My 5-year-old practices yoga on her own. She got a taste of it this past year during preschool, and would happily come home to demonstrate any number of poses. (Her warrior one really rocks!) The funniest thing was how seriously she takes her yoga; in the midst of a recent meltdown, she ran into her bedroom and assumed a meditation position. And within minutes, she emerged a calmer, happier self. I kid you not. So when I learned about the entire new line of Upside Down Games devoted to yoga, I knew it would be a huge hit in my house. While the products range from card games, to seek-and-find board games aged for 6 and up, any kid who expresses a sincere interest in yoga will be right at home. We checked out Yogi Cards, ideal for yoga on the go or, in my daughter’s case, any time you need to make a swift exit and practice in peace. Like many of the other products in the line, it’s based on poses that players attempt to demonstrate for any given mission. The more poses you perform, the faster you’ll complete your mission and win. Another favorite was Yoga Spinner, which uses the same concept with the added bonus of a spinner teeming with pose possibilities. During one game alone, my little yogi showed off 16 (!) different poses; wish I were that limber. We love these games for their easy-to-grasp instructions and straightforward premise. They work just well on a rainy day as they do outdoors. I’m thinking afternoon sessions in the backyard this summer. Care to join us?
In a Nutshell: Don’t know your downward dog from your shoulder stand? A few rounds of these stimulating games and you’ll be ready to lead a yoga class. Namaste.
