies also indicate that many children, especially those with autism, ADD/ADHD, and Down's syndrome, gain valuable coping and concentration skills through the practice of yoga and Pilates. Techniques from these methods can be practiced to calm the child during other stressful or hyperactive situations.

Additionally, many children's hospitals have conducted studies regarding the benefits of yoga and Pilates moves for kids with adolescents diagnosed with physical and mental disabilities.

Starting Early

A few yoga studios have prenatal yoga classes that expand into infant/mother yoga. Many of these infant classes are designed to create more intimacy between mommy and baby and help the mother get back into pre-pregnancy shape. The other parent-and sometimes even grandparents!-are invited to join in as well.

If you're already involved in "mommy and me" reading classes at the library or in playgroup activities around the area, you'll love the kid's yoga classes many studios now offer. These classes are age-appropriate, building off the natural characteristics of young students.

Try These Postures

Children are often delighted by their flexibility, which is why practicing yoga and Pilates will be enjoyable for them. Try the following postures.

For yoga:

Lotus Pose - A great way for children to calm down
Child's Pose - Another terrific calming method that ease stress
Downward Facing Dog Pose - Energizes the mind
Standing Forward Bend - Also good to rejuvenate the mind
Mountain Yoga Pose - Children think this is simple, but it's restorative to breathe and remain in this pose
Eagle Pose - Helps to increase focus, start by doing this pose in stages - legs only, or arms only
Tree Yoga Pose - Another great concentration pose, plus good for giggles as they try to balance
Warrior Pose - Builds strength and concentration
For Pilates:

The One Hundred - Builds abdominal strength, and the counting is a good challenge for younger kids
Double Straight Leg with Ball - Helps increase flexibility
Single Leg Stretch - Children can practice this move while watching TV
The important factor to remember when teaching children Pilates is the Pilates imprint. This will help the kids avoid injury and practice the moves properly.

For pictures of some of these positions and others, review LoveToKnow Yoga's Pilates Sample Exercises article.