Five things to know about family yoga
1. You don't have to be flexible, spiritual or have any experience. Anyone can do yoga. Classes accommodate a wide variety of abilities, allowing you and your little yogi to move at your own pace. One thing is certain: you will both only improve with time.
2. You can take kids of all ages. It's true that your adorable tot in arms or your teen with the pierced tongue won't be turned away. That said, when one tenacious two-year-old stomped on her purple mat shouting, "Mine, mine, mine!" at a class I attended, and another spent most of the class using his mother as a climbing gym, I made a mental note not to take my two-year-old, Sophie, until she is at least three. Also, once a child is 13 or 14, he or she may feel more comfortable in an adult class with you than in one filled with youngsters.
3. You won't get the workout of your life. Yes, you'll get a great stretch session at family yoga, but you may not break a sweat. The most important thing is that you are having fun with your kids, fitting in a bit of exercise and there isn't a TV or video game in sight.
4. You don't need expensive gear. You can practise yoga even in your pyjama bottoms. (Don't tell anyone, but I've done this myself and won compliments for my "hip yogi pants.") While funky tops, shorts and leggings are widely available, don't think you have to sport a certain style or break the bank to sign up.
5. Your kids might think you're cool. Yoga is hot right now, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a celebrity who isn't doing it. Kids, especially preteens, know this, and while they likely won't let on, your cool quotient can't help but rise if you take them to a class. This will also have the welcome effect of elevating your self-esteem.
Page 1 of 2 -- Inspire your children to get active with a YogaKids video on page 2
