After teaching toddler yoga within nursery settings for many years, I’m now offering classes pay-as-you-go at my home garden studio in Appleton from June.
Aimed at children from around 2 years to pre-school, the yoga inspired moves are a fun introduction to yoga. Simple stretching exercises has been proven to improve flexibility, attention, listening skills and the ability to follow instruction. This can also reduce anxiety, frustration and instil calmness.
The yoga inspired moves and poses are based on Hatha yoga. Practicing the simple yoga routine can improve children’s muscle development, spatial awareness, co-ordination, balance and concentration.
The children will be shown breathing techniques through a fun and easy way, which helps improves circulation, focus and can aid them to self-soothe when feeling frustrated or anxious.
Whilst following a theme or a story each week, we will practice a selection gentle yoga moves and poses, with the help of their parent or carer. The routine, together with songs and stretches, makes the session a fun mini workout, ending with sensory play and relaxation.
Small yoga mats are provided for the children to use. This encourages them to stay within their own space. Each child would be urged to participate as much as they can, and if they join a few sessions, they be will become familiar with moves.
I love working with the little ones and have missed visiting nurseries over the past year or so. They’re so much fun and always had such positive response from them and they’re so flexible! Arriving at a nursery, I would be greeted and welcomed with their demonstration pose of downward dog!
It’s a lovely, calming activity to do with those who are just about to start school without committing to a block of classes or course. Mums can even bring their baby! I’m excited about providing classes. I haven’t ran classes before as generally mums have returned to work by toddler stage. Within a a nursery you have a ‘ready to go’ class. Unless it’s a parent’s day off is at the time of classes or a mum is on maternity leave again, it’s not always easy to attend. But I thought this might be the right time as working dynamic has altered and could be a welcome activity for little ones – even just a for a few weeks before they start school.
Classes will be small groups, which makes it easier for the children so they don’t feel too overwhelmed. My garden studio is welcoming, intimate and safe, setting the tone to help them feel relaxed so to encourage them to join in. Yoga can be practiced with the usual clothes on, with just the removal of shoes.
No need to commit to a course, classes will be pay-as-you-go. Places will need to be pre-booked and paid for and can be booked via the website booking form or contacting Susan on 07900 867933 susan@appletonbabymassage.co.uk.
Baby Massage Course to be announced soon!
