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Functional flexibility includes functional strength, especially at the end of range of motion.  Holding a stretch at or near the end of range of motion involves strengthening opposing muscle groups.  Holding a pose also involves stabilization of adjacent body parts (stabilizer muscles) and coordination among muscle groups as we move through flowing repetitive poses to achieve smooth, adaptable movements.  This blend of functional, integrated, strength and flexibility training, using the child’s own body weight, allows the child to listen to their bodies.  Because YogaFit Kids instructors teach modifications for the poses, the child has control over how hard he or she wants to challenge his/herself.   With proper instruction, the child has the opportunity to create more or less challenge in each pose and to balance challenge with success.  Finally, this training uses the real-life function of each muscle group, helping kids to achieve optimal performance in real life, during their activities of daily living.

The best yoga programs for children combine playful and creative asana practice with youth exercise physiology considerations for safety, include language and teaching methods that inherently teach the essentials of yogic philosophy to build self esteem and confidence in children, and teach children the importance of “within” time essential to any yogic practice.  YogaFit Kids uses mindful movement, games, share cirdes, breathwork, and visualization to move energy through the body as we calm the mind.  Classes are multi-age and inclusive.  YogaFit Kids allows all children to participate at their own level.  YogaFit Kids instructors are taught to not always correct children while in the poses.  Children start by holding the poses naturally, in the way it feels best in their bodies, and instructors provide alignment detail over time.  We emphasize feeling the pose in the body, instead of perfecting the pose. 

Here’s what some of the teachers at Gatewood had to say about the YogaFit Kids! Program:

“Stephanie taught YogaFit Kids to my second/third grade classroom every week during the 2000-2001 school year.  By incorporating Cooperative Learning and Multiple Intelligences activities into the kids yoga practice, she kept the students active participants.  I was quite impressed with Stephanie’s ability to engage all types of learners, in particular an autistic child.  Many of the yoga asanas and breathing techniques were incorporated in our daily school day.  Students and myself, the teacher, would find ways to calm down, focus, and re-energize with the practices we learned …I learned things I continue to use as I teach a third/fourth/fifth grade Emotionally Behavior Disorder Classroom this year. “
2003, Ms. Jamila Norris,  Teacher
Gatewood Public School, Seattle, WA

“YogaFit Kids is fabulous!  Each of my students looks forward to yoga with enthusiasm.  This year with YogaFit, students who previously avoided movement and activity have taken leadership by demonstrating poses and even enjoyed playing yoga games.  This transfers to recess and other fitness periods where these same students are now playing impromptu games of basketball and hockey!   But YogaFit is more than just exercise.  The students learn to cooperate with one another.  They learn to be quiet and find peace in the middle of a hectic day.  I use three deep group breaths now to help students transition to a new academic period.  It works!”
      
2003, Ms. Rachel Harvey, 4/5 Grade Teacher
Gatewood Public School, Seattle, WA