Youth Yoga 5 Week Series
​Next Dates TBA

Classes meet once a week on Saturdays in the studio
9am - 9:40am
​Children must be 7yrs. - 11yrs. to participate in this series
Classes are led by Clarissa Boggess, Registered Children's Yoga Teacher
Email the studio with questions: 
paintedlotusyoga@gmail.com

Classes are developmentally appropriate and themed so that skills and concepts are introduced in a way that is
engaging and effective.  Classes explore poses and mindful movement, breathing techniques for emotional regulation, mantra (vocal toning), and mindfulness/meditation. An introduction to yogic philosophy is integrated into class themes.

Each week's activities will be different however
the classes are structured as follows:
* Time-in and Breathing Practice
* Warm-up
* Yoga pose sequence
* Partner Pose or Game
* Reflective Poses
* Relaxation and Mindfulness
* Optional at-home "work"
Email the studio with questions

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PAINTED LOTUS YOGA KIDS
​IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TUSCALOOSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(limited in-studio youth classes - check schedule for current availability)
Contact Clarissa with any questions at paintedlotusyoga@gmail.com
​Contact your child's school for availability.
Currently partnering with:
Skyland Elementary
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary
​Paul W. Bryant High School
Northridge High School

"IF  WE ARE TO HAVE REAL PEACE IN THE WORLD, WE MUST BEGIN WITH THE CHILDREN." - M. GANDHI 

Kids Yoga (elementary):
Silly dancing, barnyard sounds, bicycling legs, giggling uncontrollably, switching mats then striking a pose....this probably does not sound like any Yoga class that you have ever been to!  In our Kids Yoga classes there is always a playful and spontaneous atmosphere allowing for creativity and fun! Yoga is not only the oldest form of physical fitness in the world, it is also the most accessible for people of all ages and body types. In our kids classes, we use mindful movement, games, share circles, breath work, and visualization to calm and focus the mind while energizing the body. Children start by holding the poses naturally, in the way that feels best in their bodies, the emphasis on feeling the poses in the body rather than on perfecting the poses. 

Yoga is an  excellent compliment to other physical activities and sports, bringing balance to over-used muscles and joints, reducing the risk of future sports-related injury, and allowing your child to more safely enjoy the sports and activities they love! 

The Benefits of Kids Yoga Can Include:
*Increased body awareness
*Improved concentration/mental focus
*Greater strength and flexibility
*Improved self esteem and confidence
*Methods for coping with stress, anxiety,  anger, and depression
*Stronger immunity and better nutrition as we explore healthy lifestyle choices

Through playfulness and fun, Yoga can create a life-long love of physical movement. Classes are free of judgements and competition. Kids Yoga is a joyful practice offering life-long benefits for our children. I invite you to join the journey!

Tween Yoga (middle school)/Teen Yoga (high school)
Yoga is not only the oldest form of physical fitness in the world, it is also the most accessible for people of all ages and body types. Yoga supports tweens and teens in developing skills that will benefit them in many areas of day to day life.
A tween class, much like middle school, serves as the bridge between the loose, spontaneous flow of a Kids Yoga class and the more structured teen classes. While remaining playful and somewhat spontaneous, tween classes introduce more structure and attention to alignment in poses. 
Teen classes are similar to adult classes in that there is more structure, rigor, and attention to alignment in poses. In both tween and teen classes, a discussion component that allows for peer interaction and feedback on tween/teen concerns becomes an integral part of their Yoga practice. These classes help students develop stress reduction and stress management skills through breathing and mindfulness practices.

Here are some of the ways a consistent Yoga practice can benefit tweens and teens:
Mental/Emotional:
*Improved focus and memory
*Useful tool for managing stress, anger, anxiety, and depression by allowing teens to experience a sense of space around their concerns (including what others think) and provides techniques for redirecting thoughts and calming the nervous system
*Improved self esteem and confidence by cultivating gratitude for what the body can do; enables letting go of the tendency to be critical of one’s self and judgmental of others; helps self-image develop free of media and other cultural influences
*Relaxation, visualization, and breathing techniques for self-regulation of emotions
*Develop compassion for self and others.
​Physical:
*Improved range of motion, strength, and flexibility
*For athletes: reduces muscle recovery time, reduces risk of sports-related and repetitive use injuries (for musicians too)
*Stronger immunity, better nutrition, and learn about healthy lifestyle choices
*Channels excessive energy and rejuvenates low energy levels bringing overall balance
*Develops understanding of body mechanics, healthy movement patterns, and ideal postural alignment
*Provides a healthy way to experiment, take risks, and explore the body. 

*Unless otherwise noted, all Youth Yoga Classes are facilitated by Clarissa Boggess, ERYT500, RCYT, YACEP. Contact Clarissa with questions or concerns at paintedlotusyoga@gmail.com or 205-239-7083.