Yoga for Kids in Southern Maryland
Yoga for Kids in Southern Maryland, Yep They Have That!
I only recently came upon the practice of yoga when I was pregnant, and found the breathing and relaxation techniques incredibly helpful during those last few weeks of pregnancy and then active labor. Now that my “baby” is almost 4, I have been excited to share the same techniques with her during our bedtime routine, as a way to calm down from an angry or upset state, and as a rainy day activity to get her body stretching and moving. I wanted to share some of the yoga resources for children that I have found in Southern Maryland and beyond that have come to be staples in our lifestyle.
I found Groov Yoga through Charles County Parks and Rec and we first took a 6 week children’s yoga course at a local community center. We were so impressed–by far the most organized and fun activity we have ever participated in through Parks and Rec. Miss Michelle and Miss Mimi have endless energy, and not only are they positive, giving each child the attention they deserve, but also work with each child’s ability level and strengths and incorporate an array of dance, yoga and gymnastics into their classes. They end each class with a relaxing massage, complete with eye pillows and essential oils. I want to take the class myself as an adult! We have since stayed with Groov Yoga taking Monday afternoon Dhara Minis classes at the Live Out Loud Yoga Studio in La Plata.
Groov Yoga is offering Monday evening yoga classes through July 27, from 5:30-6:30pm at Live Out Loud Studio and a Dharma Girls summer camp August 3-6 for girls of all ages.
Other local children’s yoga courses that I have not personally tried
Evolve Yoga in California, MD
Evolve Yoga offers Kids Yoga and Crafts on Fridays from 5-6pm, and offers holiday break yoga classes and parent and me courses throughout the year. Check their calendar for more info.
The Studio Cooperative in Waldorf, MD
The Studio Cooperative is offering a Family Circus Yoga Workshop on June 28 from 3-5pm, and offers children’s yoga courses for ages 5+ on Tuesdays from 6-7pm. They also announced that beginning in July they will be holding Community Storytime Yoga for Kids! Check back on their website or Facebook page as they release more info.
More great Yoga Resources
DVD’s that we love, and come in handy on those rainy Spring days. Check your local library for a copy so you can try before you buy:
Storyland Yoga: http://www.amazon.com/Storyland-Yoga-Kids-Families-ages/dp/B0038ASYTI
Cosmic Kids: http://www.cosmickids.com/ Cosmic Kids also releases free children’s yoga videos on youtube several times a month–they recently released a Star Wars yoga video!
KindaYoga: http://www.kindayoga.com/
Yoga books and games that we love as a family (again, check your library for a copy):
Kids Yoga Stories Giselle Shardlow has produced several children’s yoga books (in Spanish, Russian, German, French, Portuguese and Chinese too!) as well as matching yoga pose card sets, and offers free printables on her website.
