Moms and Tots Stay Fit Together

Stretching for the sky, and getting down to their roots are just two techniques Patricia Schillaci learns with her sons at Peacefull Kids Yoga studio in Pittsford.

They just started going to class a few weeks ago, and she's already seen a change in her 3-year-old twin boys.

She said "They're already picking up some of the philosophies of yoga about being focused and very centered, and just having a whole lot of fun as they're doing it, so I think it's wonderful."

Justin and Jacob don't always give their teacher 100% of their attention, but that's okay, according to studio owner Heidi Kaufman.

The mother of 4 started this Mom & Tot class two years ago, as a way for families to learn to focus together.

Kaufman added "It's just good quality time. I think we all, as a parent too, we're going at high speed all the time. So I think this is providing a space for families to slow down and have some quality time together."

To help keep the kids from 18 months to 3 years-old in yoga mode, teachers combine singing and dancing with the poses.

Each class also has a theme. This week's was peace.

Kaufman finds the experience allows kids to learn yoga and be fit, not only from their teacher, but from their mom's too.

"The cliche that actions speak louder than words is true, and so parents being in the class are definitely teaching by example and yoga is something that they can really do together. It's accessible to anyone, and success can be seen at a really young age, so it builds a lot of self esteem."

Schillaci agrees and added "I think it's very important because it starts a lot of future patterns for being active and healthy."