Evansville gym offer 'Curious George' yoga class for kids

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Eleven kids sat on yoga mats with one leg straight behind them, and the other bent in toward their body.

"It's pigeon pose, but we're going to call it a swan today," Amy Stephen told the kids.

The Tri-State Athletic Club offered its first kids yoga class Sept. 18 - Curious Adventure with Miss Amy. The class revolved around the children's book "Curious George."

Tri-State Yoga Instructor Amy Stephen said she was certified in kids yoga and has wanted to try it. Tri-State Athletic Club plans to do kid's yoga once a month.

"My passions include children and yoga, so it's a win," she said.

Stephen led the kids in various yoga poses that were similar to some of the animal characters found in "Curious George."

Bianca Synder, yoga director for Tri-State Athletic Club, said having kids do yoga can help bring awareness to their bodies.

She said her son - Gabe - is growing, and this helps him learn how to move his body.

"Yoga keeps them calm, but active as well," Synder said.

One thing kids can learn in yoga classes is how to control their breathing. She said some kids experience anxiety and learning how to control their breathing can help calm them.

Elysia Carmona, of Evansville, said her son Max has watched her participate in yoga, so he figured he would give it a go.

"I think this is a great idea," she said.

Synder said they're planning a Halloween-themed kid's yoga event Oct 30. The event will be open to the public.

"It gives parents an hour and a half break if they need it," Stephen said with a laugh. "It can be a drop-off thing or they can stay and watch."

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Source: Evansville Courier and Press, http://bit.ly/2d2kjbI