You may have already come across the idea of yoga for children. Josephine Jacob, an Instagram influencer known as @yoga_mami, elevates this practice by showcasing impressive poses alongside her two sons.
A delicate balancing act
One of her Instagram images captures Jacob in a flawless wheel pose while her youngest child executes a cobra pose on her abdomen. In another shot, her eldest son supports Jacob in her crow pose as the little one finds a unique spot on her neck.
With a background as a certified yoga teacher, Jacob completed her 200-hour training three years ago and has also certified as a children’s yoga instructor. Originally from Munich, Germany, she has spent the past 14 years living in Vancouver. We spoke with Jacob to explore what motivates her dynamic yoga routines and to gain insights for parents.
Q: What motivated you to integrate your kids into your yoga routine?
A: I have always practiced yoga at home. Since they were toddlers, they have been intrigued by my practice, often crawling all over me and my mat, making their participation an organic development.
Q: How do you encourage your sons to try the more challenging poses?
A: They have no fear at all and find it incredibly enjoyable—although there are times when they may not take my pose suggestions seriously. My older son has grown a bit more cautious lately, and his weight makes balancing on me a bit trickier. The younger one, however, is game for anything.
Q: Your Instagram captures are truly remarkable; have you experienced any memorable yoga mishaps?
A: Absolutely! I’ve encountered countless yoga fails, too many to keep track of. I share some of these moments on Instagram, often sprinkled with falls and laughter.
Q: Do your sons have a favorite yoga pose?
A: They both really enjoy downward-facing dog and tree pose. My older son usually prefers to capture images rather than be in them, and if he does make an appearance, he wants to approve the shot before it goes live. My younger son, on the other hand, loves to pose and hams it up for the camera.
Q: Has including your children in your practice had a positive impact on your own yoga journey?
A: I’ve learned to cultivate a greater sense of patience and not to take myself too seriously in my practice. Ultimately, it’s all about having fun and experimenting with new poses.
Q: How would you summarize your family in just five words?
A: Quirky, humorous, loving, supportive, and full of energy.
