Kids Yoga is NOT Kids Fitness

Sometimes when I am talking with people and they ask what kid's yoga is, I hesitate to answer because honestly, I suck at elevator speeches and because going for the succinct answer doesn't always supply the clearest picture!

Many people automatically imagine a bunch of calm kids stretching and meditating on their respective mats in a room as adults would. Well, this isn't exactly the case. While one of the goals is to encourage a sense of stillness within kid's bodies and minds through consistent practice, a kid's yoga class is hardly a quiet, seated retreat like adult classes are. In fact, they are quite rowdy and full of rambunctious kiddos ready to get their wiggles out.

Naturally, they must be the same beast of a different name, right? WRONG!

So then, what is the difference between a kid's fitness class and kid's yoga class?

Kid's yoga has three important components, just like adult yoga does. The only difference is in how it plays out during class. Those three components are asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing), and meditation (relaxation and mindfulness).  Kid's yoga is about maintaining health in the body, mind, and spirit rather than just the body alone as in kid's fitness classes. I want to make it clear that there is an absolute need for fitness classes! They tend to be more cardiovascular in nature and fulfill the need for our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Kid's yoga fills an entirely different need and is complementary to other kid's fitness classes and sports.

So, what does a kid's yoga class look like and what results from regular attendance?

A typical kid's yoga class with Grow Family includes fun music and follow along poses, games to increase flexibility, cooperative skills, balance, and self-awareness, activities that inspire kids to think about the world around them and their impact, as well as stories, crafts, and relaxation exercises.

All music, books, and arts and crafts supplies are provided, as well as special props and materials for games and activities.

What results from regular attendance is kids who become more physically and mentally "fit". Kids who are more emotionally intelligent and spread their compassion and empathy to everyone around them. Kids who have extra tools in their box to face adversity and develop skills to alleviate anxiety and stress. In short, kids become happier and calmer. Pair yoga with their favorite sport or favorite fitness class, and you are on your way to setting your progeny up with a toolbox filled to the brim.

If you're curious, come join us!