Oh baby! Yoga is a new parent/child interaction class that combines yoga movements and life lessons to bring fun and a feeling of connection to families in Grand Rapids.
Shannon Keyes, owner and founder of Oh baby! Yoga Studio was first introduced to yoga during her senior year of college. “Yoga is such a powerful practice and something I’ve always turned to,” says Shannon. Shannon lived in New Hampshire during her first pregnancy and practiced prenatal yoga. “It was an amazing time,” says Shannon, “it gave me an opportunity to connect to my child and I wanted to share that experience with others.” Shannon became a certified instructor and taught prenatal yoga in New Hampshire for a number of years. As her family grew she started became certified in teaching family yoga classes as well.
After moving to Michigan, Shannon found it difficult to continue practicing family and prenatal yoga. “When I came to Grand Rapids I had a hard time finding prenatal yoga classes and classes for my younger children. I saw a need in the community and wanted to bring this form of parent/child interaction to families in the area,” says Shannon. Shannon connected with Michele Venegas owner of Joyful Sounds Music Studio in East town and now shares the space with her. “We plan our classes so they don’t interfere with each other. I use her space on Mondays and Tuesdays for my yoga classes. Without her assistance this wouldn’t be possible. Michele and I are like minded in growing families through music and movement,” says Shannon.
Shannon’s family yoga classes are currently geared towards children age 18 months to 4 years old. The goal of family yoga is to introduce children to basic yoga positions through games, songs, and dances. There is a theme for each class (such as outer space) and a book or interactive story that lends itself to yoga principals. “I usually integrate a story into each class, says Shannon, “for example we will go on a moon hunt, pretend to blast off like a rocket, or jump like a frog. I like to associate yoga movement with animal forms to make it fun and imaginary for the kids.”
Shannon’s classes not only provide the children with an opportunity to move, but a chance to deal with feelings of stress and anxiety. “Shannon practices breathing techniques and ways to help a child reduce their anxiety level at home,” says Meg Zersas, mother of two and class participant. “One week Shannon gave each child a “mind jar’ (a jar full of colored liquid and glitter) she told the children that sometimes their mind can be crazy and worked up like how the jar looks when it’s shaken, but as the glitter in the jar settles down, so should they. We took the jar home with us and my son loves it. I would highly recommend enrolling in a class.”
Oh baby! Yoga has only been open for two months, but the community has received it with open arms. “I’m overwhelmed with how positive and excited everyone has been about it,” says Shannon. “I joined Moms is Tow last month and this fall not only will I be teaching at Joyful Sounds Music Studio, but also for the Forest Hills Recreation Department. I also plan to offer a roly poly yoga class for infants this fall. I’m very excited about what the future holds for Oh baby! Yoga.”
To experience a family yoga class first hand, head to HopScotch Children’s Boutique on Tuesday, August 7th for a free demo class at 11:00am.
Written by: Chelsea Slocum is a resident of Grand Rapids. She works as an educator and freelance writer. She enjoys learning about new and different things happening in the city and spending time with her husband, two crazy kids, family, and friends.
