Yoga continues to gain popularity in our western culture as more people seek healthy outlets for relaxation and rejuvenation. With classes like Bikram yoga (also known as “hot yoga”) for a vigorous workout to chair yoga for seniors, there seems to be a class for almost everyone.

But, have you ever thought about doing yoga with your kids?

Kids love moving their bodies in natural, organic ways. The asanas (poses) are often modeled after familiar animals and elements like lions, snakes, rivers and trees and can include songs and games to engage the child’s imagination.

Yoga teaches children to channel their energy through playful exercises and powerful visualizations. They develop greater balance, feel more connected to their bodies and learn to calm their minds. Also, when they stretch like a dog, breathe like a lion or balance like a tree, they are creating a connection between themselves and the natural world. This inspires a deeper reverence for life and its systems.

Yoga can be particularly helpful for kids who have developmental disabilities or health challenges. It promotes concentration, motor skill development and self-confidence, all in a safe and familiar environment.

Families can benefit from practicing yoga together. It is a positive way to connect and creates a healthy habit of relaxation. With all the daily stress that busy families experience, taking time to breathe and move together is important. It is an opportunity to turn the TV and computers off, set aside homework and bills and play with your kids!

Some yoga studios offer classes for family yoga. To find a class in your area visit these resource websites:

• The Yoga Journal Directory


• Everything Yoga


• Yoga.com

You can also practice family yoga at home. Yoga Journal's Family Yoga with Rodney Yee leads you through a 38-minute series that is appropriate for ages 3 and up. And The Yoga Adventure for Children: Playing, Dancing, Moving, Breathing, Relaxing by Helen Purperhart offers teachers and parents some inventive ideas for teaching yoga to kids.

Whether you visit a studio or begin a playful practice of yoga at home, remember to invite (not force) your kids to participate and let them set the pace. Yoga is not about “doing it right.” Yoga is about being connected to your body and present with yourself – and maybe even your family.