It’s no secret that the fitness staple of the Hollywood set—YOGA—has swept the general adult populace. Once the domain of lithe lovelies like Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, and Jennifer Aniston, yoga classes are springing up as quickly as Starbucks franchises, and people are running to them like lemmings to the sea, or rather like downward dogs to the mat.
That there are also endless videos available for those who wish to achieve their inner peace and awkward positions in the privacy of their own homes is no surprise. I was, however, a bit skeptical when a children’s yoga video made its way to our review desk. Children? YOGA? Right, I thought—the only way a child is going to stay interested is if the instructor is SpongeBob SquarePants!
With apologies to both Wai Lana and SpongeBob—was I ever wrong.
Using my own three children as yogi guinea pigs, I popped the video in after school. Clad in comfy clothes and bare feet, we hit the PLAY button and began …
Wai Lana—an accomplished instructor and star of the world’s most-watched yoga television series—has combined the elements of animation, music, rhyme, participation, and fun in this highly enjoyable video. Surrounded by children, against a tropical background of surf, sun, and palm trees, Wai Lana’s quiet yet commanding voice leads both children and adults through one position to another.
Yes, I said adults. I was right there between my kids, totally enjoying achieving and holding each pose. We all giggled together as we became balloons, bridges, and even trees. When the video was over, the girls all chorused their approval and something even more surprising—a desire to do it again the next day. Since that first day, Little Yogis has become the afternoon staple in our home. Forget Nickelodeon—we are NickelYOGIing!
Their gymnastics instructors have pointed out increased balance and stretching abilities in each of my girls, and their soccer coaches have noted increased stamina and coordination. I have noted an increased sense of calm and well-being (in ALL of us)—not to mention a wonderful afternoon date with my children each day.
So give your children the gift of health, harmony, and a heck of a great alternative to just sitting and watching TV! Would make a great holiday gift for ages 3 to 8!
—SanityCentral.com, November 2003
