Yoga Mom: Josephine Jacob
Chances are, you have already come across the idea of yoga for children. Josephine Jacob, who shares her journey on Instagram under the handle @yoga_mami, elevates this practice to extraordinary levels as she performs impressive poses alongside her two sons.
A delicate balancing act
In one of the images shared on her Instagram, Jacob showcases a stunning backbend in a wheel pose, while her youngest son attempts a cobra pose on her stomach. In another moment captured, both boys join her: her eldest provides support for her crow pose, and the youngest balances playfully on her neck.
As a certified yoga instructor with a 200-hour qualification earned three years ago, Jacob has also completed further training to teach children’s yoga. Originally hailing from Munich, Germany, she has called Vancouver home for the past 14 years. We had the opportunity to speak with Jacob about the motivations behind her acrobatic yoga feats and to gain valuable insights for other parents.
Q: What motivated you to introduce your children to yoga?
A: Yoga has always been a part of my home routine. Since they were toddlers, my kids have been intrigued by my practice, often jumping on me or my mat, so it felt natural to include them.
Q: How do you encourage your sons to try challenging poses?
A: They are incredibly adventurous. They view it as a game—though at times, they don’t always take my pose suggestions seriously. My older son has become somewhat more cautious, and he’s getting a bit too heavy to balance on my back. The younger one, however, is up for nearly anything.
Q: While your Instagram images are outstanding, have you experienced any yoga mishaps?
A: Absolutely! I’ve had countless yoga blunders, far too many to count. Some of them make it to my Instagram, and they often involve plenty of falling and laughter.
Q: Do your children have a favorite yoga pose?
A: They consistently enjoy downward-facing dog and tree pose. My older son generally prefers being behind the camera to take pictures. If he appears in one, he likes to give his approval before I share it. Meanwhile, my youngest is quite the performer and enjoys being in the spotlight of the photos.
Q: Has involving your children in your yoga routine benefited your own practice?
A: I’ve discovered the importance of being patient and not taking myself too seriously in my yoga practice. It’s primarily about having fun and trying new techniques.
Q: If you were to describe your family using five words, what would they be?
A: Quirky, humorous, affectionate, supportive, and vibrant.
