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Toddler Yoga Eastbay
Feb 2011
I am looking for a toddler yoga class for my 2 year old
during the week. I am open to a mama toddler class or just
a kids class. I know of Yogalayam, but am looking for some
other options. I thought I saw a post a while ago in
Oakland, but can't find any information.
Thanks!
Really wanting to stretch
Cynthea Denise teaches a ''village yoga'' class for moms and their
babies/toddlers/kids. It's on Wednesdays at Monkey Yoga Shala on
Lakeshore. It's at 11:15 am. I think Cynthea's website is
shaktimoon.com. Or the class might be listed on the monkey yoga site.
I haven't been in a while bc I now work on Wednesdays, but I used to
love it!
Another yoga mom
Beth Houghton of Bendy Berry Yoga (www.bendyberry.com) teaches yoga
at my daughter's daycare and she (my 2 year old) LOVES it. Beth also
teaches a toddler yoga class at EB Dance off of Park Blvd in Oakland
on Monday mornings. Laura
Mindfulness meditation and yoga for children?
April 2010
Hi- I'm looking for a class to go to with my 4-year-old
where we can learn mindfulness meditation and yoga/breathing
practices together. Does anyone know of a class like this
in the area? I see stuff for parents- but haven't for
children. Thanks for suggestions!! meditative mama
Try Yogalayam, on Alcatraz. Sarasvathi Devi offers
wonderful yoga classes, including ones for children ages
3-5. www.yogalayam.org, 510-655-3664, or
info@yogalayam.org. Yvonne
Yoga class for me and 5-year-old?
Feb 2010
I've been thinking of trying a yoga class with my 5 year old
boy. Anyone know of any that specifically cater to a parent
going with a young child?
Alameda Yoga Station, on Central, has a class mostly for the
kids, first of the month is the parent-kid class. Lots of
fun, Susan is great. Parking is cheap, too! S. Carter
March 2009
I'm looking for a yoga class that I can take with my 5 year old daughter
in the Berkeley / Oakland area. Suggestions?
tami
Alameda Yoga Station www.alamedayogastation.com has a Kids Yoga class on
Friday afternoons. The teacher is a mom and is certified to teach kids.
I don't know if moms usually stay for the class or not but you could
check it out.
another mom & daughter yoga team
Check out Niroga (in Berkeley on University) on Saturday mornings. There
is a family class from 10:30-11:45am.
http://www.niroga.org/center/schedule.html
Also, upcoming at YogaKula in North Berkeley is post-mother's day event
on May 30th with a class for moms and kids of different ages. Check the
website for more info. http://yogakula.com/
Laura
Dec 2008
I've been wanting to get my daughter (age 4) into yoga in a group
setting since when we practice at home she loses patience /interst
fast. Know of any good classes for kids her age?
there is a great toddler yoga class at yogalayam on alcatraz
(between king and ellis) in berkeley. it's on mondays at 9:15am
and they serve really yummy snacks too (included in the $14/class
drop-in fee).
haia
Niroga just started offering classes for parents and kids. As far
as I know, it's the only class of this sort in the East Bay.
There used to be one at the YMCA but that instructor is the
founder of the new Niroga Center on University Ave in Berkeley.
Check it out:
for kids 3-93 years old, Sundays from 10:30-11:30 (suggested
donation per family $15)
1808 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703
http://www.niroga.org/center/
(Niroga is a great organization serving underserved communities
and offering donation based classes.)
Happy Yogi
Sept 2008
Hi- I'd like to take some yoga classes with my 2-year-old. Does anyone
know of a class we can go to together in Oakland? Thank you.
Shari
I heard Loka Yoga in Oakland in the Laurel District on MacArthur (I
believe) is supposed to have family yoga that's supposed to be
pretty nice and fun for the kids.
Hoping to hit up the family yoga soon too
There is a parent-toddler yoga class at Yogalayam Mondays
9:15-11:15am. Near Oakland in Berkeley at 1723 Alcatraz Avenue.
www.yogalayam.org
-
August 2008
I work out regularly and used to dance, but I never have done any form of
yoga. I'm a single parent with a six-year old, and don't generally have much
time (or available money for a sitter) to begin taking regular yoga classes
on my own, but was hoping that perhaps there might be a yoga class that my
daughter and I could take together? I'd love for her to learn yoga as well.
What style of yoga? Not very sure, but would like to take a class with a
good instructor, in whatever style might be possible for a mom and her
little girl...Locations? Berkeley, North Oakland, El Cerrito, Albany would
all be options...
Looking to get more flexible
I was just looking at Parent and child Yoga classes myself and found
one at 4th Street Yoga in Berkeley. http://www.4thstreetyoga.com/ I
don't know anybody that has taken the class there, but the studio
itself has a good reputation.
Eka
I would check out Yogalayam on Alcatraz in Berkeley. Saraswathi is a
WONDERFUL yoga instructor, and I believe there is a class for parents
and kids (check out the website for the scheduled class). I attended
prenatal, post-natal (with baby) and now attend the toddler yoga
class. I love it!
Good luck.
Yoga Mom
May 2008
Anyone know of a yoga class for toddlers (with parents), preferably in the
Oakland/Berkeley area. Thanks.
kelly
My son and I have been enjoying Toddler Yoga class at Yoga for
Life on Solano Ave. in Albany, www.yogaforlifealbany.com . He
doesn't always do the poses in class, but I find he tries them
out at home and remembers what we did from class to class. It's
great to see him exploring what he can do with his body. The
instructor, Lori, is patient, relaxed, and makes yoga fun. Her
experience as a Montessori teacher shows.
Lisa
May 2008
Hi,
Has anyone has taken a mom and infant massage and/or yoga class that was
great? If so, please let me know.
Thanks!
Nicole
My son and I took a parent/baby yoga class at Yoga for Life on
Solano Ave. in Berkeley, www.yogaforlifealbany.com . It was nice
to be able to do some yoga with my son there and incorporate him
into some of the poses. Now that he is mobile, he is
participating much more in our Toddler Yoga class at the same
studio. You can try a class for $10 to see if it works for you
and your baby.
Lisa
My friend introduced me to Yogalayam (on Alcatraz near Adeline),
and I've taken pre-natal yoga, child birth prep, and postnatal
yoga + infant massage with Saraswati. For me, they were all
wonderful and so helpful. She offered these clases twice a week
- started with infant massage for about 1/2 hour, followed by
yoga for you while your baby either hangs out or plays under the
care of great assistants. I'm not yoga expert, but it was a
great time to 1) really develop a greater comfort in handling my
daughter (a colicky, cranky baby) and 2) just time to try to
stretch and excercise and relax a bit, and 3) nice to enjoy the
company of the other moms. Saraswati throughout my pregancy and
after was always a great source of information (teas, herbs, what
to do for cramps, indigestion, you name it). I will always
remember how Juni started squalling at the top of her lungs, but
then calmed down magically (for a while) when Saraswati calmly
approached her an played a large tambour
drum, soft deep reassuring like a heartbeat. This habit of
massage has been a wonderful bonding gift I continue off and on
to share with my now 3yo toddler.
linda
Note: reviews also received for Baby Massage
Dec 2007
I'm looking for a yoga class that my daughter, who is 10, and myself, who
has not done yoga in a long time, can take together! Oakland would be
the best! But not essential. After school, or sunday afternoons are
best. Thanks!
leela
There is a new studio that just opened in Laurel village/Diamond called
Loka Yoga on MacArthur between Fruitvale and 35th. The owner Alice is a
great teacher and she just mentioned that she was going to start an after
school class for kids/parents. I don't know if it has started yet but it
would be worth a call or to check her site, she is on blog spot...
http://loka-oakland.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html
Good luck!
Kari
April 2007
My 4-year old is in love with yoga. She did classes at the
Albany Community Center (which are no longer happening) and
likes her video, but she wants another class. Does anyone know
of a yoga class for preschoolers that occurs during the weekend
or after 3PM on weekdays?
dawn
I haven't been able to take my son yet to Adrienne's YogaKids
class at The Yoga & Movement Center, 1379 Locust Street, Walnut
Creek, mostly because I work full time.
The current classes are being held on Fridays through April 27,
3:30 P.M.−4:15 P.M. All ages welcome. Recommended for kids 5−8
years old. Cost: $80 for 8-week session (began in March). $12
Drop-ins, if space is available. Pre-registration recommended.
No refunds unless class is cancelled due to low enrollment.
Registration forms are available to download at www.yoga-
movement.com or call 925-639-6881.
For more information or contact Adrienne at ayogakid@gmail.com
or 925-639-6881. Adrienne's website is www.ayogakid.com
Son loves yoga!
June 2006
I'm looking for a yoga therapist, preferably with some
experience in early childhood development, who can work with my
6-yo son, either individually or in a small group. I don't
want a kids yoga class, but a more individualized, intensive,
therapeutic type of yoga therapy. My son has a neurological
condition that causes anxiety, frustration, intolerance and
rages. I'd like for him to work with someone specifically on
relaxation, meditation, body and emotion awareness, as well as
the physical aspects of yoga. Any leads would be much
appreciated. Thanks!
Trying everything
A year or so ago, I worked with a great yoga instructor named Katie
Lewis who also taught classes for children and at-risk kids. I don't
know if she would be interested, but I would suggest contacting her.
She currently teaches at 7th Heaven Body Awareness Center
2820 Seventh Street
Berkeley, CA 94710 510-665-4300 tel
510-665-5840 fax seventhheavenyoga@yahoo.com Hopefully Helpful
Hello, I have recommendations for two excellent yoga/movement
therapists. They are both colleagues.
Julie Rappaport, MFT, is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist and a licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a studio in Berkeley and can,
I believe, do home private sessions. Julie Rappaport's number is:
(510) 273-2417
Angela Bausch works using principles from yoga, Body-Mind Centering,
Pilates and movement therapy. She's work with a number of child with
physical and developmental challenges. She's very gifted with working
with children. She works out of Oakland and San Franccisco. Angela
Bausch's phone number is : (510) 417-1161
Terese
Sept 2005
I'm looking for a yoga class that I can take with my 11-year-old
daughter. Most classes seem to be strictly for kids or strictly
for adults (or ''baby and me''). Do you know of any exceptions to
that rule? I'd be interested in hearing about any other artistic
or exercise-related class that an 11-year-old and adult can take
together.
Thanks.
Hi,
You can read my answer to the person who asked about ''yoga with
injuries'' for my full review of my yoga studio, Yoga Mandala.
I have been going there and occasionally bringing my son since
he was 10 (he's 11 now). We have attended both Hatha and
Vinyassa classes together, the beginning yoga class was great
when we first started going. They have a yoga pass for kids,
and there is at least one other mom that brings her son. They
also have classes for kids, but they have no problem with kids
coming to the regular classes.
The classes are 90 minutes for the most part, which can be a
long time for a kid, so take this into account. My son is a
real ''monkey boy'', never still, big fidgeter, but it is amazing
how focused (with a few episodes of spacing out) he can remain
through a whole class. Before class I always remind him to
drop back to the previous pose if something is too hard, and
that child's pose is where he can rest at any time.
He loves Yoga, and it's a great thing to do together!
Leigh
I want to recommend Flow Like a River Yoga Studio to anyone
looking for a great yoga class at a child centered studio. My
son (2.5) and I take the Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
class. For the first 1/2 hour we have a mommy/child playful
yoga class. Then the kids play with a couple of fabulous
caregivers, while I get some valuable yoga time. It's really
terrific. Here's the contact info:
Flow Like a River Yoga
2718 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, Ca 94705
510.841.0651
flowlikeariveroga.com
J & J
July 2003
My 3 year old has a sudden interest in yoga. I checked the
archives and can't find anything very concrete or recent. Does
anyone know of a good yoga class for the preschool set? Or a
Mommy & Me Yoga class with preschoolers?
Jaime
Well since you didn't specify East Bay or San Francisco I feel
compelled to rave about our parent/toddler yoga class here in The
City, Yoga Doodles, taught by the always fabulous Teddy Kellam.
We've been going for several months now and while at first my
(not-quite-3 year old) son seemed to think of it more as ''story
time'' (he would contentedly sit and watch all the action, which
actually left me to get a great bit of yoga in), he's now fully
participating and even does yoga and sings the songs at home. We
both get a good stretch and a good laugh out of it. Check out:
www.yogadoodles.com
Isabel
Oct 2007
I'm looking for a place to practice yoga and meditation has a
really
supportive and down-to-earth environment, provides programs
for families and
has a spiritual feeling. Any ideas?
Mary
Yogalayam in Berkeley is a wonderful, nourishing, family-friendly
environment. Saraswathi is a guiding teacher who brings together her
decades of expertise as a yoga teacher with her love for families to grow
and thrive in a supportive, spiritual and loving community environment.
The Founder-Director of the center is Swami Vignanananda. There are
classes in yoga, meditation and yoga philosophy for beginning,
intermediate and advanced adult students as well as classes for people
with disabilities.
The family program is comprehensive. There are classes in pre-natal yoga,
post-natal yoga, natural childbirth, couples' bodywork and infant massage.
The parent-toddler class devotes time for parents to practice yoga, has
exceptional child care and a snack/song/storytime. There is a new family
program for parents and children together, and there are yoga classes for
children 3 years of age and older.
I began my yoga practice with Saraswathi when I was still trying to
conceive and have continued as my girls are now three. It has been so
beneficial to go to a studio where I can bring my children and completely
trust how beautifully they will be held and cared for by Saraswathi and
her loving staff. I also am a total beginner with some physical injuries
and Saraswathi has been able to adapt postures for me as needed, while
still encouraging me to gain new strength and flexibility in my body. Now
my girls are starting to become little yoginis!
She is a master of yoga, but more deeply her heart pours out support and a
solid anchor for people to develop their yoga practice. I encourage you
to attend a class and see if you find the jewels that I did - compassion,
yoga expertise, care for the entire family and a fabulous community of
other parents to grow with.
bonnie
As a physical therapist and dancer, I've tried many East Bay studios
looking for excellent yoga classes. I've found nothing that compares to
the program taught by Saraswathi Devi at Yogalayam for their organization
called Prana Yoga Ashram. Her knowledge and expertise, combined with her
talented instruction make her classes the very best the East Bay has to
offer. You will find that you have worked hard physically, tended to your
emotions and spirit, and even tuned up your various organ and immune
systems.
The program centered on families is especially impressive. Saraswathi Devi
teaches prenatal and postnatal (with your baby) classes, as do many
studios; however, Yogalayam/Prana Yoga Ashram's commitment to families
extends further, as Saraswathi also offers classes for toddlers and their
parents or caregivers which are designed to allow the adults to get some
yoga practice in while the kids play with wonderful natural toys and
books. There is a special time set aside to practice yoga with the
children, as well, presented through singing, dancing and storytelling.
Additionally they employ sensitive and responsive caregivers at both the
postnatal and toddler classes, so that the adults have a greater chance of
being able to participate.
Beyond the toddler age, Yogalayam offers classes for older children and
all manner of classes and programs for adults. In this way, you and your
children can make yoga practice a part of your life for years.
Yogalayam is a special place. You will find yourself truly welcome,
whatever your family configuration and whoever you are as an individual.
Gayle
September 2001
Hi, I'm looking for a family yoga class, if such a thing exists.
My kids are 3.5 and 7.5. Thanks for any leads.
Jan
I think there is a new yoga studio that opened up on Solano Avenue in Albany
near the Sweet Potatoes outlet. They work with kids. You can check about a
family class.
Jenn
See also: Yoga Video for Kids
2001
My daughter loves the YogaKids video from the Berkeley Public Library -
Does anyone know if there is a place which teaches yoga to
preschool/kidnergarten age children? We would like to try it out.
Recommendations recieved:
Downtown Berkeley YMCA (2)
Yogalam (2)
Other recommendations:
There is a kids yoga class taught by Bronwyn Michaelis on Mondays at Addison
and Bonar. Parents can participate as well if they want to... Call 548-3754
Best, Sooz
Yoga - Susan Hagen, the director of New School, a Berkeley pre-school,
teaches Yoga to kids. Toby
Ha'Ha This A Way, teaches yoga for kids on Fridays. Raissa
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