Review: Kristen McGee’s Bendigirl Yoga for Kids (with Giveaway!)

Before we begin this review of Kristin McGee’s Bendigirl Yoga DVD for Kids, I feel like I need to disclose two things. First, this is the first kids’ workout DVD I’ve ever reviewed (although I’ve reviewed A LOT of workout DVDs for the adults). Second, I don’t have a tween daughter. But, does that stop me from having opinions? Of course not!

This relatively short DVD—in total it’s just 35 minutes with extras—is less “workout” and more fun. Which is good because it’s for girls ages 9 to 13, and every tween prefers to have fun over working out. Heck, that’s the case for every girl, really. Led by yoga instructor Kristin McGee, the yoga for kids’ DVD features a 19-minute yoga sequence that is a bit unorganized, but in a good way.

Going from down dog to cobra to cat curl (I call this cat cow, but Kristen calls it cat curl—maybe curl is just more fun for the girls than “cow?”) —with random interruptions from the girls in the video showing off their favorite poses (with little to no explanation of how to do what they’re doing)—it’s not at all like your usual yoga DVD or class. Kristin is encouraging and helps make yoga accessible and totally lighthearted. Although I wish McGee shared a few more cues on form and position, she does show modifications for most moves and reassures little yogis doing the vid that they should stay where a pose feels good to them. I also wish the workout was a touch longer—maybe 30 or 40 minutes in total—and broken into two workouts that built in skill level, so that girls had a beginner workout and something to progress to, along with the option to pair them together for when they’re feeling particularly bendigirlie. As is, the workout is really best suited to girls who are either already somewhat familiar with yoga or have a mom who can be there to help them through the poses. (I’m looking at you, mamas!)

The standout of this DVD though? The goofy other features. There are short videos showing how to do partner poses, a behind-the-scenes clip that’s kind of fun, and a super-fun Meet the Bendigirls section where each girl shares a few facts about herself along with her favorite poses (which she also shows off in the workout portion of the DVD). Seriously cute stuff.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★

Overall: ★★★1/2

Fit Bottom Line: If you have a tween girl at home who likes yoga or is interested in yoga (and you have some knowledge of yoga to help them with form), this short-but-sweet kids yoga DVD is a fit!

Want to try Kristin McGee’s Bendigirl Yoga for yourself and your daughter? Comment below to enter for a chance to win! The winner will be emailed in about a week; U.S. residents only, please. Namaste! —Jenn