Yoga has a host of benefits. Relaxing. Connecting with yourself. Building flexibility and strength. None of these, of course, are inherently age-restricted. Why not bring your child along and turn the workout you’re dreading into a bonding opportunity instead? Through my work as a family photographer, I love chatting with families about their favorite activities. Often, I get to chat about how yoga helps families come together and enjoy some exercise. So here are some of my client’s favorite studios for mommy and me yoga in Boston.
663 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130
Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio has one rule: If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right! They offer Boston parents two mommy and me yoga classes. The first, Blissful Monkey’s Mom & Baby class, is designed to help new mothers gently regain muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Mothers also have the chance to interact with their new babies during the practice and will also learn techniques to do at home. All Blissful Monkey asks is that you bring a blanket for your baby to lie on, as well as their favorite toys. For parents with older children, Monkey Movement is a creative dance class. The goal of Monkey Movement is to develop musicality, coordination, and strength in children 4 to 8 years old.
Multiple locations in Boston
Down Under Yoga is not only well-established but also well-respected. They have been written up in multiple publications thanks to their excellent yoga classes. They offer prenatal and postnatal mommy and me yoga, as well as classes specifically geared toward Boston kids and teens. Whether it’s movement activity and games with your youngest or a yoga class specifically geared towards stress management to support your oldest, Down Under Yoga has something for everyone. Their Baby & Me classes are their most interactive, focusing on the deep pelvic floor and core strengthening exercises with your baby at your side.
In addition to being a talented yoga teacher, Om Births’s founder, Bec, is also a certified birth doula. Om Births benefits from Bec’s experience with women’s bodies and health. They offer a wide range of classes for new and expectant mothers to choose from. Start off with Om Births’s Baby & Me yoga classes, which are designed to help new parents regain their muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Once your baby is up and about, you can join Om Births’s Mobile Babies Yoga, which lets parents get in some mindful, deep stretching while their kid plays in a safe space. This class is appropriate for children up to 3 years old.
639 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472
Artemis Yoga’s variety of classes and styles aren’t just for adults. This Boston yoga studio offers a host of fun, family-friendly mommy and me experiences, too! Artemis Yoga has classes specifically designed for certain times in your child’s life, ranging from kids’ yoga to middle school yoga. They also have family yoga classes so that you can deepen your bond alongside your stretches. Unlike many courses that focus specifically on babies, Artemis Yoga’s family classes are geared towards school-age children, providing a great way to reconnect in your busy lives and destress together.
30 Monument Square, Concord, MA, 01742
On The Mat’s yoga classes for children and middle schoolers are taught by Tara Rachel Jones, a pioneer of children’s yoga who has been a childcare professional since 1989. Her wealth of experience has allowed her to design her own approach to children’s yoga, synthesizing education, movement development, and yogic teachings. On The Mat offers three distinct classes based on age range. Their seasonal family yoga classes for caregivers of children ages 3-6 take advantage of your young one’s imaginative capabilities, using themed stories, songs, and verses to help teach yoga practices. For children aged 7-10, On The Mat’s class blends traditional yoga poses with stories and crafts to make things fun. Lastly, their Middle School Yoga: Restless to Relaxed class helps teens and pre-teens learn to navigate this tumultuous time physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Yoginikids is a studio that specializes in family and child yoga, hoping to help kids release energy and build up their confidence and self-esteem. They offer outdoor mommy and me Toddler & Preschool Yoga sessions, as well as dedicated teen yoga classes for Boston tweens and teens. Yoginikids also provides trauma-sensitive yoga training to help kids who have been victims of trauma. Yoginikids also runs virtual family yoga sessions provided there is enough interest, so reach out through their website to see what is being taught and when.
440 Somerville Ave, in Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143
Be In Union Yoga Studio’s core tenets are building health in yoga and strength in your community. Their classes are centered around these principles, providing a welcoming environment no matter your skill level. New mothers will likely be interested in their Postnatal Vinyasa classes, which use an attentive blend of vinyasa yoga and core strengthening exercises to support them after birth. These classes are always taught by a mother who understands first-hand the toll that giving birth can take. You are more than welcome to bring your baby to class so long as they aren’t crawling yet. Be In Union also offers a Yoga for Young Athletes class specifically geared toward middle and high school children.
Whether you’re going as a family or encouraging your older kids to get involved on their own, yoga is a great practice to promote bonding, health, and a mindful home environment. Each of these Boston yoga studios offers something slightly different. So there’s sure to be mommy and me yoga in Boston that fits you.
Once you’re feeling reconnected with yourself, it might be time to consider a family or motherhood photoshoot. As a Boston photographer, I make it my mission to bring out the best in your family. I’d love to talk about what kind of memories or moments you’d like to capture. Send me a message so we can chat today!