Yoga for Kids, Families Offered at New Des Plaines Studio

Not all yoga studios are in a position to offer classes for families and children, but Des Plaines will be home to one in about a month’s time, if everything goes according to the new owner’s plan.

Stacy Cushenbery, 27, of Des Plaines, is the proud new owner of The certified yoga instructor said while she will offer a range of classes for adults, she will also offer a variety of classes for families and children, something not present at many yoga studios in the area, she said.

“I think one of the biggest differences is we’re really talking about the whole community at this yoga studio,” Cushenbery said. “It’s not just geared towards adults; it’s geared toward the whole family.

She said finding activities to do with the whole family that are affordable and healthy can be a challenge, and her classes will address that need.

“Grandma can come, little kids can come; that’s something that’s unique to this studio,” Cushenbery said.

Earlier:

Opening day and class information

Cushenbery said she hoped to open the 1,000 square-foot space sometime in June after a permit was approved.

Classes will be offered in the evenings and on the weekends. On weekdays, Cushenbery works in her other role teaching agriculture to children and running an urban farm at a Montessori school in Chicago.

She said a variety of classes for adults at different skill levels will be offered including beginners, experienced beginners and a slower type called restorative yoga.

To learn more about classes and when the opening date is designated, visit Twisted Tree Yoga Studio’s website, or drop by the studio after it opens.

Yoga for children; no kidding

In addition to the health benefits, Cushenbery said when parents perform yoga with their children it is a bonding experience. Cushenbery said she decided to complete her yoga certification for children and families because they get ignored at times.

“We don’t pay attention to kids because we think, oh, they don’t need yoga,” Cushenbery said. “And it’s just as beneficial to adults as it is to kids.”

Parents and their children practice partner poses together, and it gives kids a lot of one-on-one time with their parents, Cushenbery said.

“Kids get to experience their parents in a very different way than maybe they would in a different sport or just on a daily basis because their parents are actively engaged in the activity; they’re doing the same poses with their kids,” Cushenbery said. “And that’s really affirming to children that what they’re doing is good, and that their parents are doing it, this is something that’s great.”

Children’s classes will be divided by ages, and will consist of the same poses as the adult classes, an art project, meditation and relaxation.

Some of the classes for the younger kids will have themes, Cushenbery said.

“So it’s like, we’re going to go camping today, and then all of the poses revolve around that theme,” she said.

The classes are really active and get the kids moving, but they also help calm them down at the end with relaxation, Cushenbery said.

Studio fills more than storefront

Cushenbery said she thought Des Plaines would be a good fit for her business because there is a need for a yoga studio and other new businesses to serve residents.

“Especially for people my age who are starting families, who are just moving in, there needs to be things for them, kind of catering to a younger crowd and getting them involved in the community I think is very important,” Cushenbery said.

Cushenbery said starting a business can be a challenge, and, at times, seem like a gamble, but she remains optimistic.

“I’m super passionate about it,” Cushenbery said.

Twisted Tree Yoga Studio is located off Lee Street on Prairie Avenue in a small strip mall with blue awnings. Also in the mall are a salon, Japanese caterer, currency exchange, , an and .

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