Kids swap stress for yoga classes

Having fun during the yoga program at the Leichhardt Community Centre are Mae George, 3, Lilly Cobbin, 4, and Eva George, 4.

David Nielsen

IF YOUR kids could do with some calming down or a little more concentration, this might just be the solution.

Ipswich yoga teacher Lurelle Gibbons will start kids’ yoga classes at the Leichhardt Community Centre early next month, and said the benefits for youngsters are enormous.

Mrs Gibbons, a yoga teacher for more than a year in the Ipswich region, said she was inspired to teach kids’ yoga classes after seeing how stressful young children’s lives could be.

She said the classes for two to 12-year-olds would incorporate yoga, games, activities and song in an hour-long session.

“It’s really about teaching kids how to take the stress and anxiety out of everyday life,” she said.

“Not only does it relax and calm them down, it improves their concentration, helps co-ordination, strength and it builds their confidence.

“There will be no parents, just the kids having a good time learning about yoga.”

Mrs Gibbons said she learnt children’s yoga with the Radiant Child Yoga Program founded by world-renowned instructor Shakta Kaur Khalsa.

Yamanto mum Trudy George said her daughters Mae, 3, and Eva, 4, enjoyed giving some of the yoga postures a try under Mrs Gibbons’ watchful eye.

“It will be good fun for them and they enjoy it, so it’s something I’d like them to do,” she said.

Peak Crossing mum Heather Cobbin said her four-year-old Lilly also enjoyed rolling out the yoga mat and having a go.

“It looks like fun and it’s good for kids to be active,” she said.

The kids’ yoga classes start on August 4 and will run weekly on Wednesday nights from 4-5pm.

To book a spot for your child or for more information, phone Lurelle on 0407 599 973 or email lulachie.1@optusnet.com.au.