Yoga isn’t just for health-conscious adults. Introducing yoga to young children can be more than just a playful activity; it’s a holistic approach to fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being from an early age. Plus, parent-baby yoga is a great fun way for kids to bond with their parents while meeting others their own age.

The benefits extend beyond the yoga mat, influencing various aspects of a child’s development. From enhancing flexibility and coordination to promoting mindfulness and stress relief, yoga offers a myriad of advantages that contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“The most obvious thing that we observe in the children who attend our Kids Yoga classes is their intense happiness at being with other children, creating, and challenging themselves in very creative ways,” says Bruno Di Angelis, founder and owner of Avisha Space.

“Kids Yoga is a time for them to disconnect from phones and digital gadgets and reconnect with the essence of what it means to be a child, playing with their imagination and making handcrafted toys while also developing confidence, attention, and a genuine sense of well-being through disguised yogic exercises.”

He continues: “Another very interesting observation that I’ve made is that, because our classes allow one parent to accompany their child, the parent enjoys the experience just as much [as], if not more than, the child. I can say this for myself too, as I also attend classes with my daughter, Alissa. For them, it is a moment when they can forget about their adult responsibilities and rediscover the simple joy of being alive and enjoy without reservation. It’s very touching to see these things, and the happiness of both parents and children is what keeps us going.”

It’s indeed a special bonding moment for parents and kids to spend together, away from all distractions that today’s world throws their way.

Theresa Parsonage, founder of Taozi Tree Yoga, shares: “As a mother to four energetic little ones, our household is a bustling haven of activity, and I’m immensely grateful that yoga has seamlessly woven into their lives. Whether it’s participating in Yoga in the Park during summer with Ross, or our dedicated Family Yoga classes, or simply practicing deep breaths together before dinner, creating pockets of peace and mindfulness has become a cornerstone of our family life. These small moments of stillness serve as precious keys to the treasure chest of presence, preventing life’s rapid pace from causing us to miss out on the magic inherent in our shared moments. Our commitment to this value is further reinforced by the Kids Yoga classes at Taozi, led by the phenomenal Sandra. Her attention and creativity bring astonishing richness to each class, and Mia, our 6-year-old, adores her. Sandra not only imparts the benefits of yoga but also serves as a mentor and loving role model, offering Mia a unique and priceless connection outside the realms of parent or school teacher. Through Kids Yoga, Mia discovers not just physical flexibility but also the mental space to be fully present and engaged. It’s a gift that goes beyond fun, fostering a sense of care, importance, and deep connection for our daughter.”

In Beijing, Taozi Tree Yoga and Avisha Space regularly hold mama and baby yoga sessions every week.

For slightly older kids, Avisha Space holds weekly kids yoga, where kids ages 4-6 can explore their creativity, strengthen their bodies and minds, and most importantly, have FUN!

Images: Taozi Tree Yoga, Avisha Space

It’s easy to take young kids’ activity levels for granted since it always seems like they’re bouncing off the walls on a perpetual sugar high, but participating in a disciplined sport early in life has so many benefits.

Firstly, understanding their bodies better and knowing their limits, as well as how to safely push past them with guidance. Also, learning to commit to a sport early on teaches discipline and patience – especially when kids feel tempted to skip a class, it is up to us parents to hold down the fort and calmly but resolutely persuade them to keep up their commitment. Lastly, if you subscribe to the belief that 10,000 hours of practice is what makes a master, then starting kids early in any sport they express interest / talent in will give them a leg up on those hours.

Taozi Tree Yoga‘s upcoming Kids Yoga Series is a great way to introduce kids to the gentle yet strong art of yoga. “Too often, kids are impacted by the fast-paced, stressful world in which they live. Kid’s Yoga classes benefit children physically, by enhancing flexibility, strength, and coordination and mentally, by introducing basic mindfulness techniques, so that their concentration improves and they can stay calm.” Plus, there’s a one time pop up class that’s perfect for your kids to try it out before deciding if they want to commit to the 6-week long series starting September and October. Check out the poster for more details.

For parents of more rambunctious kids (like my own), a more active option could be Krav Maga Junior classes that are currently ongoing at a cool downtown location in MuscleDog gym (Liang Ma Qiao). For the uninitiated, Krav Maga is the official hand-to-hand combat system of the Israeli Defense Forces and popularly regarded as one of the most practical street fighting styles around. Here in Beijing, Krav Maga Global (KMG) certified instructors Jimmy, Amy and Flo lead hour-long kid classes every Sunday. Here’s what they have to say:

With classes suitable for all children from the ages of 5 to 14 (separated based on appropriate age groups), the KMG Krav Junior program is considered the most comprehensive self-defense and anti-bullying program available in the world today.

The program covers all aspects of self-defense training for kids and teens, from the physical and technical aspects, to the educational aspect (self-control, violence prevention, stranger danger, functioning under stress, etc.), to simulation training.

Our goal is to promote awareness, confidence and discipline in kids through a structured syllabus in a fun environment to offer children the opportunity to learn valuable life skills.

Speaking from personal experience, my kid is always run ragged after the hour-long class and eager to show me the self-defense techniques he picked up in class. From a physical education standpoint, he’s also learned how to break his fall should he be pushed, how to tuck and roll and bear crawl, among other motor skills.

To sign up or for more details, scan the QR code and speak to Coach Flo.

Here’s to our kids’ fitness!

Images: Pexels, Taozi Tree Yoga, Shu Qi

I was probably at my healthiest when pregnant with my first kid. Living in Los Angeles at the time, I was spoiled with healthy smoothies and lunch options, worked mostly from home, and lived a 30-minute walk from the yoga studio that had prenatal classes multiple times per day. Needless to say, staying healthy within a budget was easy.

Fast forward to my second child and everything was more difficult. Luckily, however, I had a friend who was pregnant at the same time and successfully dragged me to yoga every week whether I wanted to go or not.

So yes, even though I’ve been walking more often in Beijing and looking for ways to exercise that don’t make me feel even worse about myself, it took Theresa Parsonage from Taozi Tree Yoga inviting me to Yoga in the City before I got off my butt and worked out at all.

Even then, I enlisted a friend to come with me for accountability. I’m more likely to let myself down than someone I invite along. Also, it was held across the street from where I live and they were serving Jing-A beer and food afterward. So all in all, it was really a win-win.

Thankfully, so was the class! I’m ashamed to admit that my last yoga class was five years ago when I was pregnant for the second time. And let’s just say your center of balance is a lot different when you aren’t pregnant, as are your potential stretches. Whereas my intentions going into a yoga class used to be connecting with my unborn child and preparing to give birth, this time the purpose was simply to start. Start moving my body regularly, start stretching those areas affected by months of rejoining the workforce while still acting as the primary caretaker, and start understanding the work I really needed to do.

Maybe because it was outside – under the CCTV building, and with the strangely comforting white noise of the nearby CBD, yet still isolated by garden foliage – I found myself more energized than usual while doing yoga. Our instructor Kateryna Panasovska managed to find a pace that worked for both seasoned folks and those on my level. She gave options when we needed them but also kept the flow moving calmly and reassuringly.

Afterward, we all had a chance to socialize and chat with beer delivered to us, alongside some delicious Jing-A chicken, fries, and hummus. While we waited for our bodies to settle into what we had just put them through, chatting in a garden was a lovely distraction, and honestly, a great way to spend Saturday night.

Taozi Tree Toga hosts a Yoga in the Park event every Saturday and Sunday morning, as well as regular classes at their Chaoyang studio. Their next Yoga in the City is May 9. To try out a class or two, scan the QR code below.

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Another way I’ve been keeping up with stretches even if I don’t take the time for a full workout is by doing Cosmic Kids Yoga online. Jaime Amor takes kids (and their grown-ups!) through an adventurous story via yoga poses. Using popular stories like Frozen, Minecraft, Trolls, and more, Amor allows kids to have their own fun but really understand the poses in the best way they know how – through play. We had watched her before COVID-19 but took a deep dive into her archives during quarantine to stay fit and have fun.

Many of her videos can be found on YouTube, but she also has a new app that allows you to access the entire collection away from any suggested videos or commercials, and enjoy viewing privileges with specials like Zen Den and her Meditation stories. It’s USD 65 for one year or USD 10 per month, but there is a free trial.

I love to do her videos at home with my kids as a way to get a good stretch and introduce them to the basics of a yoga practice. I find it’s easier to ask them to take a breath when they’ve practiced with Amor, and they often want to skip directly to the Zen Den.

Try a two-week free trial at https://app.cosmickids.com/ .

KEEP READING: Plan Your Summer at Jingkids’ Massive Family Picnic May 22!

Photos: Cindy Marie Jenkins, Tim Kahetinez Photography

The sun is out and the skies are blue (for the most part, anyways). It’s summertime, which means you might be on vacation—but your healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be. Every city offers its unique takes on collaborative fitness and opportunities to help you reach your goals and Beijing is no exception. Outdoors or indoors, relaxing or invigorating, on a rooftop or in an office space, this city is teeming with countless options you can take on for yourself to get a sweat going and burn some extra calories (offsetting, of course, that decadent jianbing you treated yourself to for breakfast). Not to mention, a solid bout of fitness can be both physically and mentally rewarding. Sometimes, we’re all just one good workout away from a mood and healthy mindset. So don’t hesitate to try out these five outstanding fitness classes available around the city.

Summer Super Burn!, June 27
Over 18. Taking a turn from the relaxing realm of yoga, WeWork is offering an intensive one-time fitness session on the outdoor rooftop terrace of their Guanghua Lu branch on Wednesday June 27. Strength training, interval training, conditioning, and more will be led by certified trainer James from SuperFit Ltd. Free tastings of specialty cocktails and handmade healthy food options will be offered to fuel and for post-workout recovery. Participation is free, but pre-bookings are required. 6.30-7.30pm. All required equipment is provided. WeWork.

Pop-Up Office Yoga with Ziyang, Jul 2
Adults. For those working through the summer, a relaxing session of yoga in the afternoon may just be the perfect way to refresh after a busy morning. Join yoga instructor Ziyang for her twenty-minute sessions at 3pm on the first Monday of every month starting July 2. Sessions are hosted at Café Zarah, a scenic café, lounge, and art gallery rolled into one. Feel welcome to pop in unannounced: no reservations are required and the sessions are free. 3-3.20pm. All required equipment is provided. Café Zarah.

Kids Yoga with Ziyang, Jul 7
Kids 3+. Ziyang has classes for the young ones, too! Bring your kids along to Café Zarah on Sunday, July 7 for a special session of yoga. Get them moving early in the day, and enjoy a hearty family breakfast while you’re at it. Café Zarah will be offering specially prepared healthy meals for you and the kids. Parents will get to enjoy a 15 percent discount on breakfast. Not to mention, the restaurant-slash-lounge-slash-gallery will be having lions, peacocks, cobras, and more in house for the kids to meet at this event.10-10.40am. RMB 50 per child. Pre-booking required. Yoga mat or blanket is required. Café Zarah.

Tour de France Challenge – Beijing Guoan Sports Training Camp, every Sun from Jul 8
Adults. Probably the most reputable (and certainly the priciest) option on this list, the Beijing Tour de France Challenge boasts an extensive bang-for-your-buck participants package, not to mention a two-month rigorous training regimen beginning in July. For those hoping to hone their racing ability before the real-deal Beijing Tour de France this coming September—or those simply looking to test their physical and mental willpower—this demanding challenge will help you do just that with the guidance of seasoned and professional cycling coaches. Check out this page for more information and details on the contents of the participants’ package. RMB 2,999 per person. 10am-noon. Pre-booking is required and spots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Yoga in the Park, every Sun
All ages. If you enjoy yoga, but the indoors aren’t quite your thing, try Yoga in the Park. Hosted every Sunday morning by yoga instructor Theresa Rae at Chaoyang Park, this class will bring you to the great outdoors. The 90-minute session is followed by an optional group brunch at Moka Bros Solana, where participants of the class will enjoy a 15 percent discount. Contact Theresa (WeChat ID: TheresaRae) directly for more information. RMB 50 per person. 9.30-11am. The event will be canceled if it rains or the AQI exceeds 200. Yoga mats required. Chaoyang Park.

Photos: Courtesy of events organizers via the Beijinger