Keeping kids active at Joyful Yoga in Truro

By Amanda Doucette

Yoga keeps kids active and they’ll learn something new too.

Joy Nicholson, owner of Joyful Yoga, says getting kids involved at a young age can have many positive affects on the child.

“It offers really useful tools that they can use in school or to integrate with other kids.”

Michelle Lowe-White is hosting a 6-week program at the studio, for kids in grades 3-5 starting April 4.

Some kids aren’t interested in hockey or cheer-leading. Yoga is a way to get them involved and socializing with others, without the competitive aspect, said Nicholson.

“You want to see your child succeed, grow and learn these life skills.”

The classes differ from adult yoga sessions because they focus on having fun, while building skills like self-awareness, coping, confidence and concentration, said Nicholson.

“It has been proven to be beneficial for anxiety and attention issues in our children as well as get them moving and away from screens.”

The skills don’t kick in over night, it’s a learning process, said Nicholson.

“It’s the same thing as brushing your teeth.”

Activities in the class will range from keeping calm at school to being brave. Joyful Yoga tries to include techniques to meet all kids needs.

Kids aren’t paying mortgages or bills, so they’re more energetic and willing to explore new things, Nicholson said.

“There is a lot more imagination to it. Kids are just curious and they want to learn new things.”