Aspire Yoga Program

What is Yoga? Hatha Yoga is a physical practice where one performs a series of specific postures linking breath to movement. Yoga is not a religion. In a typical class the focus is on increasing flexibility, building strength, proper breathing and body alignment.

Overall physical benefits of Yoga: Yoga is a type of “self health care.” Yoga relaxes the nervous system, helps us maintain a strong and flexible spine, makes us more aware of our posture, strengthens joints and ligaments, increases flexibility, increases strength, massages internal organs, increases immunity, helps develop stronger heart and lungs, aids in digestion and elimination, and improves sleeping habits.

Why is Yoga great for children? In Hatha Yoga most of the poses are modeled after animals and objects found in nature which appeals to a child’s imagination and sense of adventure. Yoga provides for a non-competitive environment for children to take their bodies into positions they never thought was possible! The strength and confidence children gain form their practice boosts their self esteem. Children will also learn many lifelong skills, such as being able to focus for longer periods at a time, proper breathing techniques, proper postural alignment, and how to actively relax the body and the mind.

Class Descriptions

Mommy & Me Yoga- Ages 0-1 yr: This Yoga practice provides a nurturing environment for you and your child to bond. Through specific movements, and by placing baby in certain yoga positions, the parent will stimulate the infant’s muscular development and increase bone strength. These classes will also help in alleviating baby’s gas, bloating, and colic.

Mommy & Toddler Yoga- Ages 1-3 yrs: In this “movement class” it’s time for toddlers and caregivers to have fun! Together you will practice poses modeled after animals and objects found in nature which appeals to your child’s imagination and sense of adventure.

Kiddie Yoga- Ages 3-6 yrs: Children will practice poses modeled after animals and objects found in nature. This Yoga class also includes: musical exploration, free dancing, verbalizing positive affirmations to build self-esteem, and winding down at the end of class with story time and active relaxation.

Yoga Youngsters- Ages 6-12 yrs: Children will practice poses modeled after animals and objects found in nature. The “yoga youngsters” will also: perform group poses where they will learn to support each other, play basic percussion instruments to help develop rhythm, verbalize positive affirmations, learn about anatomy, practice keeping a journal, and learn proper breathing techniques to help calm and focus the mind.

Combined Ages Kids Yoga- Ages 4-8 yrs: Children will practice poses modeled after animals and objects found in nature. Children will also: perform group poses where they will learn to support each other, play basic percussion instruments to help develop rhythm, verbalize positive affirmations, learn about anatomy, practice keeping a journal, and learn proper breathing techniques to help calm and focus the mind.

Kid Yoga for Children with Special Needs: We offer private or small group classes for children with special needs. In these classes we practice therapeutic yoga poses safe for infants and children diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADD, Microcephaly, and Autism. Each class is specifically designed for each child’s needs. Instructor to student ratio is 1:1. Classes scheduled “on demand.”

8-Week Adult Yoga Exploration Workshop- Ages 13+: Experience 8 different types of yoga classes: Yoga Basics, Yoga for Back Care, Gentle Yoga, Level 1-2 Class, Flow Yoga, Power (Fitness) Yoga, Relax and Renew (Restorative) Yoga, and Partner Yoga. All levels and physical abilities welcome! This class will give students the opportunity to decide which Yoga Class suits their needs. Additional Yoga classes will be scheduled based “on demand”. Minimum of 4 students required per Yoga Class.

Tuition and Class Scheduling Policies

Classes are based on 8-week sessions and meet for 1 hour each week. Special introductory rate available at $96 for adult and children’s classes. Adults have the option of signing up for single yoga classes, based on space availability. “Drop-in” fee is $14 per class. Adults and children may sign up for classes “mid-session”. The tuition for joining the classes “mid-session” will be prorated based on introductory rate, $12/per class. Adult and children’s yoga classes are limited to 12 students. Once classes are filled, additional classes for adults and children will be scheduled. Students are, therefore, encouraged to preregister for the classes, including the “drop-ins”. Students signing up for the 8 week session receive priority scheduling over “drop-ins”, as space is limited.

Call front desk to check class times and availability. 

 

Tuition for the “Yoga Youngsters” includes a journal.

Tuition for Kids Yoga for Children with Special Needs is based on the “private” rate of $45/per session.

Program Director - Faye Hoesel

For more information about Yoga Youngster programs and yoga in general, please see the Yoga Youngsters Web site at www.yogayoungsters.org.