Cat, chair, cobra, cow, giraffe, tree and flower.
These are just some of the names given to poses taught in yoga classes specially designed for kids.
While you may be more familiar with downward facing dog, warrior and lotus poses, kids classes often incorporate animal and other child-friendly names to help young yogis learn different postures. It also injects some playfulness into the lessons. Although some of the names may be different, and there may be some animal noises added in, kids still enjoy the same exercises as an adult yoga class.
"Kids do the same yoga as adults but there's more playfulness," explains Sadie Harvey, program co-ordinator for yoga programs for children and youth at West Vancouver Community Centre. Harvey, who has been doing yoga since 2000 and is an instructor (although she doesn't instruct the kids classes at the community centre), says the yoga for kids program is a popular one.
"It's a really neat experience for children," she says. "I think what's becoming very popular nowadays is the idea of having self-awareness and self-esteem and self-confidence and instilling that in children, and so I think yoga really speaks to that."
Fitness, flexibility, range of motion, focus, and stress relief are among the reasons
people do yoga, says Harvey.
"For me it's just a nice calm opportunity just to breathe, to connect with my body. And it really helps me relax," she adds.
The West Vancouver programs generally see a mix of different types of kids, and Harvey says, "It's a nice place for people to come together." All equipment is provided, although some people prefer to bring their own mat, and drop-in rates are available.
West Vancouver Community Centre offers child yoga programs for two different age groups: five to nine, and nine to 12. The new winter term starts in January, and will include a new location at Chartwell elementary called the Properties Family Hub, which is closer for families in the British Properties area than the community centre. For more information about yoga programs for children and youth, visit the Parks and Recreation section at westvancouver.ca.
