My name is Al Pann and I am a Yoga Teacher and Personal Trainer at Minnesota Top Team in Eagan. I started practicing yoga in 2004 in Burnsville, began teaching in 2009 across the Twin Cities, and started teaching Yoga at Minnesota Top Team in 2011. I teach a Slow Flow Vinyasa class and a Parent/Child Hatha Yoga class called Mom and Me Yoga (kids ages 7+).
My teaching style borrows heavily from those of my primary instructors and mentors, so all over the board, but it is also influenced by my experience as a trainer. My primary philosophy as a teacher is to promote well-being among students through proper alignment, core strength, mental focus, balance, and breath control, but to do it in a way that is fun and enjoyable and leaves students feeling better after class than when they arrived.
The Slow Flow Vinyasa class is open to all, from beginners to intermediate.
Benefits of Yoga for Children* Develops their strength and endurance gracefully
* Relaxes their minds
* Boosts confidence
* Increase focus and concentration
* Improves flexibility and balance
* Sleep more soundly
* Teaches listening skills
A 2003 study by California State University, Los Angeles found that yoga improved students' behavior, physical health and academic performance, as well as attitudes toward themselves. That same year, Leipzig University in Germany reported that yoga reduces feelings of helplessness and aggression, and in the long term helps emotional balance. The benefits of yoga are particularly strong among children with special needs, research shows. (online.wsj.com, March 21, 2011)
I have found that teaching children yoga to be rewarding in unexpected ways. Children are naturally flexible, so the stretching was not a surprise. The best part of teaching children is their ability to have no preconceived notions of what yoga will and can do for them.
The gentle kids yoga is a great bonding experience for the parent and child. In a typical class the parents yoga mat is right next to the childs. With this type of setup, the child is able to mimic the parent and the instructor. Bonding while exercising is a life lesson that will be valuable to your child for many years to come.
If you are a resident of, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville, Bloomington or other south metro cities, you will find that these parent / child yoga classes to be gentle, patient and comprehensive at a convenient location.
Mom and Me Yoga is geared for one parent and up to two children (ages 7+), at a specially inclusive single rate(ie, you pay one price for 1-3 people). Of course, dads are welcome, too!Come and try your first class free at Minnesota Top Team!!
In addition ot Yoga we offer