Yoga For Special Groups: Kids, Seniors, Athletes, Prenatal and Postpartum Recovery

Exploring the Yoga For Special Groups

Yoga is a great way to improve strength, flexibility, and focus. It can be adjusted to fit the specific wants of different groups. 

Yoga can benefit everyone, whether you are a child, an older adult, an athlete, or someone healing from pregnancy. 

Finding the right poses and patterns for each group can be a lot to handle. It’s important to know which moves are safe and helpful. 

This article will show you yoga poses for kids, seniors, athletes, and those recovering after pregnancy. 

We will also provide directions on how to do each pose. Let’s explore how yoga can benefit these special groups!

Yoga for Kids

Yoga helps kids become stronger, more flexible, and emotionally balanced. It also helps with attention, coordination, and being aware, which are important for a child who is growing. 

Here are six yoga moves that are good for kids:

1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

The Downward Dog Could Be One of the Most Familiar Yogic Postures Like in the Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga Style.

Adho Mukha Svanasana
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  • Start on all fours with hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart.
  • Raise your hips and keep your legs straight.
  • Press your hands down on the floor while trying to touch the ground with your feet.
  • Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then do it again.

2. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

The next examined movement is the Marjariasana-Bitilasana or the Cat-Cow Pose, the movement that involves holding the spine curved one way (Cat Pose) and then the other way (Cow Pose).

Cat-Cow Pose
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  • Start on all fours, with hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
  • Breathe in, curve your back, and lift your head and bottom (Cow pose).
  • Breathe out, arch your back, and lower your chin (Cat pose).
  • Do it 5 to 10 times.

3. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

It is a standing yoga pose and is otherwise known as Vrikshasana. In this pose, one stands with the full weight on one of the feet, the other foot standing beside this foot and placing one heel on the opposite inner thigh or calf.

explore How to perform tree pose
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  • Stand with your feet close together.
  • Lift one foot and put it on the inside of your other thigh or leg.
  • Put your hands together in front of your chest.
  • Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch legs and do it again.

4. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)

Butterfly Pose
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  • Sit with your knees bent and the bottoms of your feet touching each other.
  • Grab your feet with your hands and smoothly push your knees down toward the ground.
  • Hold for 15 to 20 seconds, then do it again.

5. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Balasana or Child’s pose is another yoga pose that will definitely help you have a happy bedtime and it also relaxes the back, hips, and legs.

Child’s Pose
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  • Kneel down on the floor and sit back on your feet.
  • Reach your arms out in front of you and bend down until your face touches the floor.
  • Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

6. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

The Cobra Pose in yoga or Bhujangasana in yoga is a posture that may assist in toning the spinal area. Because this exercise is a backbend, it exercises the back muscles and increases the flexibility of the chest.

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  • Lie on your stomach with your palms on the floor under your shoulders.
  • Press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground.
  • Keep your elbows slightly bent and stay for 10-15 seconds.

Yoga for Seniors

Yoga helps seniors maintain flexibility, mobility, and balance. It also supports mental health and helps reduce stress. Below are six yoga poses suitable for seniors:

1. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

Chair yoga for seniors is for people with limited mobility, or those who do not want to engage in floor-level exercises but want to enjoy the health benefits of yoga.

How to Perform Chair Pose Yoga
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  • Stand with feet hip-width apart.
  • Bend your knees like you’re sitting in a chair.
  • Keep your arms stretched out in front of you.
  • Hold for 10 to 15 seconds.

2. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana is a gentle yoga pose that stretches the back torso. It increases flexibility, reduces stress, and delivers an improved posture among the athletes.

Paschimottanasana
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  • Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you.
  • Breathe in, stretch your back, and breathe out as you lean forward, trying to touch your feet.
  • Hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.

3. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Tadasana commonly referred to as Mountain pose, is a Starting Yoga Pose, where the pose leans towards good stead amongst the tall, erect posture with feet parallel to each other.

Mountain Pose
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  • Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides.
  • Spread your toes and push them into the ground.
  • Raise your chest and stretch your arms up high.
  • Hold for 10 to 15 seconds.

4. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)

Sanskrit Virabhadrasana 1 also known as Yoga Warrior 1 pose is a basic standing yoga asana.  It can give the meaning of strength, direction and balance. It assists in developing your endurance and flexibility and brings your mind down to earth.

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  • Step one foot forward, bend your front knee, and keep your back leg straight.
  • Raise your arms above your head and keep your chest open.
  • Hold each side for 10 to 15 seconds.

5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose Yoga or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is a simple backbend pose where only the hips float upward leaving your shoulder and feet planted on the ground.

how to perform bridge pose yoga
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  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet resting flat on the floor.
  • Raise your hips up towards the sky while pushing your feet down into the ground.
  • Hold for 10 to 15 seconds.

6. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

The Legs-Up-The-Wall pose is a restorative yoga pose recognized by the term Viparita Karani in Sanskrit in which you lie facing the back while leaning your legs on a wall.

Legs Up the Wall Pose
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  • Lie on your back and raise your legs against a wall.
  • Put your arms down by your sides with your hands facing upward.
  • Wait for 5 to 10 minutes.

Yoga for Athletes

Athletes can use yoga to improve flexibility, balance, and recovery. Here are six yoga poses ideal for athletes:

1. Runner’s Lunge (Anjaneyasana)

Runner’s Lunge
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  • Step one foot forward into a lunge, keeping your back leg straight.
  • Lower your back knee to the ground and stretch your arms up.
  • Hold for 15 to 30 seconds on each side.

2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

  • Start on all fours with hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart.
  • Raise your hips and keep your legs straight.
  • Push your hands into the floor and keep them there for 30 seconds.

3. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

Pigeon Pose
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  • Begin in a plank pose and move one knee towards your wrist.
  • Extend your other leg back and drop your hips towards the ground.
  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Crescent Lunge (High Lunge)

Crescent Lunge
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  • Step forward with one foot and bend your knee.
  • Straighten your back leg and raise your arms above your head.
  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

5. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Bow Pose
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  • Lie on your back and lift both knees.
  • Grab your feet with your hands while raising your chest and legs off the ground.
  • Hold it for 15 to 20 seconds.

6. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

In Sanskrit, Planking is called Kumbhakasana (koom-bahk-AHS-uh-nuh). Plank Pose holding your body off the ground, a plank balances on your toes and forearms.

Forearm Plank Pose
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  • Start on all fours and step your feet back.
  • Keep your body straight and use your core muscles.
  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

Yoga for Prenatal 

Yoga helps pregnant women reduce stress, enhance circulation, and recover from childbirth. Three pregnant healing poses:

1. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

  • Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
  • Breathe in, raise your back like a cow, and breathe out, round your back like a cat.
  • Do it 5 to 10 times.

2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

  • Kneel down and push your hips back towards your feet.
  • Extend your arms in front of you and place your face on the ground.
  • Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

3. Seated Side Stretch (Parsva Sukhasana)

Seated Side Stretch
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  • Sit cross-legged in a comfortable position.
  • Raise your left arm above your head and lean to the right softly.
  • Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch to the other side.

Yoga for Postpartum Recovery

Yoga also helps Postpartum Recovery to reduce stress and recover from childbirth

1. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclining Bound Angle Pose Supta Baddha Konasana is a restorative pose during which you lie on your back with your feet joined and your knees opened out wide.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose
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  • Sit on the floor with straight legs.
  • Allow your knees to drop open to the sides by bending and bringing your feet together.
  • Lean back into your hands and slowly lower your back to the floor with your feet together.
  • Relax in the stance for 1-2 minutes with your arms by your sides and palms up.

2. Pelvic Tilts (Pelvic Rocking)

Pelvic Tilts
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  • Sit on your hands and knees with wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
  • Softly inhale and arch your back, pushing your belly button to the floor and elevating your tailbone.
  • Exhale and circle your back, tucking your pelvis and chin to your chest.
  • Repeat 10-15 times, focusing on breath and gentle rocking.

3. Wide-Knee Child’s Pose (Balasana Variation)

Wide-Knee Child’s Pose
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  • Get on your hands and knees.
  • Keep your big toes touching and knees apart.
  • Slowly sit back on your heels and lower your chest to the floor with your arms extended.
  • Rest your forehead on the floor for 30-60 seconds.

Conclusion

Yoga is a useful practice for everyone, no matter their background. Yoga can help everyone, from kids to seniors, athletes, and those healing from pregnancy, by improving both physical and mental health. It’s important to select the correct poses for each group. 

With the advice given, you can include yoga in your schedule safely and successfully. By practicing the right techniques, you can tap into the healing and strengthening benefits of yoga.

Source:

Bronwen. (2025, January 10). Yoga exercises for prenatal and postnatal care. Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Admin. (2024, September 17). Yoga for Men, Seniors, Kids & Women Himalayan Yog Ashram | Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.

Book Source:

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. The website and its creators are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or adverse effects that may result from using the information provided. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.

Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops. She is still inspiring students to build strength, flexibility, and inner peace on and off the mat through VeryFit Life.

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