Every DownPup kids yoga class offers a complete, developmentally age-appropriate Yoga practice including stretching and strengthening poses (asanas), breathing (pranayama) instruction, relaxation techniques – all using fun-filled music, games, and imagination! The secret “ingredient” is playfulness, keeping your child motivated, excited, and moving.
These will not look like your typical adult yoga classes – because kids aren’t adults! They include all the elements of yoga but in a kid-friendly way that gets children singing, dancing, skipping, marching, jogging, shaking, laughing, hopping, limbo-ing, and storytelling all while practicing Yoga. We tailor our classes to the ages of the participants- older kids are offered more “grown up” yoga with challenging flows and poses, while little ones often need to move their bodies and switch between activities a little faster. 🙂 We also weave emotional intelligence, coping tools, and social skills throughout classes.
We also are thrilled to offer Prenatal Yoga classes for expecting moms, and Mom & Baby Classes for those first months of life! These classes are carefully designed for mom’s body at each stage of pregnancy and postpartum, and are taught by an instructor who has education and certification to create classes that take care of mom while providing the great benefits of yoga.
Classes Include:
Toddler Yoga & Sensory Play, ages walking-2.5 with adult (30-45 min)
This positive and fun class for the littlest yogis explores simple yoga poses, while incorporating stories, music and playful yoga games. The class focuses on fine and gross motor skills, body awareness, sensory and physical exploration, social skills, and parent-child bonding. We spend time practicing a social circle time along with songs, stories, and movement. We practice simple yoga poses with stories and games, and work toward a moment of relaxation. A portion of class is spent as open free play with various motor and sensory activities (think balance beam, pom-poms, scarves, obstacle course, and more). You and your child are welcome to participate in any way that works for you that day- all are welcome!
Preschool Yoga, ages 2.5-5 (45 min)
Come stretch, breathe, move, dance, relax, create, and have FUN! These classes will include age-appropriate yoga and movement- including breathing, poses, games, stories, music, relaxation, meditation, and more. Your little yogi will get to practice fine and gross motor skills, social and group skills, and begin to learn mindfulness and breathing/calming tools. We offer Parent/Child class as well as Independent Preschooler Class.
We also teach on location at local preschools as an added enrichment activity for their students, on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, or as a one-time activity! Ask your preschool director to contact DownPup Yoga if you’d like to see yoga offered at your child’s preschool.
Elementary Yoga, grades K-2, 3-5, or K-5 (45-60 min)
This class gives elementary aged yogis an opportunity to build their focus, strength, flexibility, mindfulness, and self-management. Using games, music, and activities, this class explores yoga poses, breathing techniques, mindfulness, mind-body connection, emotions and self-calming tools, and more… while still being playful and fun! This class will frequently include a small craft, activity, or reflective project as well as we explore strategies to cope with stress and difficult situations. Open to all elementary grades K-5, no experience needed. Evening and daytime Homeschool classes may be offered.
Tween/Teen Yoga, ages 9-14 (45-60 min)
Tween and teen classes offer more challenge and another level of mind-body connection, while still being fun. Kids will learn more advanced stretching and strengthening poses and flows, work together in partner and group poses, learn stress management and breathing techniques, and practice mindfulness. We still use music to set the mood, games, and activities to make the class active and fun, while giving these older yogis a more “adult” feeling class.
Mom & Baby Yoga (45 min)
Mom & Baby Yoga is ideal to join once Mom is feeling healed and ready, up until Baby is actively crawling around visiting other mats. This is a safe class, designed to practice getting out with baby, allowing them to behave as babies do without worrying about how it’s affecting others and, for some, practice breastfeeding in public for the first time. Moms should feel welcome to feed, change, and tend to baby in the yoga room as much as possible and desired. Yoga practice is gentle with many modifications offered and encouraged to each participant’s comfort.
Prenatal Yoga (75 min)
Prenatal Yoga is ideal for those expecting, once cleared for exercise, usually after the first trimester. Moms-to- be will enjoy connecting with other women in the same special phase of life; and simply tuning in, breathing, and bonding with baby. Class is taught by certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor who leads poses that are purposeful for the pregnant body, and will modify/adjust practice for each individual as desired. No prior movement or yoga experience necessary, as class is appropriate for all levels.
Family Yoga, ages 2+ with adult (45-60 min)
Family Yoga is a wonderful opportunity for family members of all ages to bond! These classes always include breathing techniques (pranayama), poses (asanas), games, mindfulness practice, and songs. You can expect partner and group activities and lots of fun! These are designed for all abilities with plenty of modifications as needed.
Art/Storytime Yoga (45-60 min)
Specialty Art or Storytime yoga classes add an extra component to complement the usual yoga class, and can be customized to various ages and interests!