Mommy and Babies - Classes starting Feb. 5th

Many of you know that I teach both adult and children yoga classes. I've been approached by some Hannah Moms asking if I would teach a Baby and Mommy yoga class this year. I wanted to invite you to join me for this new 6-week class in the Family Life Center, Room 305.


Baby and Mommy Yoga Room 305 FLC
Our Class will last 6 Weeks: February 5 - March 12 (Thursdays at 11:00 p.m. - 11:50)

Stretch, bond, and breathe with your baby in this special yoga series designed for new mothers and infants (8 weeks to almost walking). Meet other moms and babies while you strengthen and support post-partum and sleep deprived bodies with specifically chosen asanas and sequences.

Every class will devote time for gentle hands-on yoga and massage for babies; aiding in their digestion and promoting the sleep-wake cycle. Bonding postures and playful songs are also explored. Dress comfortably and bring a receiving blanket for your child.
Caregivers and Dads welcome, too!

$90.00 (Pre-Registration only) 6-week session (Scholarships available)
$20.00 (Walk-in)

Dates: February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12.

For registration, email Vickie Reedy at vickievickie@msn.com or call her at 407.230.6915.

What I notice about kids in my classes: Relaxation

I teach kids yoga. Sometimes, they are on and paying attention. Sometimes they are bouncing off the walls. But, I'm beginning to notice that when I say, "Time to breathe," they smile and sit up. It's a game to them. Darth Vader Breath. Then, Bunny Breath. Then, Snake Breath. Then Whisper Breath. I've never tried to teach a whole class just on breathing, but I bet they would hang with me.

Is it because they feel their bodies relaxing? Is it because everybody can do it and nobody can do it better or faster than the next one? I don't have that answer, but I do notice they get in gear when they breathe. They slow down, concentrate, focus, and are ready to listen. Amazing! So, the next time your kids aren't listening, or are having trouble getting their homework done, take a few minutes and teach them to breathe like a snake, or Darth Vader, or fill up the belly like a great big balloon and then slowly let it go, exhaling till every last breath is gone. Before you know it, they will be calm, focused, and reenergized.

Breathing

Let's Take a Breath

Snake Breath

Sit up nice and tall either in cross-legged position or hero's pose. Take a deep breath through your nose. Now blow out through your mouth making a hissing sound like a snake. Try doing this 5 times. You will notice you feel calmer than before you took these breaths. Breathing is a good way of preparing us for sports, or for doing new things. It calms us. Try it.

Poses

Balance Poses

TREE

Stand tall like a tree. Place right foot on your left leg. Place hands at your heart center. Press your hands together. Your elbows are pointing out. Take your tongue and place it at the roof of your mouth and find a fixed place to focus your eyes. See how long you can stand. Now, try the other side! Tree is good when you are trying to learn to balance and concentrate. It helps you relax, too.

Games in Yoga

Welcome! I wanted to be able to tell you a little about what we are learning in yoga class. Here are some activities and games the children enjoy.

Move, Freeze and Melt Game.

In a large circle, we all move clockwise. The leader calls out an animal or a character to imitate. Elephants, monkeys, soldiers, slow-motion people to name a few. Then the leader yells, "Freeze." The children stop and the leader says, "Melt." The children melt slowly to the floor. The leader says, "Reverse," and the children move counter clock-wise and the leader yells out a new character to imitate.

This game helps with large muscle groups, listening, and following directions. Also, it is a great imagination game as the children all come up with a new character to imitate. Lots of fun!!!