Yoga in Columbia Launches YoCo Kids

By: Mary Elizabeth Beary Yoga in Columbia, Illinois is a hidden gem within a hidden gem. As a small, rural, bedroom community just across the Mississippi from Mehlville, Missouri, Columbia still holds traces of a slower, friendly pace. Land has belonged to families for centuries and culture well, culture can be hard to find. Yoga in Columbia has added not only a cultural edge to this tiny community, but it has inspired an acceptance of something new within the community by reflecting that health is more than the occasional jog or salad for lunch. It is caring for the whole self in a healthy and meaningful way. The community has embraced this oasis of health and sanctuary. Its inspiring founder, Jami Marsoun, has created a way to spread its wings even further into our little gem across the river, by reaching the children. YoCo Kids (an acronym for Yoga-Columbia-Kids) will introduce yoga poses to children ages 5-12 through interactive storytelling, music and games. Sure to be both fun and fit, yoga sessions will be taught by Eagleview Elementary teacher, Mary Holtkamp, with the assistance of Columbia High School state and national champion cheerleader, senior Emma Marsoun. YoCo Kids begins in early June and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:00 - 9:50 am for ages 5-8, and from 10:10 - 11:00 am for ages 9-12. YoCo Kids is an excellent answer to every parents summer dilemma about what to do with their children that is safe, educational and an enhancing experience close to home. Children receive the same benefits from yoga as adults. It develops strength, increases body and breath awareness, energy, stamina, flexibility, mental clarity, self-confidence and a sense of well-being. Children also suffer from stress. Family life is crazy busy for some kids and down time is nonexistent. Yoga provides kids with that down time on the mat, learning breath control, body control, awareness and fun. Children are playful, naturally flexible, and uninhibited. Given the right motivation, guidance and practice children can become amazing little yogis! says YoCo Kids founder, Jami Marsoun. An innovator at heart and a devoted lover of yoga, Marsoun began Yoga in Columbia, IL in May of 2009 as an answer to the limited yoga offered in the area. An avid yoga enthusiast with experience throughout various retreats and studios in Mexico, Reno, California and St. Louis, she sought to fill the missing link in Columbia by bringing its beauty, the meditation, breath work and soothing music inside of the practice that played such an integral role in her enjoyment of the practice. She wanted to offer what she loved to the community and share all the magic of yoga beyond just the exercise. I am truly blessed to bring yoga to the Columbia community, and honored to witness our students becoming more aware of the connection between their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is a beautiful thing! Marsoun and Holtkamp agree that aside from fun and lots of interaction, safety and learning will be paramount in YoCo Kids workshops. Yoga principles will be taught and reinforced along with proper alignment, breath work and yoga etiquette. Children should eat a light meal 1 to 2 hours before coming for yoga and water is a must, especially in the summer. There will be 8 workshops that include supplies for art projects, and a YoCo Kids Tshirt for just $75.00 per child. Space is limited to just 15 kids per age group.