kids need inner-peace, too
The Little Yoga House: Austin's first kids-only yoga studio opens with widevariety of programs
Sep 6, 2012 | 11:05 am
Abby Nagler and An Dang met at a children's yoga training hosted by global organization called Rainbow Kids Yoga and instantly had a connection. Nagler had long since held a dream close to her heart of opening a kids-only yoga studio in Austin. The only thing she was missing was a partner with whom she could make that dream a reality. After a several years of mulling it over and perfecting their idea, The Little Yoga House finally opens in Austin on Saturday, September 8.
If yoga is so life-altering for adults, why couldn’t it be a nurturing developmental path for children, too? With this in mind, we asked Nagler a few questions about the duo's unique, heartfelt business.
Tell us where you and Abby found the inspiration and motivation to start The Little Yoga House?
The idea was born in 2010, but we were both unprepared and we knew we weren't in the right place in our lives at the time to commit to something so big. We took a break and both spent some time traveling and training abroad to learn all the ins and outs about all aspects of children's yoga starting from prenatal to teens.
For nearly a year, Abby worked in New York City for one of the first kids' yoga studio in the country while I taught in Austin to build up our clientele.
Our motivation came from wanting to build a space that children of all ages can come to learn yoga in a fun, relaxed and comfortable environment. Austin is a young, innovative family-oriented city where we saw, without a doubt, a need for a studio to specialize in only children and family yoga.
Is there a special tactic taken in teaching pre-school style yoga?
Yes, teaching yoga to kids is so different than adults, especially pre-school aged children. Their attention spans at that age are so short that you need every bit of energy in your own body to keep them engaged.
The way to do that is introducing yoga through music, dancing and games that they may or may not be familiar with. You have to make it informative and fun at the same time, otherwise you'll lose them.
What do you believe the benefit of yoga to be for kids? Any types you'd definitely recommend this for?
There are so many benefits for all children to practice yoga. It builds confidence and a positive self-image; improves strength and flexibility; balances the body and mind; increases body awareness; helps with focus, concentration and breath awareness; encourages compassion and respect for others; reduces stress; and it sets the foundation for self-acceptance — a necessity to find inner peace.
Does The Little Yoga House impart a lot of yoga philosophy or is it more fitness focused?
[We do] both. Too much philosophy will put any kid to sleep, and you can't call yourself a yogi with just knowing the physical aspects of yoga.
We've come up with a fun way to learn about the Eight Limbs of yoga through the eight tentacles of The Little Yoga House's own “Yoga Octopus.”
Taking the short attention span of some kids into consideration, how long are the classes?
Yes, 45 minutes for our 3- to 6-year-olds (Hanuminis) and 7- to 9- year-olds (Groovy Ganeshas) classes. One hour for our 10- to 12-year-olds (Peaceful Vishnus) and teen (Rockin Ramas) classes.
How often will The Little Yoga House offer classes and programs?
Often! We offer after school kids classes Monday through Thursday; prenatal classes Monday through Friday, mom and baby classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday; Parent and child classes Tuesday, Thursday; 3- to 4-year-old classes Friday and Saturday; Family yoga on Saturdays; and Storytime and Community yoga throughout the week.
The Little Yoga House also offers Yoga en Español each week as well as several other one-off, specialty classes. Keep up with the packed schedule online. If you love it, Abby and An also host bang-up yoga birthday parties — or “any reason” yoga parties, for that matter.
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Tell us where you and Abby found the inspiration and motivation to start The Little Yoga House?
The idea was born in 2010, but we were both unprepared and we knew we weren't in the right place in our lives at the time to commit to something so big. We took a break and both spent some time traveling and training abroad to learn all the ins and outs about all aspects of children's yoga starting from prenatal to teens.
For nearly a year, Abby worked in New York City for one of the first kids' yoga studio in the country while I taught in Austin to build up our clientele.
Our motivation came from wanting to build a space that children of all ages can come to learn yoga in a fun, relaxed and comfortable environment. Austin is a young, innovative family-oriented city where we saw, without a doubt, a need for a studio to specialize in only children and family yoga.
Is there a special tactic taken in teaching pre-school style yoga?
Yes, teaching yoga to kids is so different than adults, especially pre-school aged children. Their attention spans at that age are so short that you need every bit of energy in your own body to keep them engaged.
The way to do that is introducing yoga through music, dancing and games that they may or may not be familiar with. You have to make it informative and fun at the same time, otherwise you'll lose them.
What do you believe the benefit of yoga to be for kids? Any types you'd definitely recommend this for?
There are so many benefits for all children to practice yoga. It builds confidence and a positive self-image; improves strength and flexibility; balances the body and mind; increases body awareness; helps with focus, concentration and breath awareness; encourages compassion and respect for others; reduces stress; and it sets the foundation for self-acceptance — a necessity to find inner peace.
Does The Little Yoga House impart a lot of yoga philosophy or is it more fitness focused?
[We do] both. Too much philosophy will put any kid to sleep, and you can't call yourself a yogi with just knowing the physical aspects of yoga.
We've come up with a fun way to learn about the Eight Limbs of yoga through the eight tentacles of The Little Yoga House's own “Yoga Octopus.”
Taking the short attention span of some kids into consideration, how long are the classes?
Yes, 45 minutes for our 3- to 6-year-olds (Hanuminis) and 7- to 9- year-olds (Groovy Ganeshas) classes. One hour for our 10- to 12-year-olds (Peaceful Vishnus) and teen (Rockin Ramas) classes.
How often will The Little Yoga House offer classes and programs?
Often! We offer after school kids classes Monday through Thursday; prenatal classes Monday through Friday, mom and baby classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday; Parent and child classes Tuesday, Thursday; 3- to 4-year-old classes Friday and Saturday; Family yoga on Saturdays; and Storytime and Community yoga throughout the week.
The Little Yoga House also offers Yoga en Español each week as well as several other one-off, specialty classes. Keep up with the packed schedule online. If you love it, Abby and An also host bang-up yoga birthday parties — or “any reason” yoga parties, for that matter.
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All are invited to The Little Yoga House’s grand opening party on September 8. Check out their Facebook page for details or call 512-861-5639.