FREE SPIRITS! YOGA FOR TOTS TO TEENS!

For a timetable of Free Spirits young yoga classes please click here, or call 07807 550 653 to arrange a school visit. If you are interested in finding out how yoga is taught for your aged child and how it can help then read on!

Flora (5) REALLY enjoys the kids’ yoga, it is such a sweet class, I love the story telling. Anna, Kington

Yoga offers young people of all ages a sense of peace, grounding, self-love and self-confidence, while they develop balance, strength and flexibility. It helps them to release anger and stress, develops their emotional intelligence and their understanding and expression of who they truly are, regardless of peer pressure and expectations. Yoga is also particularly helpful in addressing behavioural issues, stress or unmanageable temper tantrums.

Toddlers to Eight

I really the stories and the songs. I like being a lion and butterfly best! Ivan, 3yr

Help your child to stay connected to his or her inner constancy, peace and joy. In class I will take the children on magical adventures through forests, oceans and jungles. They fly like butterflies, growl like lions, dance like monkeys… They grow from tiny seeds to big beautiful trees. They do just about anything the imagination allows – every yoga posture can be turned into something that fits in the story. Games and stories for younger children are kept simple while stories for older children will have a special theme or life lesson. Games for all ages encourage gratitude, cooperation, empathy, loving kindness and lots more!

I just wanted to thank you one more time for the yoga classes and for all your attention and consideration towards each child’s need. Clarita (aged 3) loved your classes, particularly the butterfly and the lion! Paola, Argentina, Cambodia

At the end of their adventures the children lie down and have the opportunity to drift into a deep relaxation. This helps them to truly relax and be still, even for a few minutes at a time, though they often stay there for longer than you’d expect. Guided visualisations, with music, encourage the children to be peaceful, gentle and loving.

‘Yoga was really exciting and it helped me to be relaxed and have peace in me and in everyone.’ Emily, Yr 6

The physical stretch and workout children get in class is wonderfully beneficial, and could not be more natural. But even more important is the sense of peace and well-being that each child gains through their yoga practice. Uplifting, active, sung meditations focus on being happy and strong and also include some safe and simple ideas to release anger or frustrations.

Parents are welcome to stay and join in the fun (you will get fit fast!).

Classes are normally held for the following age groups but this can be flexible and mixed age groups are also possible: two – three years, four – seven years, eight – ten years.

Yoga for Pre teens & teens

It was very peaceful and calming. Afterwards I was very relaxed. I liked the bubble exercise. I would rate it 10/10.’ Emily, Yr 6
Both boys and girls in this age range tend to love Kundalini Yoga because it has such a wide range of interesting exercises, some very active and aerobic and others very calming and relaxing. They really enjoy the music and the personal challenges they can set themselves with some of the exercises, which makes a nice change from having to compete with others. The classes are specifically designed to enable preteens and teenagers to cope with the unique issues they face.

The combination of movement, breath and visualisation helps students relax, focus and fulfil their true potential in all aspects of their lives. They will develop a more positive body image, their patience will grow, their energy levels soar and the confidence will shine.

‘It was really relaxing. I tried it at night when I got into bed and fell asleep straight away! I will do it every day.’ Bethany, Yr 6
Students gain tools and resources to deal with peer pressure, puberty, homework stress, conflict with friends or family, eating disorders and any other issues or anxieties they experience. They also encourage inner strength, commitment and enthusiasm. Students learn how to take care of themselves and their bodies as they become more informed and more self-aware.

Classes are held for two groups, 11-13 and 14-18, taking into account the different needs of preteens and teenagers. Arts, crafts, music and role play may sometimes be incorporated to help the children reflect on their yoga experience, encourage self-awareness and add a more therapeutic level to the classes.

If you would like to read articles and ideas about yoga for kids click here and visit my blog Motherland