Barbie & Me Yoga

Guest Blog post by Sara Greene. Sara is a single mother of two from Massachusetts, teaches numerous fitness classes including yoga and zumba, but has a terrible sweet tooth.

Barbie & Me Yoga.... 

If you are at home with a little one, or multiple little ones, it can be hard to find the time or energy to exercise.   

Have you ever put in a work-out dvd, only to be instantly thwarted by the needs of your children (or have one wrap herself around your leg while trying to do a squat)? 

Of course you have!  Kids instantly know when you are trying to do something for yourself.  And they will do whatever it takes to prevent you from getting your exercise.  It is hardwired into their genetic code.   

Turn the tables on them, while having fun and getting a good workout with “barbie and me yoga”. 

Step one

Pick your “barbie” - any doll or stuffed animal that your child likes

Step two

Make a yoga mat for barbie.  Use a small washcloth or dishtowel, cut into a rectangular shape.

Step three

Get two yoga mats or towels for you and your child.

Step four

Print out 12 basic yoga postures from the internet.  Use postures that are simple and kid-friendly.  Examples of these include: downward facing dog, upward facing dog, 5 pointed star, falling star, camel, etc.

Step five

Have your child pick out music for your class.  Put the music on for background effect.

Step six

Get small glasses of water, (including one for barbie).  Dress in soft, comfortable clothes.

Step seven

Gently go through each posture, taking time to make sure Barbie is properly aligned.  Have your child serve as the instructor.

Step eight

Mini massage- get small bottles of hand lotion and have child massage your feet, and vice versa.  Children love this part!

Step nine

End class by lighting a candle, in a safe place!, and singing a short lullaby

Step ten

Put Barbie in corpse pose and cover her with a towel!

Step eleven

Finish with a healthy snack.  Examples: small dishes of frozen yogurt with sprinkles on top.

Make every step count!  Let your child know that they are important; even though they are young!