Flu season RX for kids - yoga!

It’s ba-ack!

‘Tis the time for runny noses, fever and cough drops. Yes, Flu season is upon us and will extend through next April. Besides the flu shot and obsessively good hygiene habits, yoga may have a preventative effect for youngsters, who along with the elderly, are a more at-risk population.

“When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to pick up infections and get sick. One thing yoga does is reduce stress,’ says Dr. Marleen Meyers, Director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center Survivorship Program and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Furthermore, “Many of the poses used specifically make the immune system cells circulate more," says Dr. Meyers. "For example, opening your chest allows the sinus gland to put out more immune cells. Twists also help by letting the spleen, which filters bacteria, and the lymphnodes to get more activated. By stimulating the immune system, the body can better prevent and fight off infection.”

If your child practices yoga regularly and contracts the flu, he may need to cut back while he’s ill.

“He should listen to his body. If he’s got a 104 degree fever and feels crummy, it may not be the best time to do poses that require extra strength. However, if he’s sick, gentle stretches might feel wonderful, but don’t over-do it.  Make sure he can sit and breathe comfortably. He shouldn't feel he has to return to his normal intensity. Minimal is better than doing nothing,” says Dr. Meyers.

 

Bully-proofing our schools through yoga

Courtesy Calming Kids

Can’t we all just get along?

Bullying and violence is unfortunately escalating in schools, even with mandated bully-awareness programs, says Dee Marie, MA, CYT and founder of Calming Kids Yoga, an organization which brings classical yoga in to elementary schools during the school-day curriculum to teach ahisma –non-violence to self and others.  

“Yoga is a lifestyle, not just an exercise routine. We look at all aspects of yoga, how we feel in our body, how we breathe and process thoughts, how we communicate and treat ourselves and others,” says Marie, whose six-week long programs have had impactful results.

Based on questionaires circulated to students prior to the Calming Kids sessions, kids admit to not being able to handle stress, having headaches, losing sleep and being fidgety, says Marie.

However, “After six weeks of yoga, they felt they could handle stress, communicate more effectively, bullies were bullying less and those being bullied could stand up for themselves better,” says Marie.

To spread her successful teaching method, Marie launched a five day teacher training program and has trained educators nationwide and globally.

Marie later launched an online teacher training and estimates 2500 teachers, physical therapists, and child psychologists.

“We’ve found in our research model that students are better able to handle themselves better and manage stress after our yoga program,” says Marie. “There is a decrease in feeling angry or anxious for no reason and up to 94% less hitting. My vision is that by 2020, every child in school will learn reading, writing, math, breathing and relaxation. My mission it that yogic-principles go mainstream.”

That's a wrap! Hot new accessory for Autumn's chill

Courtesy Ivivva

Warm up your body and soul on the way to yoga class.

Don this lightweight, cotton scarf on-the-go, or during Savasana.

Courtesy Ivivva

Ivivva’s ‘Om the Go Scarf’ in sprinkler/aqua marine/pink lemonade or ultra violet/aqua marine/black. $34/each at ivivva.com)

To dye for! Toddler bottoms for little yogi fashionistas

 

For downtime or downdog, the young yogi in your life can stretch out and chillax in BohoBebes line of yoga pants for kids.

Handmade and shipped from Dorado, Puerto Rico, the light, stretchy, cotton-spandex bottoms with fold-over waistband flare at the ends, are super cozy and soft on the skin.

(Available in Lace Band, Tie Dye, Paisley Print, Navy Blue, and Tribal prints from $18.00/pair and up at https://www.etsy.com/shop/bohobebesboutique)

Namaste, dude! Teen baseballer-turned yogi to teach practice to peers

Courtesy 16-year-old Brice Sullivan

Through yoga, sixteen-year-old Brice Sullivan from Coral Springs, Florida, is upping his game in sport and in life.

This past Spring, having tried a live-music Vinyasa class through Yoga Fox, of Delray Beach, Florida, Sullivan was smitten with the ancient practice.

“I was timid at first, but adjusted and kind of fell in love with it,” he says.

An outfield baseball player for Stoneman Douglas High School, Sullivan returned for regular classes and discovered yoga’s benefits had...

Give 'em an apple a day...chip style!



Courtesy Three Works Snacks

Move over Frito Lay, a healthier, new chip is making its way to grocery store snack aisles.

Fruit chips are a kid and caregiver go-to, healthy snack option, and now, Three Works Snacks ®, a Canadian-based snacking brand is being introduced here, through World Finer Foods, a leading supplier of specialty food, beverage and personal care products.

The line of fun, crunchy, Apple Chips are born right on the tree, picked, sliced, naturally flavored and dehydried ™, creating a unique, crisp texture and crunch, without the fat, gluten or added sugar.

Distribution of three fun flavors (So Original, Pinch-O-Cinnamon, and Berry Berry) begins this month. Happy snacking!

 

 

KidsYogaDaily's latest for YogaJournal!

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/go-flow-period-practice-teens/

Get hooked! Cozy up your yoga look with crocheted mat gear

 



Courtesy Sams Crochet

With the fall season upon us, this hand-knitted yoga mat carrier exudes style and warmth. It’s machine washable, so just toss in to your laundry load to clean off sweat. Drawstring closure at top for a secure fit. Multiple colors available.

Custom Open Crochet Yoga Mat Bag, $36.00 at www.samscrochet.storenvy.com

Courtesy Sams Crochet


 

Looking for a lighter assist? Yoga Mat Sling Handles are designed to loop around the ends of your rolled mat for easy carrying. Machine washable and sold in lots of eye-popping colors.

Yoga Mat Sling Handle, $7.00 at www.samscrochet.storenvy.com

 

It's internship season! Leading yoga magazine offers fall employment opportunities

Courtesy Google Images

Hey college bound yogis, the leading authority on yoga and the yoga lifestyle may be looking for YOU.

Currently celebrating its 40^th anniversary, Yoga Journal magazine is actively seeking student seasonal interns in various departments.

Do you love reading and writing about your yoga passion? Perhaps an Online Editorial Internship is up your alley? If you’re already majoring in journalism or planning to, during this three-month commitment, Web interns will have the chance to develop content for yogajournal.com, maintain photo libraries, proofread articles and help to maintain social media accounts. Position located in YJ’s Boulder, Colorado office. A small stipend is offered.

Courtesy Yoga Journal

If you’re always plugged in to what’s trending in yoga online, consider the Social Media Internship. In this post, you’ll produce content for the YJ’s social media platforms, keep abreast of social media measurement and weekly metrics, and develop photo assets. Position located in YJ’s Boulder, Colorado office. A small stipend is offered.

Do you have a head for the business of yoga? YJ offers a Marketing Internship for Yoga Journal Events. The un-paid, for-credit position is open to students in the San Francisco Bay area. In this capacity, you’ll gain experience in event production and marketing for the magazine’s five national yoga conference produced annually. Each event draws 1500-2000 attendees and yoga instructors from around the globe.

The YJ Marketing Internship is another based in the magazine’s San Francisco office, and for which you’ll be a part of the events team. You’ll assist in preparations for upcoming shows, and longer range marketing/branding projects. Tasks will include, compiling media lists, monitoring web presence through social media, writing creative Facebook and Twitter posts, responding to fan inquiries and monitoring message boards, and more.

For more information, and/or to apply for an internship position, visit: http://www.yogajournal.com/employment/ 

GOOD LUCK!

Grooming gurus! Midwestern yoga studio launches first teen teacher training program

Courtesy Anna Limauro

The itch to teach yoga has hit the tween set.

This January, twelve year-old Anna Limauro, of Carmel, Indiana will take part in a teen-specific, yoga teacher training program, through Blooming Life Yoga Studio, of Zionsville, Indiana.

“I want to teach others, especially girls around my age, to have more confidence about body issues and self-esteem,” says Limauro, who tried her first yoga class as a fifth-grader.

“I couldn’t find a sport that clicked with me and enjoyed yoga. It helped me to...

5 Great Gifts for Young Yogis

Check out our latest post for YogaJournal.com...!

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/5-great-gifts-young-yogis/

Must have backpack knick-knack for young yogis!

Courtesy SweetPea Online Gifts

All-natural, handmade lip balms will protect smiles in yoga style!

(Set of 5 in Poppin Cherry flavor, $7.49 at https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetpeaonlinegifts)

Peaceful, playful warrior? Action figurines draw boys to yoga

Courtesy Yoga Joes

If your son or the 'little dude' in your life has rejected your overtures to try yoga, consider humoring him on to the mat.

Yoga Joes, a line of mini green figurines for ages 3 and up that look like classic, plastic toy soldiers, is the brainchild of Dan Abramson, a San Francisco-based designer and beginner yogi, who was seeking a way to make the practice more guy-friendly.

Abramson raised $108,000 to launch the products through Kickstarter, as interest was high and fast. Beyond sparking an interest in the ancient Indian practice, Abramson also hopes the little army men helps kids to celebrate military men and women for their practice of discipline, according to his campaign’s website.

Courtesy Yoga Joes

Yoga Joes vary from 1-3 inches high, and come in zen yoga studio packaging with a bamboo floor. Poses include Downward-facing Dog, Warrior Two, Cobra, Child’s, Meditation, Headstand, Tree, and Crow.

(Yoga Joes 9/pk set, $25.00 at yogajoes.com)

 

 

To market, to market. One yogi-preneur's baking tools for success

Courtesy YummiYogi

After a decade in consumer marketing, mompreneur, Amy Dube, of Brick, New Jersey knew how to take a product to the masses.

“I helped small to mid-sized businesses grow their brands,” says the mother of two daughters under age five.

When her employer unfortunately closed due to investment bankers, Dube began taking yoga classes and...

9-Step pre-date yoga sequence for teens

KidsYogaDaily for YogaJournal

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/pre-date-yoga-sequence-teens/

Calling all yogi and mompreneurs! Niche crowdfunding site is looking for you

Have a nifty product idea? Get that elevator pitch ready for the Internet.

This September, mom and family-centric crowdfunding portal, MsGenuity, launched Project Kids, a program to fund early learning and entertainment products that make kids’ lives better.

Overseen by Marcia Christ, MsGenuity CEO and former Creative Director and Senior VP at ad house Ogilvy & Mather, one of the Project Kids projects includes, Helping Kids on the Spectrum, a yoga course for kids and their parents to achieve a higher level of calmness and attentiveness.

Other ventures in need of backing include, Bracees – accessories for pre-teens to individualize their braces and Pajama Monsters – stuffed huggables and stories to chase the gremlins from a child’s life, among others.

"Within the male-dominated crowdfunding industry, Moms, who purchase 85% of all US goods, but who partake in less than 10% of all projects, can now influence product design, invest in new products and share their findings with others through the portal," according to MsGenuity's press release.

Let the lightbulbs go off and the investing begin!

Chocolate healing. Indulge and bliss out with Chakra-inspired treat

Chocoveda's Chakra Box

This delectable truffle assortment is richer than meets the eye.

Beneath their surface beauty, each of Chocoveda brand's all-natural, dairy-free, 70% dark chocolate truffles correlates to the seven energy centers of the body.

The product's creator based her line on a life-long chocolate passion and Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system that empowers individuals to lead more balanced states of living.

Flavors include chai, tangerine, ginger/lemongrass, green tea, peppermint, pomegranate, and honey/vanilla.

Breathe more peace, love and healing in to yourself with every bite!

(Chakra Box, $30.00 at chocoveda.com)

Yoga as sport. Are you game?



Courtesy Dizzy Crane

Just read this ESPN Q&A article online, on Andrea Nikki Ortiz, the 26-year-old interior designer and yogi from New York who rose to the spotlight this year as our nation’s national Asana champion.

 

If you were unaware of the competition, it’s organized by the United States Yoga Federation (USA Yoga), a non-profit organization that aims to...

Time to retreat. Teen yoga getaways are trending.

Courtesy YogaFox

When Kelly Brookbank ERYT500 and Keith Fox met in 2008,
the two were both teaching for a yoga retreat held at Pura Vida Spa Resort in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Today, as co-directors and owners of YogaFox studios in Del Ray Beach, Florida, the now married pair continues to return to the beautiful wellness location, as leaders of an annual teen yoga retreat. 

Courtesy YogaFox

Well known for their Vinyasa style and “Yoga with Live Music” class, which welcomes 100 students weekly at the nearby Colony hotel, in 2011, the duo also founded Yoga Fest FL, an annual yoga festival that aims to bring yoga to the community. This year’s event drew 4000 attendees and 60 vendors.

“Our non-profit, MahaShakti Foundation benefits from the one day event. We work with veterans and at risk youth. Our teen programs are geared toward building role models, successful yogis and community service,” says Brookbank.

For the second year in a row, the Fox’s organization has scholarshipped and led a group of teens on a five-day yoga retreat to...

KidsYogaDaily for YogaJournal.com -- Check out our latest post!

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-by-benefit/calm/start-stress-free-9-poses-beat-back-school-jitters/

Express your yoga self with new fashion-forward Fall prints

 

K-Deer Kids Leggings in 'Boho Nouveau'

Downdog with flair this season! Try K-Deer’s ‘just-in’ yoga leggings on for size and give your body and sense of style a fun, energizing stretch!

New Kids Leggings in: Trina Stripe, Boho Nouveau, Lucy in the Sky, Summer of Love, Indigo Girl and Strawberry Fields. ($48.00/pair at K-Deer.com)

Banned! Yoga pants don't make the grade at Massachusetts school

 

 

Another school has jumped on to the yoga pants ban-wagon.

Cape Cod Tech High school in Harwich, Massachusetts has implemented a new dress code, requiring female students to wear shorts or a skirt over yoga pants, according to MyFoxBoston.com.

Apparently, some students at the school said boys are distracted by the look and act out inappropriately.

Outrage has spread and already, a group of 200 girls have organized “First Day = Yoga Pants,” where they plan on donning the prohibited pants on the first day of school this coming semester.

 “We can’t help we were born girls and we shouldn’t have to pay for it either because boys can’t ‘control’ themselves,” an event organizer said on their Facebook page.

The school’s principal says the new requirement has to do with professional dress and ensuring that students are work ready, because they’re attending a vocational high school, according to the news site.

Cape Cod Tech isn’t the first school to change their dress code for yoga pants. This past February students at Rockport High School were banned from wearing them completely, according to MyFoxBoston.com.

Where do you stand on this topic? Are yoga pants too sexy as schoolwear?

 

 

Yogipreneur rising! Working mom-turned-business owner gives kids a mat of their own

Courtesy The Little Yoga Mat

A big idea for little people. That's how The Little Yoga Mat company got its start.

“My daughter was in pre-school at the time, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City and I voluntarily taught yoga to her class. I’d cut up adult-sized mats to make little ones for them. Kids loved having mats their size. Parents started calling me to find out...

College bound? On-campus yoga gets high marks

Courtesy Google Images

It’s no surprise. Yoga is positively impacting college and university life for more students.

“My classes continue to fill up every semester,” says Yoga Instructor, Constance McKnight. The adjunct and alumni of AdelphiUniversity in New York is gearing up to teach her two-credit, one-semester Yoga class for the ninth year, out of the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, through its Department of Exercise Science, Health Studies, Physical Education and Sport Management.

The majority of McKnight’s students tend to be juniors and seniors who are ‘in the know,’ so for interested incoming freshmen and sophomores, "Register early before the hour and fifteen minute classes of twenty students each close out," says McKnight.

Beyond postures and breath work, “My intention is to prepare them through the benefits of yoga, for their future careers,” says McKnight.

More than a fitness program, McKnight’s class covers meditation, Savasana (final relaxation), visualizing, focusing, centering, self-awareness, mantras and affirmations. In addition, students learn both the English and Sanskrit names of most poses, Karma yoga, partner and group yoga activities and simple chants such as OM.

To support her students, “I use props, bolsters, wall, and straps,” says McKnight, who was trained in Iyengar, but also mixes in some vinyasa (flow), restorative and laughing yoga styles.

 

 

 

Back-to-School Supply List: Lunch bag yoga love!

Courtesy RNK Shops

Forgo the brown bag and send your young yogi to school with this super cute lunch tote.

The durable, unisex bag is made out of neoprene, insulated, comes with reinforced handles and has a zipper closure.

If your little one is a messy eater, don’t fret! Just pop it in the wash and hang to dry!

(Keep Calm & Do Yoga Kids Lunch Bag, $27.95 at www.rnkshops.com)

It's a date! National Kid Yoga Conference Coming November 2015



Courtesy YoKid

Come one, come all!

Whether you’re a teacher, educator, yoga instructor, parent, or anyone interested in bringing yoga to our next generation, this meeting of like minds is a gathering you shouldn’t miss.

This year’s weekend of events includes panel discussions, workshops, networking and yoga practice focused on different aspects of yoga for youth, such as -- the business of yoga, school yoga, yoga tools and yoga research.

Presenters and keynotes from notable leaders in the kids yoga movement will address conference goers.

A special Teen Track has been added this year to engage youth aged 13-17. Participants will have a chance to further their own yoga practice during a full day of classes designed just for them. A limited number of scholarship are available. To apply, teens must complete an application form on the host organization’s website by October 1^st, 2015.

For more information or to register, visit kidsyogaconference.org

National Kid Yoga Conference

November 13-15, 2015

George Washington University’s Marvin Center

 

 

 

What a charmer! Try this chakra inspired pendant on for size

Courtesy Buddhagroove.com

The young yogi in your life will channel your affection each time she literally rocks this accessory. Hand-made in India, each pendant contains 7 Chakra gemstones, which represent the ancient Chakra energy centers in the body…

Amythest – Crown Chakra (Wisdom)

Lolite  -- Third Eye Chakra (Perception)

Blue Topas  -- Throat Chakra (Speech, Truth)

Peridot – Heart Chakra (Compassion)

Citrine – Solar Plexus Chakra (Strength)

Carnelian – Sacral Chakra (Creativity)

Garnet – Root Chakra (Courage)

 

(Sterling Silver Infinity Chakra Pendant, $42.00 at Buddhagroove.com)

 

 

 

 

New organic snacks pack a fruity punch!

Go Organically Fruit Snacks are hitting supermarket shelves in time for Back-to-School.

The bite-size snacks differ from competing brands, as they're loaded with fresh-off-the-vine flavors, according to the company.

"While a growing number of organic and natural products are hitting the market, frankly, many of them have lost focus on what consumers want most...taste. We set out to make an organic product with real fruit purees and fruit juices that tastes great," says Josh Shapiro, Vice President of Marketing for Farmer's Choice and Promotion In Motion in a press release today.

Three assortments include Fruit Medley, Mixed Berry, and Tropical. 

The tasty treats are GMO free, gluten free, preservative free and include 100 percent of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C and are an excellent source of Vitamins A and E.

Go Organically Fruit Snacks retail for $3.99 per 8-count package.

 

 

Stay fit while you shop. Girls' athletic wear retailer hosts yoga events and more.

Courtesy ivivva

Ivivva, the athletic wear brand for active girls created by Lululemon is taking customer engagement to a new level of interaction.

“We target young girls in movement – from Lacrosse to ballet, to yoga. We like to hear what they’re up to and we try to support them through in-store events at our showroom,” says Layne Averill, store manager at ivivva's New York City showroom.

The upper west side shop organizes hyper local events on-site, like help with packing camp trunks, and off-site, too, such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at Manhattan Kayaking Pier 84.

“We’ve hosted yoga classes at a studio in Brooklyn, and Zumba and Hip Hop dance classes at different city-wide locations. We’re looking in to an Acrobat Trapeze class at Chelsea Piers, too,” says Averill. “We live in the most beautiful city. We love taking them to places they don’t normally get to go to.”

Feedback on the brand’s line is invaluable and generated through in-store FIT sessions.

“Girls come in and offer feedback on what they love or not, so we can inform designers on what we can do better to support them. We may have three to eight FIT sessions per week. We want to make sure we’re doing our best for them,” says Averill.

KidsYogaDaily for YogaJournal.com -- Check out our latest post!

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/letter-sound-yoga-app-for-kids/

Taking a pass on gym class. California teens gain school credit for yoga classes.

Courtesy Prana Yoga Center

Some students are getting off the track and field and hitting up a California yoga studio instead --to rack up physical education class credits.

Prana Yoga Center of La Jolla, California has offered its Yoga for Teens 101 PE Credit course since 2005, through an arrangement with The Bishops School, a local and private institution.

Open to students from other area middle and high schools, students sign up because they like yoga as a balance to academics and other sports they might do, says Alexandra Gessner, the studio's owner.

"Yoga provides a great alternative to...

Make-Your-Own Chakra Sak Day 7 -- Sahasrara Chakra

Today's focus is the seventh, or ‘Sahasrara’ Chakra, which is associated with the color violet.

Sahasrara

Located: Crown of head

Element: Thought

Color: Violet

Represents: Enlightenment, spirituality, wisdom, oneness with the world

Healing Asanas: Corpse, Lotus, Headstand,

 

 

 

Make-Your-Own Chakra Sak Day 6 -- Third Eye Chakra

Today’s focus is the sixth, or 'Ajna' Chakra, which is associated with the color indigo.

Ajna

Located: Center of forehead

Element: Light

Color: Indigo

Represents: Intuition, mental clarity, wisdom, balance, seeing, perception

Healing Asanas: Hero’s Pose, DownDog, Sun Salutations, Headstand Prep

 

 

Make-Your-Own Chakra Sak Day 5 -- Throat Chakra

Today’s focus is the fifth, or Throat Chakra, ‘Vishuddha,’ which is associated with the color blue.

Vishuddah

Location: Throat

Color: Blue

Element: Ether

Represents: Honest communication, self-expression, inner truth

Healing Asanas: Fish, Plow Pose, Wild Thing, Camel, Sphinx