Family yoga classes are a fun way for the whole family to experience yoga. There are many benefits gained from the practice of yoga and adults aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the health benefits and calming effects of yoga.
A family yoga class is different than your typical class designed for adults. There won’t be much meditation or complicated poses or sequences. These classes tend to be child focused and fun.
Often, instructors use stories or songs that contain yoga poses as characters to teach asanas to children. The stories and music are designed to capture and hold the interest of the children in the class.
The pace and content of the classes varies, depending on the instructor. Ideally, there will be several segments throughout the class that allow the children to be alternately quiet and active. For example, a class may have segments that include a yoga story, active and silly times with a lot of movement and calm poses with quiet music to relax and rest.
If you’ve been practicing yoga and want to introduce your kids to the practice, a class can be a fun way to get started. Often, the teacher will instruct the parents about practicing yoga with kids, and offer tips that you can use to start practicing at home on other nights of the week.
Family members of all ages from young children to grandparents can get in on the fun, but ask about the minimum age requirement. Some places allow kids as young as two or three to attend the family class, but others may have a minimum age of five years old.
Family yoga classes can be found in yoga studios, community centers and gyms that cater to children and families. You can try searching for classes online, check with your local community center, yoga studios or ask other moms.