Mothers be thankful! Your worthy wish to be gymward bound or to relax for 45 minutes has finally come true. Finally combine mummyhood with zen - discover Bouncing Buddhas a fabulously fun yoga class for kids! Claire Ilardi-Crow reports...
In need of a little calm and at the suggestion of a compassionate friend, Henry (my hyperactive toddler) and I visited Bouncing Buddhas, a fabulously fun yoga class for mums and children (aged 1-6) run by the lovely Nadine NouNou and Ladan Sattaripour.
Initally I had serious doubts. Surely my Henry with his boundless energy would be far too boisterous for yoga? I uhhmed and aahhed for a while before deciding in the spirit of adventurousness, not to be boring and at least give it a go.
I needn’t have worried. Nadine and Ladan use the Montessori method, which focuses on learning through discovery in an informal and relaxed way and combine it with yoga techniques.The end result is an original and enjoyable class filled with exercise, relaxation, music and creativity which held the children’s attention throughout the entire 45 minute session (err... those of you with little ones with know this was no small feat!)
Bouncing Buddahs takes place at two health clubs in West London the Aquilla in Knightsbridge and Kensington Close. Mums can either remain in class or enjoy some quality pampering at a discounted rate whilst leaving their little ones in Nadine and Ladan’s trained and capable hands.
I get the feeling that the classes offer a great opportunity to meet other mums - if anything today's group was a little too sociable as the mums were noisier than the toddlers! But despite the unruly mummies, Nadine and Ladan’s energy and enthusiasm soon had a room full of usually untameable little boys - transformed into snakes, crocodiles and dogs wriggling (in an organised fashion) around the studio.
After the session I chatted to the classes' heroines and learned how yoga benefits children. It encourages physical, mental and emotional development, provides mental stimulation and helps with concentration at school. Most of all it improves sleep patterns... and they were right, that night Henry slept like a log.
Visit www.bouncingbuddhas.com for more information
