Bendy Bodies Yoga & Mindfulness creates a peaceful, gentle and non-competitive space for children to express their true selves, both emotionally and physically.
We bring yoga and mindfulness to children in a fun, interactive and gentle way, through exciting adventures, stories and games.
Bendy Bodies Yoga and Mindfulness is not affiliated to any religion or religious teachings.
Children are naturally flexible. Yoga allows them to build strength and prolong this flexibility, while enhancing fine and gross motor skills and improving muscle tone.
Yoga encompasses various different poses and movements includind balancing, strengthening, bending, twisting and inverting. These different poses allow children to learn about their bodies and where their own boundaries are, and thus to listen to their bodies.
There is no better feeling than when you finally get into that yoga pose you've been practicing for so long - whether you are a child or an adult. This does wonders for anyone's confidence! Yoga allows children to practice persistence to reach their goals, while overcoming obstacles and weaknesses along the way.
Yoga teaches children the values of kindness, trust, teamwork and self-control, while allowing them to be gentle and patient with themselves and others. It reiterates that we are all the same on the inside, despite our outward appearance, race, religion, etc. Partner yoga poses and games allow children to fully understand this concept of oneness by working together.
Children's yoga is fun, playful and imaginative, following themes, stories and made-up adventures. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and be creative in creating their own poses and stories, without judgement and in a non-competitive space.
In a children's yoga class, some poses and movements are fast moving while others are slow paced. This allows children to learn self-control, enhancing their focus and awareness. Different breathing techniques are used to energise or encourage relaxation, teaching children to focus on and connect with their breath and the changes it creates in their bodies.
Mindfulness is being present and aware in the current moment. When children are engaged, focused, having fun, and following a yoga lesson, they are in the present moment. Further exercises and techniques are taught to allow children to be mindfull outside of the yoga class.
Practicing yoga allows children to express their feelings and worries in a safe and nurturing space. It is a physical exercise that produces happy endorphins, therefore assisting with depression and anxiety. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques teach children to balance their breath and calm themselves. Yoga teaches non-judgment and non-competition toward themselves and others.
Bendy Bodies Yoga & Mindfulness classes are fun adventures including stories, breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, relaxation and visualisation.
Classes are aimed at children age 3 to 12 and are between 30 minutes and 45 minutes long, dependant on age group and venue.
These classes take place at preschools and primary schools, either as an extra-mural or an in-class activity and can be customised to meet the school's needs or fit into current themes.
Children's yoga classes are included as part of a studio timetable at various studios.
Private group classes can be arranged for siblings, cousins, a group of friends, birthday parties or events.
Private one-on-one classes can be arranged in your home or at a studio or venue of your choice.
Private, one-on-one, online classes can be arranged using Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts.
Group online classes take place using Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts. We are also offering pre-recorded classes on a month-to-month basis, uploaded weekly onto a private YouTube channel
Dear Candice, you are an amazing teacher with such patience for the little ones. My daughter gets so excited for your class each week. Such a great way to keep kids flexible and to calm any anxiety. What a wonderful, fun class! Thank you! You are fantastic!
Bonita Pretorius
Scarlett, age 3Riley loves her yoga and it is giving her so much confidence! Her paediatrician has said that it is very good for strengthening her muscles and toning her body, so she should keep going with it.
Irma Laas
Riley, age 4It's always a pleasure when Teacher Cands comes to Little Steps for her weekly yoga class. The children are excited and enthusiastic to take part in her adventures and are notably relaxed and refreshed after the classes. Cands conducts a professional class that is of great value to our little ones. Truly a must do!
Natasha Davie-Maher
Principal Teacher, Little Steps Douglasdale