Prenatal Yoga: A Trend Worth Trying

You may have noticed an influx of prenatal yoga classes popping up everywhere and with good reason. This specialized style of yoga offers expectant moms innumerable benefits.

The mindful poses help bring awareness to the body and the changes it undergoes during pregnancy and delivery. Classes are designed to help assist this natural process by increasing strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination as well as to promote relaxation and breathing techniques.

Furthermore, targeted yoga poses help alleviate common ailments such as acid reflux, lower back pain, tired swollen feet, and general fatigue. So, bottom line is that while you tone those thighs and buns you are still helping to ease the stress your body is going through - a total win-win situation if you ask me!

Perhaps most importantly though, is that prenatal yoga classes provide an environment that is both safe and supportive. A small community forms where women can share their excitement and fears among one another.

Many moms report having stayed in touch with women they met in prenatal yoga class well beyond their pregnancy and continue to support one another as their children move through each new developmental phase. Lastly, doulas, health counselors, nurses, or other health practitioners often teach prenatal classes and can provide trustworthy resources or personalized recommendations.

Taking the time to nurture one’s body, foster new relationships, and stop to appreciate the gift you have been given in this pregnancy will provide positive implications far beyond toned buns and legs.

Check it out for yourself. Prenatal classes range from restorative gentle stretching to athletic power flow styles. Yoga Journal’s  on-line directory lists local studios that offer a variety of prenatal classes.

Additionally, the Westwood Recreation Department’s winter brochure features a new eight-week pre-natal series starting in January.