For many families, the main goal for summer break is to slow down. Have your children had a chance to really relax yet? If not, maybe keiki yoga classes can help.
“Yoga provides keiki with the tools to maintain harmony in their mind and bodies, and instills a sense of presence in everyday life,” said Abby Brengle, a certified yoga instructor trained to teach yoga for children with special needs.
Yoga has many benefits for children, Brengle said, including an overall feeling of well-being and emotional balance, improved concentration and memory, and improved physical fitness.
Yoga also “helps children relax, unwind and calm down to reduce stress and anxiety,” she said.
Brengle and Ciara Steynberg, an elementary school teacher and certified kids’ yoga instructor, co-teach Yoga & Art workshops at the Art Explorium in Kaimuki and yoga classes at other venues.
Among the keiki yoga offerings this summer:
SUN YOGA & ART WORKSHOP
>> Where: Art Explorium, 1142 Koko Head Ave.
>> When: 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday
>> Cost: $15. Suggested ages 5-8.
>> Info: 312-4316, artexplorium.org Opens in a new tab
>> Details: The workshop includes a yoga session, where students will play with poses, practice breathing exercises and learn how to balance and fully relax their bodies. Then children will create a sun art project with rays of positive affirmations.
KEIKI YOGA IN THE PARK
>> Where: Kapaolono Park, 701 11th Ave., Kaimuki
>> When: 9-10 a.m. July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5
>> Cost: Donations welcome. For ages 4 and older.
>> Info: 936-4343, abigail.brengle@gmail.com
>> Details: Children practice yoga poses to energize their bodies and calm their minds while connecting with nature. The class consists of yoga postures and stories, breathing exercises and games. Bring a yoga mat or towel.
STORYTIME YOGA
>> Where: da Shop: books + curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave.
>> When: 2:30-3:30 p.m. July 22
>> Cost: $15 per child, $20 per family (two children). For ages 4 and older.
>> Info: 421-9460, eventbrite.com Opens in a new tab
>> Details: Cultivates mindfulness, helping kids to become more limber through interactive yoga and storytime. Students learn simple postures and breathing techniques that energize the body and calm the mind. Bring a yoga mat or towel.
KEIKI DANCE YOGA CAMP
>> Where: Still & Moving Center, 1024 Queen St.
>> When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 30- Aug. 3
>> Cost: $399, 20-percent discount for siblings. Ages 6-12.
>> Info: 397-7678 stillandmovingcenter.com Opens in a new tab
>> Details: Movement formats include hula, kids’ yoga, aerial yoga and creative dance. Camp time consists of movement workshops, interactive games, creation, walks to the park, time for quiet and stories. Children work in groups, with partners and individually to develop a healthy balance between hearing and being heard.
KEIKI YOGA
>> Where: Ka Makana Ali‘i Center Court, Kapolei
>> When: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays
>> Cost: Free
>> Info: kamakanaalii.com Opens in a new tab
>> Details: Children are taught yoga poses and how to hold them, how to be still and use of props for storytelling. Yoga mats are provided. Parents are welcome to join. Parental supervision required.
