Family Yoga

A woman and a girl stretching their arms up high in a lunging yoga pose on sunny grass beside leafy bushes at Camp Kindling

FAMILY YOGA

Stretch, wobble, balance and giggle your way through yoga together. Grown-ups and children learn side by side, and nobody needs to touch their toes.

What is family yoga?

Family yoga is yoga made for grown-ups and children to do together. It mixes gentle stretches and balancing poses with playful partner moves, games and a calm moment to finish. The focus is on moving, breathing and having fun as a team, not on getting every pose perfect. Anyone can join in, whatever their age, size or ability.

What yoga poses are good for kids?

Lots of yoga poses are named after animals, which makes them easy to picture and even easier to remember. Downward dog has you making an upside-down V with your hands and feet on the floor. Cat and cow is a slow rocking of the back, arching up like a cross cat and dipping down like a contented cow. Cobra has you lying on your tummy and lifting your chest, with a hiss optional.

Tree pose is a standing balance on one leg, with the other foot resting on the standing leg. Butterfly is a seated stretch with the soles of your feet together and your knees flapping gently. Child's pose, kneeling and folding forward to rest, is the perfect place to catch your breath.

What are partner yoga and acro yoga moves?

Partner yoga means doing poses together, like standing side by side in a double tree or sitting face to face and pulling gently on each other's hands in a seesaw stretch.

Acro yoga goes a little further and brings in simple partner acrobatics. There are three roles. The base stays on the ground and supports. The flyer is lifted and balances, often on the base's feet. The spotter stands close by to keep everyone safe. In families, a grown-up usually bases while a child flies, but children love a turn at spotting too. Clear words like up, down and wait help a lot.

Can the whole family try yoga?

Yes, and that's the joy of it. Your Activity Leader adapts each pose for every age, size and ability, so little ones, teenagers and grown-ups can all join in at their own level. You don't need to be flexible or sporty. Families often find that working out a wobbly balance together brings out lots of laughter, trust and teamwork. Come as a whole family, or come on your own and get paired up.

What should we wear for family yoga?

Loose, comfortable clothes you can stretch and move in. Yoga is usually done barefoot, so choose shoes that are easy to slip off. Mats are normally provided, but you're welcome to bring your own.

FAQ

DO WE NEED ANY YOGA EXPERIENCE?

Not at all. Family yoga is made for complete beginners, and every pose can be made easier or harder.

IS FAMILY YOGA SAFE?

Family yoga is gentle, but partner balances and lifts can lead to wobbles, falls and strained muscles. Only try partner and acro moves your Activity Leader has shown you, always with a spotter, and keep flyers low to the ground. Do not push into a stretch that hurts. Tell your Activity Leader about any injuries or mobility issues before you start, so they can adjust poses for you.