Rochester offers many programs that encourage lifelong fitness and some, like the two programs feature here, encourage self expression and positive self image. The goal of both programs is to give children the tools to strengthen their mind and body in a noncompetitive, positive environment. What a change from when I was young and we laid on a hard floor performing as many sit-ups as possible in two minutes.
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Sisters Emerson, left, and Cameron Domnick practice a pose during a recent class at the Yogi Pose Children's Yoga Center.
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Few adults can match the natural flexibility of children. The introductory yoga class encourages kids to practice exercises that will keep them flexible and healthy through their adult life.
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Both flexibility and balance are emphasized in an exercise in which children use their toes to pick up small colored balls and put them in buckets.
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Jamie Schembri leads a yoga class at her business, Yogi Pose Children's Yoga Center. Mimicking Schembri's tree pose is Brianna Brehm.
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Tucker Holmes does a little shake, rattle and roll. The class uses a number of of activities to keep up with the shorter attention spans of children.
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Maegan and Anna Rogers do a stretching routine after a dance class at the Rochester International Dance Studio. Proper stretching is an integral part of all children's exercise programs.
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Katelyn Lucas, left, Anna Rogers, Maegan Rogers and Gracie Elliott work on arm movement during a class at the Rochester International Dance Studio. The children gain confidence as well as dexterity through Mideastern-style dances. Terri Allred owns the business and teaches numerous classes.
