Yoga for Kids
Monday, February 22, 2010
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Cathy Cassani AdamsRecent posts
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I know a gifted yoga teacher named Candi Eichstaedt who teaches yoga to children. Her classes are playful, educational and energetic and she has a great rapport with the kids. She recently explained to me why she loves her job so much….
Why do you teach yoga to children?
I LOVE teaching yoga to children for many reasons. Children are willing to try anything with an open heart and an open mind. They come to yoga with no preconceived idea of what yoga is and can attain great benefits from the practice.
How does yoga help children?
There is so much good that yoga can teach children. Physically they can benefit from stretching, strength, flexibility and balance. Emotionally they learn calm, focus and courage. Mentally they can achieve balance and self-esteem.
Every time a child comes to the mat it is a different day, a different practice. If a child can hold a pose a second longer or stretch deeper into the pose than the last practice, that is a tangible achievement that they can hold on to. It is so empowering to them and that is what I take away from my teaching experience.
What does a typical class look like?
My typical class begins with simple breath work to clear the mind and focus the attention on the practice. Then we move into poses centered around a theme such as strength, courage, or love. We end our class with a short savasana (relaxation). Most of all, yoga for kids is fun.
Times, location and cost?
I teach at Elmhurst Yoga Shala on Tuesday from 4-4:45 (grades 1 through 4) and 5-5:45 (grades 5 through 12) and on Thursday from 5-5:45 (yoga for student athletes). The cost is $60 for a six week session or $12 per class as a drop in rate.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23rd, both classes are free as an introduction. The next session begins on March 2nd.
Contact Candi eichy@att.net
or Elmhurst Yoga Shala www.yogashalakids.org for
more information.
Many studios in the Chicago area offer kids/family
yoga classes. Ask your local studio or check the listings
below:
Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell, Chicago www.bloomyogastudio.com
Fun Lovin' Yoga for Kids, 55 S. Main, Naperville www.funlovinyoga.com
Sweet Pea's Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Chicago www.sweetpeasstudio.com
Yoga Among Friends, 4949 Forest, Downers Grove www.yogaamongfriends.com
Yoga Now, Broadway or LaSalle, Chicago www.yoganowchicago.com
Has your child tried yoga? Feel free to comment.
Cathy Adams is a certified parenting coach, yoga instructor and mother to three girls.
See more of Cathy's stories here.
Contact Cathy at cathycadams@sbcglobal.com
yoga mom of busy boyBy Lisa O'Brien on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 My 9 year old has to do a lot of things he doesn't want to do, but he loves going to Candi's yoga class!! Candi has such a "wonderful way" with the kids and they truly get something out of the class which means mom gets something too. I am so glad to have found the kids yoga class! |
Can't wait for tomorrow!By Jaimee Lumm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Cathy and Candi, Thank you for your response! Marnee and I are signed up to attend tomorrow's family yoga workshop! We were practicing table pose before bed just now so we're ready. :-) See you soon. |
introducing yogaBy Cathy on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Hi Jaimee - good question! The best way to create interest is by practicing yoga in front of your daughter. My girls see me do yoga in the morning - sometimes they just crawl around me or walk by, but a lot of the time they join me or at least attempt some poses. They love backbends and handstands - no fear! Once your daughter is older you can search for a YogaKids class (3 years - Kindergarten) and if she likes it, she might enjoy a class like Candi's. Another idea - my girls have a book called The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story by Uma Krishnaswami. It's a cute story about how yoga helps a little girl feel more confident. It's a great way to introduce the many benefits of yoga practice. |
family yoga classBy Candi Eichstaedt on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Hi Jaimee, Elmhurst Yoga Shala is holding a family yoga workshop this Saturday. You will be able to practice with your daughter and learn fun ways to incorporate yoga into your daily routine with her. Check the website for time. |
Yoga Fan and MomBy Jaimee Lumm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Hi Cathy! Thanks for covering this topic. I often wish my two and-a-half year old daughter could join me at class. Any suggestions for introducing yoga or its principles to a toddler? Would think she'd love downward facing dog! :-) |
Mom and yoga enthusiastBy Liz Monson on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 My tween daughter just loves yoga, and Candi's class in particular. She is always disappointed if her schedule conflicts. It has been a good peaceful moment each week for her, and it's a great conversation piece for the two of us. Thanks Candi!!! |
Owner/Director Elmhurst Yoga ShalaBy Jackie DeGaetano on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Thank you Cathy for writing about Candi and the great classes she runs at the Shala for kids and teens. It is such a benefit for the families of the Elmhurst community to have such a fun and gifted yoga teacher for their children. |
Yoga partners
By Dilpreet Grewal on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I've always enjoyed yoga and wanted to introduce it to my two girls (6 and 9) and Candi's class has been wonderful. Now we all exchange notes and enjoy yoga together .They can even do more challenging poses than I can handle!