How to Host Kid’s Yoga Classes at Your Studio

Yoga is a growing practice, reaching more people everyday. According to Forbes, 36.7 million people practice yoga, which is up from 20 million people in 2012. It’s no secret that yoga has many benefits for those who practice it, but, who is primarily practicing it? Mainly adults, 28% of which are males and the majority (72%) are females.

However, it also benefits youngsters. According to the Yoga Journal, “Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves.”

So, why not hold a children’s yoga class at your studio? Here are some simple ideas on how you can start incorporating these classes into your current schedule.

Mommy n’ Me

Plenty of moms enjoy going to yoga to decompress and channel their inner Zen. Why not host a Mommy n’ Me class? Consider hosting a trial class offering two classes throughout the day. One of the classes being in the morning catering towards those with younger kids, and one in the evening for those with grade school kids.
Make sure that you market this class in advance.

• Have an announcement at the end of your usual classes
• Share a picture on Facebook announcing the trial run
• Post a sign up sheet of people who are thinking of coming

Family Yoga Night

Families are always looking for fun activities to do together. What better way to get the family together than a family yoga class? This is a great way for kids and spouses to see what their mom and/or dad enjoy doing. For this class, think about having it in the early evening so parents can attend after work, but families are still able to get home at an early time.

Kids-Only

Consider hosting multiple classes for different age groups, preferably on a slow day, such as Sunday. This way, it is not just a madhouse of kids running around. Breaking the classes and ages up will make the class more appealing for each age group.

Preschool: 3-5 (15 minutes)

• A short class
• Incorporate animal names when talking about the different poses
• Take a deep breath like a lion, stretch out like a cat, etc.
• Consider telling them that the yoga mat is their magic mat and they must focus when they step on the mat

Lower Elementary: 6-8 (15-20 minutes)

• They have a little bit longer of an attention span which allows for a longer class and you can focus on teaching actual yoga poses
• Focus on the basics of yoga, like downward dog

Upper Elementary: 9-11 (25-30 minutes)

• These kids are most likely to pay the most attention
• They should be able to take the approach of a more traditional but modified yoga class

After about a month of trying these kids-only classes, assess if they are worth it, if the parents liked them, the kids liked them and what the future of kids in your yoga studio looks like. Having kid class options is a great way to include kids and diversify your revenue.

Thinking of launching a kid’s program? Make sure you have a solid plan to market these classes. Get your copy of our 10-Step Yoga Marketing Guide for ideas on how you can market and grow your studio.