Calm. Mindful. Patient.
A kid with these qualities isn’t a mythical being. No, a kid with these qualities has probably been stretching her body and mind at a yoga class somewhere. Yoga has long touted as a super-beneficial means of keeping little people both mentally and physically fit, because it helps to build self-esteem and increases body strength and confidence. In addition, the practice helps kids gain flexibility and balance, and allows them to engage in non-competitive athletic play. How, you ask? Because one of the driving themes in Yoga is the focus on your own practice—no one else’s. As a result, kids can relax and enjoy themselves in a class, which leads to self-acceptance and inner strength!
I asked a pro for her insight on kids and Yoga.
Learning how to be okay with being alone, how to rest the mind and body, and how to use their imagination are skills that kids sorely lack in today’s society. “There are physical benefits, of course, but the real important stuff happens when kids are given the tools to notice the big feelings, and notice how they feel in their bodies.” says Jen Byer, owner of YoPlay Yoga For Kids®. Basically, we as adults already have the tools to self-sooth and self-regulate, but kids don’t. “In my eight years of doing this, I find that students are most drawn to the creative visualization aspect more than anything else. The breathing work, the relaxation techniques—this is what they ask for when they come to class.” In other words, Yoga helps give kids the tools to live in the moment and be constantly mindful.
It works for my family.
Recently, I started to take my own practice seriously, and I’ve never felt so whole-body strong in my life. After a class I feel refreshed, calm, and ready to take on the world with two energetic kids by my side. Even better, my daughter took a day camp over Winter Break, and came away very excited. As soon as we drove off, she requested to go again! And so, our recent interest in this age-old practice has led me to scout out the best places in DFW for little yogis.
Read on to find a studio or workshop near you.
YoPlay Yoga For Kids®
Classes include playful poses, relaxation techniques and stretching tips. The instructor will guide your child in the practice of being mindful, and how to calm his or her emotions. And parents, you know that a calm kiddo equals a happy kiddo! There are lots of options for different ages: Mommy & Me, Preschool YoPlay and Tween Yogis and plenty of day camps and workshops for vacation days.
Discover classes at Rockwall Dance Academy
Rockwall Village Shopping Center
447 East Interstate 30
Rockwall, TX 75087
(469) 769-1301
Discover classes at Sunstone Fit: Skillman Live Oak
1920 Skillman St
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 764-2119 x113
Online: yoplayoga4kids.com
YogaUp
Welcome to East Dallas’s first yoga studio just for kids, where the instructors use stories, games, aerial hammocks (for older kiddos), and art exploration to get students moving and learning in a playful way. Each class is a mix of classic moves with mindful practices, which helps with sensory processing, managing anxiety, and build better brain function. Which sounds like the perfect combo for healthy, thriving kids! There are several types of classes that speak to a wide age range: Baby Stay and Play, My Buddy and Me, Sensory-stational Yogis and Friends, and more.
Discover classes at YogaUp
9105 Diceman
Dallas, TX 75218
214-505-9464
Online: yogaupkids.com
Zen Kids Yoga at Yoga on Main
Located in a cozy studio in Frisco, this program breaks down basic postures, which gives students ages 4-12 an easy introduction to their own practice, which will boost confidence levels. Furthermore, along with patience, imagination and creative thinking skills, your little yogi will learn how to relax and have fun in a nurturing environment.
6726 Main St. Ste.310
Frisco Tx, 75033
214-407-8337
Online: yogaonmainst.com/zen-kids-yoga
Yogi Kid & Fit Family
This whole-family fitness center in Flower Mound offers a variety of classes for kids. You can choose between kid, special needs, preschool play, and tween yoga; each class is filled with games, gross motor skill work, and fun moves that will help kids develop body awareness. In addition, Yogi Kids also offers after school classes in the surrounding area, so click here to see if there’s one at your school, or even better, reach out and contact someone to get a class started!
Discover classes at Yogi Kid & Fit Family
33051 Churchill Drive, Suite 250
Flower Mound, TX 75022
(214) 325-2547
Online: myyogikids.com
Here’s One for the Newest Member of the Family!
Mamaste™ Yoga with Breath… Yoga and Massage
It’s never too early to get your kids on the mat. One of the best ways to ease your way back into a workout routine is post-natal yoga because it’s a low-key, core-strengthening workout that makes you feel good from the inside out: the moves are chosen to help correct the midsection weakness that comes with labor and delivery. Mamaste™ yoga is a great choice because the class revolves around babies, and includes songs and cuddle time, which is fun for everyone!
Discover Mamaste™ Yoga classes
Preston Campbell Center
17062 Preston Rd., Suite 108
Dallas, Tx 75248
Online: breatheyoga.us/mommy-and-me-yoga
Discover Pop-Up Studios and Workshops
yogees yoga 4 kids
This pop-up studio has events all over the metroplex and, more importantly, abides by the “everyone’s a winner” philosophy. From classes for kids with special needs at Heights Park Rec Center in Richardson to a read-and-stretch session at Northpark Mall on Fridays, there’s something for every little yogi on your list.
Online: yogeesyoga4kids.com/classesdfw
Sunday Yoga at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Round up the troops and join other nature lovers at this hidden gem in Cedar Hill for a free class on the first Sunday of every month. This hour-long session is for kids ages 6-12 and parent participation is encouraged. Liz from Geo Family Fit runs the workshop and follows both the YogaFit Kids Program and Your True Nature Yoga Curriculum. Find out more here!
1206 W FM 1382
Cedar Hill, TX, 75104
(469) 526-1980
Online: geofamilyfit.com
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comment section.
Top and featured imaged: Pierette Wiseman via flickr
Lotus Bud Kids (www.lotusbudkids.com) brings their yoga program to your child’s preschool or elementary school (as an hour-long After School program) so you don’t have to worry about fitting yoga into you or your child’s evening/ weekend schedule or driving anywhere extra for them to receive the benefits of yoga. I know they’re currently in Plano, Richardson, Frisco, and Carrollton schools and I believe they’ll go to schools anywhere in the DFW area.
That sounds like a wonderful program, Kelli! Thanks for sharing!