Daily life is tough on our bodies and our brains. That’s why adding low impact exercise like yoga can be beneficial to our physical and mental health, not to mention the practice is proven to have many positive effects on children as well. Whether you’re currently expecting or looking for a way to bond with your little one, here are some options for yoga that will help your family relax and recharge.
Sweet Pea’s Studio
Sweet Pea’s is a true haven for moms-to-be, postpartum mamas and their babes. Their Prenatal Yoga class offers both relaxation and fitness to expecting women, plus it’s a great way to meet other moms in a similar stage of life. The Baby and Me class (for 4 week olds and above) focuses on restoring balance and physical health to post-partum mamas through asanas (postures) and breathing techniques. Moms will also learn massage techniques and stretches for babies that can help ease colic and tummy pains. And the Busy Baby-Preschooler and Me class (for 18 months-3 years) builds upon principles learned in Baby and Me in an open-play style environment.
3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213, Chicago
Tula
This Logan Square studio is incredibly family-oriented; offering child-inclusive classes two days a week. On Thursdays, Mini & Me teaches littles under 4 years old the practice of yoga through the use of fun songs and dance moves. Sunday’s family class is all ages and also includes dance, music, story-telling and other creative methods to introduce the principles of yoga to children. Parents can also grab a little self-care time by taking one of Tula’s adults-only classes, like Happy Hour yoga on Friday nights. The class features an hour of balanced yoga (breath-synchronized movement and static poses) followed by wine, tea and snacks.
2827 W. Belden Ave., Chicago
Ahimsa
Kids of all ages can reap the benefits of yoga at this Oak Park spot. Gentle Prenatal and Mommy & Baby classes are available at Ahimsa’s Elmhurst location. The studio’s YogaKids offerings in Oak Park include a family class where adults and children practice in separate spaces for the first 45 minutes, then come together for games and crafts at the end of the hour (best suited for 4-7 year olds). Have a tween in your life who could use a positive outlet? The Girl Power course for 4th to 8th graders helps address girls’ emotional and social needs through breathing techniques, stretches, music and stories in a fun and relaxed environment.
441 South Blvd., Oak Park
Bloom Yoga Studio
Bloom truly has something to offer all families, no matter what season of life they’re in. Prenatal Yoga, Massage and the Childbirth Prep Workshop will help parents ready themselves for labor, delivery, postpartum and beyond. Mom and baby and parent and tot classes are popular here, and Storytime Yoga is a creative way to teach 2-4 year olds relaxation and mindfulness, plus have fun at the same time. Tween/teen yoga, aimed at kids ages 9-14, is designed to help kids build strength and flexibility while also learning stress relief skills during a tricky (and hormone-filled) time period.
4663 N. Rockwell St., Chicago
Buddha Belly Kids Yoga
Buddha Belly is a mobile yoga studio that offers unique classes at popular spots around Chicago, like Brooklyn Boulders gym and KidCreate Studio. This untraditional class lineup combines children’s interests (like rock climbing, books, music and art) with yoga practices to keep kids entertained and engaged. Many of the classes are drop-in, so families can try out a session without feeling pressured to attend every week. Summer camps are also offered to kids in preschool through middle school at Oak Park’s Ascension School.
Various locations around Chicagoland
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