Zen Yoga for Kids, Children yoga, Child fitness, breathing, karate, exercise, meditation, relaxation, ADD, health, after school

The Art of Zen Yoga [ Children Programs

ZEN YOGA FOR KIDS

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for holding your Zen yoga workshops for our staff and students at our special education facility for emotionally disturbed children . They enjoyed the relaxation techniques you offered. It was especially amazing to see an entire class sitting absolutely still during the meditation session! You were very patient with them and they felt comfortable and safe around you. Our staff enjoyed the adult workshop as well."

- Ronn Desrosiers, Fine Arts Educator, Raymond Hill School, Klingberg Family Centers

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"Aaron Hoopes's class taps into a different kind of energy in our children. The children are very responsive, and have renewed energy after each class with him. Whether it's the yoga stretches, the animal walking, the wall walking or the quiet sitting, the children are always eager for what is coming next. The classes are 'always too short', according to the kids. Children can definitely benefit from any time with Aaron Hoopes and his workshops.

-Raizy Kaplan, Curriculum Coordinator, Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy

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"This was a wonderful opportunity for the whole school. Every grade, 1st through 8th was able to participate in a class with Mr. Hoopes. The students thoroughly enjoyed this experience, which was inspiring, energizing, educational, and fun! We plan to include more of Aaron's Zen Yoga next year."

-Debra Mansell, Director of Physical Education, Pomfret Community School

Youth Fitness Training

Healthy Lifestyle Development

Self-Respect & Confidence Building

The notion that childhood is a relatively stress-free period compared with adult life couldn’t be further from the truth. It is important to remember that children experience feelings, such as love, joy, fear, disappointment and anger with an intensity which is rarely matched in adult life. Besides the structured learning of formal education there are psychological, and social issues that relate to personal identity, self-esteem, self-consciousness and moral behavior that shape each individual. Recognizing the nature and strength of these pressures allow us to appreciate the fact that stress, unhappiness and depression are not just difficulties of adulthood.

The Zen Yoga for Kids program is designed to expose children to the fundamental principles of proper breathing, stretching, relaxation and balance. Children who are given the opportunity to learn these skills at an early age have the advantage of incorporating the concepts into their daily life. The program teaches simple and easy methods for getting the body to work correctly. It assists in helping the children to learn to deal with stress by releasing tension and introducing basic meditation from a secular standpoint. The program's fun, interactive approach puts the children at ease and allows them to explore their own abilities. The program also works with teachers and staff so that they are able to reinforce the principles learned in the initial group session.

Class Structure:
1. Squeeze & Relax - Tension Release Exercise
2. Belly Breathing
3. Floor Stretching
4. Standing Stretching & Balance
5. Animal Walking
6. Sitting in Silence

Zen Yoga for Kids Workshop:

The perfect activity for Elementary & Middle School enrichment programs, children's organizations, summer camp programs, and after school activities. Each 30-45 minute session is a full workout involving breathing, stretching and meditation practice.

Fees: email us for information on flat-rate session prices for one-time workshops (2-20 children - larger group sessions available)

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Private Lessons:

Private Zen Yoga classes are highly beneficial for children that have difficulty with various aspects of childhood. Concentrating on aspects of self-respect, anger management and confidence building, these classes can help 'problem' children get back on track.

Private classes: email us for rates

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Zen Yoga Junior Instructor Program

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previous workshops: (references available)

Pomfret Community School, Pomfret, CT

Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy, Orange, CT

Montessori Schools Conference, Hartford, CT

Klingberg Family Centers, New Britain, CT

Ryerson Elementary School, Madison, CT

Smith Middle School, Glastonbury, CT

Y-US, Hartford, CT