Stretch, repeat: Teddy Bear Yoga at Lethbridge Public Library

By Lethbridge Herald on February 3, 2026.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO Upward dog gets a playful twist as children and their favourite stuffies stretch together at Teddy Bear Yoga.

By Joe Manio

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter-Lethbridge Herald

On a recent Saturday at the Lethbridge Public Library’s Crossings Branch, the usual hush of the Friends Place Meeting Room was replaced with laughter, stretching and a roomful of teddy bears attempting downward dog.

Parents and children rolled out yoga mats side by side for Teddy Bear Yoga, a free, family-friendly program that trades silence and serious poses for movement, imagination, song and plenty of smiles. Stuffed animals were tucked under arms, balanced on knees or carefully positioned at the front of mats as the class moved together through gentle stretches.

The program is designed for children aged three and up and their caregivers, and runs on scheduled Saturdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

“I try to keep the program moving so that the younger participants stay engaged,” said instructor Emily Lumley. “I try to incorporate moments of busyness as well as moments of stillness. It’s really about encouraging everyone in the room to be present together.”

Now in its second season, the multi-week program runs every other week at the Crossings Branch and is designed as an entry-level introduction to yoga and group exercise for families. Adults and children participate together throughout the class, creating a shared experience that introduces movement at an early age in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.

While the sessions include traditional yoga movements such as sun salutations, vinyasas and child’s pose, the emphasis is on participation and play rather than perfect form.

The program is led by Lumley, an LPL staff member, who said the idea grew out of a desire to combine movement, creativity and accessible programming in a space already familiar to families. She said Teddy Bear Yoga was designed to feel welcoming to people who may not see themselves reflected in a traditional fitness or yoga environment, particularly families with young children.

Lumley said her approach was influenced by Yogapalooza, an online training program designed by children’s yoga expert Bari Koral that helps educators and caregivers incorporate yoga and mindfulness into daily routines through music, movement and play.

“My manager actually found the Yogapalooza course and asked me to take it,” Lumley said. “I really liked it, and even while I was doing the course I was thinking about how great it would be with my own daughter.”

She said the training helped her adapt movements for a wide range of ages and abilities while keeping the tone light and playful.

“What I love most about it is that there are so many ways for all members of the family to be involved,” Lumley said. “In this one, parents, grandparents and siblings of all ages can enjoy being present together.”

Each class blends simple yoga flows with imaginative play, with children encouraged to bring a favourite stuffed animal to act as a partner during poses. Teddy bears might “rest” in child’s pose, stretch their arms overhead or take part in group movements, helping younger participants stay engaged.

Lumley said having adults and children — including her own husband and young daughter — move together is a key part of the program’s design. Rather than separating age groups, families share the experience, modelling healthy activity while enjoying time together.

The response from the community has been strong, she said. At the most recent session, 24 adults and children attended — a turnout Lumley described as encouraging for a free, drop-in program.

She said the second season has built on the success of the first, with families returning and new participants joining as word spreads.

Teddy Bear Yoga is part of the library’s broader approach to offering community programming beyond books, Lumley said, providing opportunities for learning, creativity and movement under one roof.

The free program runs every other week at the Lethbridge Public Library and is open to children and their caregivers. No prior yoga experience is required, and participants are encouraged to attend at their own comfort level — teddy bears included.

After the final class on March 21, yoga mats will be rolled up and stuffed animals gathered, and the library will return to its familiar quiet. But for the families who took part, the energy lingers — along with a shared introduction to movement, play and exercise that begins early and grows together.