South Tyneside mums welcome back baby yoga as classes move outdoors after lockdown

After months of lockdown, yoga teacher Vicky Thompson was given the go ahead to bring back face to face classes in parks and outdoors spaces.

Vicky, who runs the award-winning Kalma Baby South Tyneside teaches the borough’s youngest yogis, with classes for newborns aged from just six weeks to toddlers and juniors.

During the height of the coronavirus crisis she transformed her conservatory into a yoga studio to continue to provide her sessions and assist with families’ wellbeing while they remained at home.

But since she moved her classes outdoors as lockdown restrictions were eased earlier this month, being able to get back on the mat together has been a huge boost for mums and babies.

“After months of trying to keep my business going through the crisis with virtual yoga classes we were delighted to finally get back to classes outdoors,” said Vicky.

“We had all our Covid-secure risk assessments and put the necessary social distancing measures in place so were able to trial a few classes in the parks after getting the go ahead from the council.”

She continued: “Such an important aspect of our classes is helping facilitate a warm welcoming atmosphere to bring parents to together, so I’m really happy to be able to bring this support back.”

Yoga has many benefits for mum and baby, says Vicky – who set up the franchise five years ago.

As well as boosting development and strengthening muscles, the classes help parents bond with their baby and reduce isolation among new mums.

Vicky added: “Parents are so happy to be back and the classes are giving them a chance to start their maternity leave which has been on hold over the last few months.

"The huge smiles from parents and children shows a great lift in their wellbeing and mental health.”

For full details of where and when classes are being held and to book, visit the Kalma Baby South Tyneside Facebook page or www.kalmababy.co.uk/southtyneside

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