Yoga for the Family

You are never too old, too inflexible, too out of shape, or too young to begin your yoga journey. Here are some creative ways to inspire your loved ones to give it a try. Most of all make sure they start with a doctor's appointment to ensure they are physically ready.

Start Small, Big fun

If you child is under 5, try just a few postures a day; you can even sneak them into daily play time. For example, when you are sitting on the ground, face each other and sit with legs apart in a straddle. Sit so your toes meet and the two of you make a diamond. Clasp hands with straight arms and gently pull their body towards you, while your upper body is straight and leans backward.

Another one is instead of sitting at the table doing a project, sit on the floor and do it but have them sit either on their heals like in Vedrasana or in Coblers Pose. Make it a game like "Simon Says" or make a modified "Mother May I?" where you are asking them if you can touch your toes so they can see you doing the postures. Even jokingly proposing a challenge like standing on one leg like tree pose.

Sports

If you child is older and is involved with daily or weekly sports, we would recommend speaking with their coach about devoting one day of their practices to just stretching.

Inquire to a local studio if they wouldn't mind volunteering to teach one class a week to sports group. This can benefit the yoga studio by receiving referrals from their students to their parents. Some of us here at yogafamily.com are still trying to correct our bodies from the effects of club sports.

Although it is wonderful to have a child participate in sports their muscles are continuously working in a linear motion, constantly pushing forward, and putting extreme stress on joints and ligaments. By incorporating yoga into their training, they will have a larger range of motion, less pain after practice, more stamina and longer concentration.

Take them to a open house weekend

Although this sounds like an obvious choice, it instills such confidence. Instead of attending a class where there are people already advancing, taking them to a open house makes them feel not alone in this first step.

Most importantly, it helps them feel fully prep before a class on what to expect; such as type of clothes to wear, props to bring, when there might be uncomfortable pauses/meditation, or anything you might have felt at your first yoga class. By mentally preparing them, they are not worried about if they are doing the posture wrong or if they fully understood at what angle their back foot should be at.

By doing a simple "pep-talk" before, your "new" yogi can concentrate on the overall message of the class, release and de-stress.

Get some videos

You don't necessarily need to do the video, especially if it is their first time. The difficulty with a new yogi doing a video tape is that proper instruction might not always be 100% explained through a video.

An instructed class will be more instruction especially if the instructor knows that there is a new person in the class. But let them watch it so they become familiar with the postures, the names and how fast the class flows. They will notice what people wear to this type of class (sweats versus gym clothes), if they will need to bring water, and if it is something they are looking for. Most of all they will have confidence walking into a class because they visually know what to expect versus just hearing a verbal representation.

Go on a weekend retreat.

There are many modern "ashrams" that have family and friend programs. Most programs integrate a modern lifestyle or hobby along with yoga into week long or weekend program. One highly recommend place is Kripalu, in Lenox, MA.

Programs at Kripalu range from highly celebrated yogis to programs on golf and yoga or kids and yoga. While at Kripalu, you can enjoy at healthy menu, get a range of massages or body work that can't be beat by a city spa, and enjoy the art of doing nothing.

Best of all Kripalu, like most retreats, is surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views. The local town offers very enriching concerts and plays and gourmet restaurants.

Flexibility Benefits

The range of flexibility that one gains through yoga has a direct result on both our mind and body. If your love one is still hesitant, you can bring your discussion to be about benefits it can bring to your romantic moments. Yoga massages all organs and glands providing fresh supply of fluids and revitalizes them resulting in a stronger libido.

In addition to the flexible benefits, a yogi feels more complete and confident in their body which will increase their own positive perception of themselves. This positive perception will create a more healthier outlook.

If you have a friend you would like to introduce them to yoga, make it a self improving day. Start off the day by going for a walk, do some yoga, go get lunch, get your hair done or a massage. Basically sneak it into a fun "girls-day" or "guy-time."

If your male friend is a very masculine type, you may need to convince them that there are other men in the class. If he is single, there is no shame in informing him that there are a lot of women in the class. But we would hope your male friend would want to go for a more internal awakening experience.

If your friend complaining about certain pains in his/her muscles or joints and you feel comfortable showing them simple postures; demonstrate a few to them. If your friend becomes discourage a bit seeing how tight they may be, comfort them that you were once tighter and still have a lot of "sticky" muscles too but that is why you do yoga.

Along with demonstrating it, explain that this is what you are working on in class or what you will be doing in future classes. It can be beneficial sharing your first few classes with your friend and how you felt before and after it.

Buy them a gift of yoga.

Some people just won't take the first step on their own; but if some one did it for them, they would dive right in. If they have a birthday coming up, do a yoga-themed present. Get them a yoga tape, a mat, a tie, or whatever you think they would need to get started.

Just do it

Most of the time, if you are an experienced yogi, your friend will feel comfortable just going to a class with you because it gives them a safety net. Just ask them if they would like to come with you, but know a few classes times before you ask so you can seal the deal right there and then and there are no "Let me get back to you with the times."

Elderly people are either excited to try it or feel that they are too stiff or too old to do yoga.

If they are excited to try it, research a class that uses props. Svaroopa yoga is a gentler yoga that is based on using props to meet your body's limitations. When you body is uncomfortable in a position because you are not flexible enough, Svaroopa fills in the gaps and makes it more comfortable. If there is not a Svaroopa studio in your area, find a class that is geared for the elderly. Speak with the instructor to make sure the class is not packed so they will have an opportunity to help them get into the posture correctly and comfortably. And if you have the time, take the first few classes with them to make sure they are well adjusted.

For someone who is not that receptive to try yoga, have a medical professional speak to them about the benefits. They may need someone that in directly involved with the health profession to have an open mind about it. Or you can research articles for them about yoga and the elderly population.