Yoga for youngsters

Yoga For Kids

Gallery

7.17.2008 Yoga for Kids Workshop at Eastwood Mall put on by the Art Outreach Gallery

By ELISE FRANCO

Activity isn’t big stretch for kids, Niles instructors say

Children learn to relax their bodies and minds in a yoga class designed just for them.

111“We use yoga techniques designed to help us become calm and quiet,” said Stark, who has been practicing yoga for two years. “Other techniques help the kids focus, and some are energizing. We teach a variety with this class.”

The Yoga For Kids class is a part of the Youth Summer Workshops program, put on by the Art Outreach Gallery at Eastwood Mall inNiles and sponsored by American Gladiators Sports Fitness Training.

Twice per week throughout July, children 4 to 10 can learn the basics of yoga with the help of a parent or grandparent.

The class costs nothing but the donation of a nonperishable food item to the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

“It’s important that we teach our children to give back, and making a donation is one way they could do that,” Stark said.

While Mandie Shafer of Bristolville stretched, her daughter, Alexis Shafer, 4, practiced the rocking horse before Thursday’s class began.

“I’ve taken yoga for years, and I brought Alexis because I think it’s a really good thing for kids to learn,” Shafer said. “This is our second time here.”

When asked how she liked yoga, Alexis said quietly, “Fun.”

She wasn’t shy for long, though. As soon as the class began she was focused and participating like a pro.

Sisters Kira Bowman, 8, and Zoe Bowman, 7, of Vienna, said this was only their second time attending a yoga class, but they’ve practiced it at home for years.

“It’s good because you can stretch, and it keeps you flexible when you’re old,” Kira said.

Both said they will continue to practice yoga as they get older.

Kay has been practicing yoga for 35 years and said the class, which is in the E-Quarium at the Eastwood Mall, is taught using art and music as well as techniques designed to appeal to children.

“It’s more than a yoga class,” she said. “We use music and art to try and enhance the other side of the brain.” Stark said she and Kay, who became certified in February to teach YogaKids techniques, take the class on an underwater adventure using poses such as the wave, the jellyfish, the alligator and the dolphin.

“The class focuses on what we call ‘wet poses,’” she said. “They’re named that way to be more appealing to the children.”

Kay said teaching YogaKids, a widely known technique to help children learn, in the class helps engage the children’s minds and bodies and helps them become more aware of their senses.

“Yoga has no limitations,” she said. “It totally changes your life no matter what age. You never look at things the same.”