Society today is filled with tons of distractions and various stressors. Statistics say that eight in ten Americans live very stressful lives, despite how much effort technology has undertaken to improve our lives.
Surprisingly, adults aren’t the only victims of stress – children can also experience as much stress as adults do today. It’s no wonder more and more have looked to yoga and mindfulness practices for solutions.
Time and time again, yoga has been proven to be an impactful approach to achieve better physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Apart from being effective, one of the best things about it is how accessible it is to anyone who is interested.
Adults aren’t the only ones who can reap its benefits; even children can take advantage of its numerous rewards.
Today, yoga is part of the curriculum in many schools worldwide. It’s a great way to motivate physical activity and inspire a stress-free environment.
But you don’t have to enroll your kid to a special yoga class for kids. The internet is riddled with the best kids yoga DVDs. Take a look at the roundup below for some suggestions.
Quick Answer:
Looking for the best kids yoga DVD? Here’s a short roundup of our top yoga DVDs for children:
Once Upon A Mat is an interactive one-on-one yoga experience. The DVD features certified yoga trainer, Jessie, as she engages your child in a fantastical yoga story.
Once Upon A Mat consists of 9 chapters, each chapter makes a complete 3-5 minute workout. The DVD can be played from start to finish for a whole 33-minute long workout or in parts – your child can choose their favorite characters within the DVD for a customized workout.
Sport Yoga is the best option for kids who love sports. This DVD incorporates child-friendly poses and actions that mimic popular children’s sports like baseball and basketball.
Sport Yoga is 11 chapters long. Each chapter lasts 3-5 minutes long and when played from beginning to end, the whole workout lasts for 42 minutes. Kids can also customize their workout by choosing their favorite “sport” as well.
Yoga for Families: Connect With Your Kids features certified yoga instructors Ingrid von Burg and Tom Morley. This DVD allows parents to partake in their kids’ workout. Poses and actions are made child-friendly but also challenging enough for the adults.
The whole DVD is about 31 minutes long and it is recommended to play the whole workout from start to finish as it includes a cool down portion towards the end of the DVD.
Editor's Pick Best Kids Yoga DVD
Kids Yoga DVD Buying Guide
There are a ton of attractive kids yoga DVDs out there but choosing the right one for your child requires a careful selection process.
It may be tempting to buy everything you could get your hands on but without giving them an idea about what yoga is, it’s not likely that they will be compelled to do the activity in the first place.
Before purchasing your child’s first relaxing yoga DVD, share your practice with them first. Children are naturally active and they may not understand the importance of staying still for even a short period of time.
Thankfully, there is a quick solution to get them aboard the yoga train.
Children look up to their parents as role models, so take this opportunity to be an example for your child. If they see how much you enjoy your workout, their curiosity will eventually inspire them to take action.
By personally introducing them to the world of yoga, your children will be more motivated to try it out for themselves.
How To Choose A Yoga DVD for Kids
Each child is unique and special. They will have varying interests, learning speeds, and will prefer different learning techniques from other kids.
But there’s a simple formula you can follow to ensure a good yoga experience for your kids. Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing the best at home yoga DVD for your child:
Interactive
It’s challenging to get the attention of kids, especially when they are exposed to a variety of distractions.
A good children’ yoga DVD should help them stay focused on the activity at hand. This has a lot to do with the instructor and how they interact with your child throughout the practice.
Children usually respond better to a one-on-one type of setting. A DVD with an instructor personally interacting with them may help keep their interest on the yoga practice.
Immersive
Getting the attention of your kid is one thing, but keeping them immersed in the activity is another. Perhaps the best solution to this would be to choose a DVD that does not appear to be an instructional.
Choose a program that incorporates a story, a bit of play, and if possible, a sense of familiarity. Yoga may be a difficult concept for children to digest, but by adding in a familiar activity, perhaps they can relate better to the activity.
Easy to Follow
Advanced yoga poses are obviously difficult for any child. But also, keep in mind that it may also be difficult for them to hold a simple pose.
While adults consider a slow meditative program to be the best type of yoga experience, children will not be able to put up with it.
A fast-paced DVD program does not necessarily mean that it is a bad workout. Remember, even a few seconds of holding a pose counts – what you really want is to create a habit of mindfulness and physical activity.
Variety
Last but not the least, choose a DVD that has variety. Children get bored easily and they constantly require a challenge to keep them interested.
Instilling a habit may be difficult if you present your child with the same type of workout over and over again.
The yoga workout will lose its value and your child will become complacent with their current progress instead of looking for a way to improve.
Educational
The best kids yoga DVD isn’t only focused around yoga. The best way for kids to understand the importance of yoga, in must be applied in all other aspects of their life.
A DVD with different settings isn’t just a creative stint to get your kids interested in yoga, but it is also a smart way of teaching kids how yoga is related to their everyday life.
Choose a DVD that teaches them more than just scientific facts and trivia – pick one that allows them to use their imagination and creativity as well.
As they grow older, they will realize that no matter what they are facing, they always have yoga to turn to.
7 Best Yoga DVDs For Kids
1. Kids Yoga DVD - Once Upon a Mat - Children Ages 2.5+
Once Upon a Mat is a highly-praised yoga DVD for kids ages 2.5 and above. It features Jessie Forston, a certified kids yoga instructor.
Throughout the DVD, she brings your children to an exciting adventure through the African safari, an outer space exploration, and many more. While your kids are experiencing the story, Jessie smartly incorporates yoga poses and breath work into the activity.
Once Upon A Mat is a great program that helps expand the imagination while encouraging healthy exercise. Poses are easy to follow and the distraction-free background may help your child focus in on the activity at hand.
PROS:
- Includes creative and adventure-like story settings that your kids will enjoy
- Divided into bite-sized chapters, giving your child enough time for breaks
- Chapters are short and easy to follow - great for kids of all ages and attention spans
CONS:
- Does not feature other kids for your child to follow and relate to
- Lacks background color and other visual stimulation to keep child’s interests
2. Sport Yoga - DVD for Kids Ages 3+
Sport Yoga introduces yoga poses and concepts with the aid of familiar sports popular among kids. If you are looking for a lively, high energetic practice for your kids, then this is the perfect option for them. It contains 11 chapters of upbeat yoga routines, instructed one-on-one by certified yoga instructor, Sarah Wells.
This 42-minute long exercise is divided into shorter 3-5 minute chapters. Each chapter featuring poses and movements set to some of their favorite sports such as basketball, bike riding, and baseball. Kids can also mix and match their favorite chapters to create their custom routine.
PROS:
- Features a creative method of incorporating popular sports into yoga poses
- Also divided into easy-to-follow bite-sized chapters
- Includes lessons on the importance of keeping the body healthy and active
CONS:
- Features the instructor alone; no kids for your child to relate with
- The whole workout is significantly longer compared to other options
3. Yoga For Families DVD: Connect With Your Kids
Yoga For Families DVD intelligently incorporates yoga with other fun activities such as singing and dancing, making it a great introductory DVD to yoga. Together with certified instructors, Ingrid von Burg and Tom Morley, your kids get to dance, sing, jump, and laugh while learning practicing yoga. It also makes a great avenue for parents or guardians to participate in the yoga practice of their kids.
The ability to choose music and modes are also a great plus. Your kids can choose between a slow-paced meditative routine or an energetic one. This is especially helpful in complementing the mood of your child. Tune in to an energetic practice for when your kids are active, and a meditative one when energy levels are low.
Plus, your kids also get to choose their type of music for the dynamic sections as well, making the experience more customizable than ever.
PROS:
- Incorporates other activities such as dancing, singing, and jumping
- Includes two modes: relaxing/meditative or high energy/silly
- Yoga poses are great for calming highly active kids
CONS:
- Too fast-paced for most children to follow along
- Not the best option for beginners or younger kids
4. Storyland Yoga: Yoga for Kids and Families (ages 3 to 8)
Does your child love reading or listening to stories? If so, they will enjoy the immersive experience of Storyland Yoga. This DVD is an interactive story that includes simple yoga poses and concepts. Though the graphics and animation may be cheesy for some kids, it still provides a fairy tale-like experience that many will enjoy.
Another great thing about this DVD is the fact that a portion of it sales goes to saving whales and efforts in protecting the earth from global warming. Apart from arming your kids with the benefits of yoga and mindfulness, this little perk will also help them be aware of current environmental issues.
PROS:
- Encourages participation from parents or guardians
- Employs interesting and immersive storytelling
- A portion of sales goes to marine life conservation and global warming protection
CONS:
- Lacks instruction and is fast paced
- Graphics are too cheesy - some kids, particularly boys, may not relate with it
5. Yoga For Kids Dinomite Adventure
In Yoga For Kids Dinomite Adventure, yoga instructor Jodi Komitor takes your child back in time to when dinosaurs once existed. This DVD features three fun and exciting interactive yoga sessions: Baby Brontosaurus, Dino-Mite Yoga, and Dino Dig. Each section is designed to introduce your kids to several yoga poses and breathing techniques.
Each section ranges from 15 to 17 minutes long. The longer time period makes this DVD more appropriate for kids aged 5 and above. Apart from the yoga experience, kids also get to learn more about dinosaurs throughout the session.
PROS:
- Utilizes unique storytelling to engage kids in yoga activities
- Sparks imagination and creativity
- Fun and includes educational tidbits about dinosaurs
CONS:
- Each section is longer than most DVDs
- A bit too slow-moving for older kids
6. Yoga for Kids DVD: Outer Space Blastoff
Similar to Dinomite Adventure, Yoga for Kids: Outer Space Blast Off will also take your kids to an out of this world adventure. Again, yoga instructor Jodi Komitor leads your kids to another amazing adventure – this time, to the galaxies!
Outer Space Blast Off contains three sections: Outer Space Blast Off, Solar System Yoga, and Out of this World. Each section ranges between 13 to 16 minutes long, a bit shorter than Dinomite Adventure and is also recommended for kids aged 5 years old and above.
As your child’s imagination rockets to outer space, this DVD also teaches easy to follow yoga poses and breathing techniques. And if that’s not enough reason to give this DVD a try, the informative bits of the program makes it one of the most educational yoga DVDs in the market.
PROS:
- Creative concept; great for kids interested in outer space
- Utilizes sports gear into the practice such as a fitness ball
CONS:
- Considerably slow-paced for older kids
- Inconsistent educational references - particularly about the planet Pluto
7. Kids World Yoga
Kids World Yoga is the DVD for older kids, ideally aged 6 years old to 14 years old. It is super comprehensive and contains over 100 poses for your kids to learn. The classes are also separated into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, accommodating learners of all experience levels. The varying levels also inspire practice and progress for your kids as well.
Narrated by Bridget Van Block, Kids World Yoga is created for the serious little yogi. Classes are also led by 10 kid-yogis who will inspire and motivate your kid to advance their practice. If your goal is to build the skills of your kids from the ground up, the Kids World Yoga DVD will help them progress, build strength and flexibility in no time.
PROS:
- Features unique and eye-catching backdrops - filmed in Sedona, Arizona
- A great yoga DVD for older kids up to 14 years old
- Classes are led by kids of all ages
CONS:
- Contains advanced yoga poses, prior experience may be required
- Classes are fast-moving, making it difficult for some to catch up
FAQs:
1. What is the minimum age for kids to start yoga?
Many parents ask, when is the best time for kids to learn yoga? As you’ve read on this list, one of the DVDs are targeted towards kids from 2.5 years old and above.
In India, children at age 8 are welcomed to religious practices through a ritual called upanayanam. At this age, kids are introduced to sun salutations – something adult yogis are very familiar with.
That said, ideally, kids should start yoga at the age of 8 but this is from a religious standpoint. Religion aside, however, kids can start doing yoga from the age of 2.5.
By starting their practice earlier, they can greatly benefit from it physically. Kids at this age are far more flexible than adults and along with that flexibility, they will have better chances in learning difficult poses with less problems in the future.
If you would like to introduce your kids to the spiritual aspects of yoga and mindfulness, obviously, a toddler may not be able to grasp its concepts. Introducing concepts of mental health and spirituality can be done later on as they age.
2. Is yoga for kids different from yoga for adults?
As mentioned above, kids in India practice sun salutations from the age of 8. It’s not impossible to teach kids adult yoga but for younger yogis, altering some poses might make it easier for them to perform.
So in some ways, yoga for kids is different from yoga for adults.
See Also: 8 Best Yoga DVDs for Beginners(For Adults)
To make the practice child-friendly and engaging, yoga instructors for kids try to create routines and techniques that are easy to follow but also in compliance with yoga concepts.
However, this does not mean that adults cannot perform yoga for kids. In fact, it is highly encouraged for parents to participate in the yoga sessions for their kids.
Though poses may be slightly different and pacing may be slower than normal, parents can still benefit by working on the basics.
Conclusion
For this roundup, the best kids yoga DVD title goes to Once Upon a Mat. Not only is this program regarded at the best kids yoga DVD by many parents and organizations, it is also the most child-friendly.
Each chapter is fun and immersive as it utilizes creative storytelling techniques that keep kids entertained. Coupled with an interactive personal trainer, this DVD proves that keeping kids engaged isn’t that hard.
And best of all? The DVD may be easy to follow yet it still leaves enough room for a challenge. Kids at any age level can benefit from this DVD as well as their parents.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
