5 Fitness Programs for Kids in Vancouver

Regular physical activity is important for our kids' overall wellbeing so here are six fitness classes for kids in Vancouver.

We like the laid-back atmosphere of Little Tree Yoga's classes, where the soft background music mixes with the gurgles and giggles of the budding buddhas. Instructor Lou Lynn guides new mamas through gentle Hatha yoga poses, giving them a chance to reconnect with their breath and restore muscle strength—all while bonding with their babes.

Try Butterfly Yoga's parent and child class for 2 to 6 year-olds. Savvy mom Christina Taylor stretches everyone's muscles and imagination using animal imagery and music in this fast-paced class. Don't be surprised to find yourself hooting like an owl and falling over in frog's pose! The class is Sunday mornings at the False Creek Community Centre, so you can extend family time with lunch or a stroll through the market.

In North Vancouver, the Yogadrops ‘Zen-tastic' program is popular with parents and children aged 1 to 5. Instructor Rio Coupal uses stuffed animals and familiar songs to teach traditional poses and to keep the karma flowing. The class ends with teddy bears and blankets. How cute is that?

Phoenix Gymnastics, offering programs for the past 30 years, is another great option for keeping your kids on the go. They have recreational, preschool and competitive gymnastics programs at two locations in Vancouver. Their recreational programs start with kids as young as 12 months of age and run until children are 12. All programs are age-based so that they can focus on specific areas of development, with some programs requiring parent participation.

Jump! Gymnastics founded by Jennifer Hood, a local savvy mom to two girls, is now offering an evening childcare program. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience working with different gymnastics organizations across Canada, and she used this knowledge to build an exciting new approach to gymnastics. Her programs and space are both fabulous and worth looking into for lessons with the kids.