Top Pick. We can all benefit from some techniques to reduce tension in our lives—even our kids. The recent popularity of the timeless art of yoga is proving itself to be more than just a fad. Wai Lana, a master yoga instructor who has her own PBS series, teaches children some yoga basics in Wai Lana’s Little Yogis, a mesmerizing video that has proven very fashionable with our kid testers. We’ve owned the video for approximately a month, and my own children pop it in almost daily after school. They love learning the different poses, especially the ones in which they “become” animals.

The video’s customized yoga exercises are explained and demonstrated by Wai Lana, and a group of children follow along. Happily, the kids are quite natural and don’t always perform perfectly—they look like they are having fun. Animations, and often songs, introduce each new activity and pose, such as Making Cake, Relaxation Pose, and Daydream Pose. Kids trumpet like elephants, blow an imaginary flute, and roar like a lion as they learn to get in touch with their bodies and their minds. There are plenty of opportunities to practice balance and coordination. The camel vignette begins with a special stretch as Wai Lana discusses camels with the kids. The Roly Poly Bear pose involves lying down on the back and rolling slowly from side to side. Kids pretend to be a bear getting ready for his big sleep—hibernation. This exercise would be an excellent pre-bed exercise for kids—it allows kids to stretch and relax as the pose loosens the neck and strengthens the stomach. Helpful tips for better living are included in addition to general suggestions for getting the most out of yoga. The video is available as a standalone product or in a kit along with a sponge yoga mat, video tote, and a colorful poster.

The basic yoga poses help children (and any adult following along!) release tension, strengthen their growing bodies, improve their balance, and develop coordination. We are thrilled with the video and feel it belongs in every family’s home. Both the physical and musical backdrops create a relaxing mood and setting, although the video is not without its share of fun. Children can do a yoga dance, roar like a lion, and bake an imaginary cake, for example. Outstanding!

Also available from wailana.com is a companion book to this video--it's gorgeous. Wai Lana's Little Yogis Fun Exercise is a treat from cover to cover. Each special yoga move, such as the Rocking Beetle, Jelly Legs, and Grasshopper, is illustrated along with kid-friendly instructions and adorable illustrations in vibrant color.

Pros: Visually pleasing, relaxing video. Age-appropriate exercises, customized for kids. Highly appealing to children.

Cons: None noted.

Our Rating:   A+

[For more information, or to buy: at Wai Lana Yoga

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Reviewed November 2003/Updated February 2009 Comments? Email us.