Does your child know the difference between the lotus position and a downward dog?
If not, yoga sessions for kids are now available in Pelham at Ayama Yoga and Wellness, located on Effingham Street.
“Yoga sessions help children develop physical strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction,” said teacher Christine Glaves, whose credentials include registered holistic nutritionist, certified reflexologist, and Reiki master.
“Yoga also improves focus and self-esteem, as well as provides a fun and non-competitive form of exercise. Practicing yoga at a young age can establish healthy habits and coping mechanisms that can benefit children throughout their lives.”
The 11:15 AM Sunday classes, which run bi-weekly, require pre-registration, and cost $17.50 per one-hour session. Enrollment is capped at ten students, and each session includes a read-aloud story and crafts. All participants supply their own yoga mat and water bottle.
“I draw on games, music, and activities to explores yoga poses, breathing techniques, mind-body connection, emotions and self-calming tools, while creating an environment that is playful and fun,” said Glaves.
The benefits of regular yoga are many, asserted Glaves, and include better sleep and relaxation, and improved focus.
“The kids really enjoyed sharing their favourite yoga poses with their classmates. Since breathwork is such an important part of the yoga practice, we incorporated a craft last week, which was creating our own ‘breathing bracelets.’ The kids learned how they could count the beads while inhaling and exhaling, and how, at times they may be scared or needing to calm down, they could count their beads and their breaths.”
In addition to kids’ yoga, Glaves offers yoga beginner classes for adults, hatha flow, gentle hatha, and vinyasa yoga, along with holistic spa services. Details are available online at www.ayamayogawellness.com
