Yoga focuses on your body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing. Though our yoga practice we create strength, build awareness and work to harmonize the body and mind. Prenatal and postpartum yoga class is a place for you to tune the social and personal pressures out, and tune into your mind, body, baby connection. “While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions are typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups.” The Benefits of Yoga . The activity of a typical prenatal yoga class will help reduce stress, anxiety and aches and pains while improving your strength and flexibility allowing you to cope with the world around you and labor to come graciously.
Prenatal and postpartum yoga is a tool which help you utilize your breath and harness the power of sound while grounding you physically and turning your focus towards the things that really matter. A quintessential prenatal yoga you may flow through the following components in order to improve mental clarity and mindfulness. Intentional movement guided by breath will also prepare you for labor and delivery or serve as a tool while navigating the new parenting waters:
Breathing. You'll be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.
Gentle stretching. You'll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, such as your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.
Postures. While standing, sitting or lying on the ground, you'll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance. Props — such as blankets, cushions and belts — might be used to provide support and comfort.
Cool down and relaxation. At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you'll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.
Prenatal and Postpartum yoga is taught every Tuesday evening. We'd love to have you.
For more information visit: Prenatal Yoga: The Mayo Clinic
