Prenatal Yoga
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 
One of my pregnancy challenges has been to make sure I get enough exercise. During my writing retreat back in August/September, I started a regular walking routine and have (mostly) continued that schedule since my return to NYC.
But about a month ago, I started really missing yoga and joined a studio that offers a wide variety of classes (including prenatal.) I'm trying to go a couple times per week. If weather permits, I walk the 2miles (ish) round-trip distance between my place and class.
I just wanted to report that so far, so good! The first prenatal yoga class was pretty awkward for me (much different from this) because I didn't know the poses or how to use the props (we use a blanket, two blocks and a bolster.) But now I'm getting more comfortable. The instructor has crafted a surprisingly challenging class, combining strength-building poses with exercises that require an incredible amount of mental focus. For example, yesterday we sat on our mats and had to pretend to freestyle swim with our arms for three minutes. I was feeling the burn for sure! The instructor swears that these exercises will help mentally when dealing with contractions, so we'll see. Other things we do: lunges, triangle pose, warrior, downward dog. Lots of poses that involve gently stretching the stomach and opening the hip joints. There are some really ripped women in my class – One woman, who is pregnant with twins, has the most defined arms! I'm so inspired! Also, as I'm now in my third trimester, just having an awareness of breath and stretching out my aching muscles in class has been a *huge* source of relief for me. I'm sleeping better, my lower back is less sore, and I've been gaining a healthy amount of weight. I feel better-equipped to deal with the general stress of life. One of the girls in my class yesterday was 37 weeks pregnant, so as long as it's approved by my doctor, I plan on practicing for as long as I can.
Have you/did you try out a prenatal yoga class? Or is there a type of yoga class I should try post-pregnancy? I'll admit, I'm only familiar with Bikram yoga from my experiences earlier this year, but now I want to try out everything! Please share your favorites and inspire me to write up a post-pregnancy fitness game plan :)
{photos are from my studio's website, YogaWorks NYC}
{read all my yoga blog posts}
5 Comments | tagged baby, challenges, classes, entertainment, personal, sports, yoga | Share Article | Tweet | in fitness
Reader Comments (5)
That's awesome. Learning yoga is on my 30 before 30 list so I'm planning to find a studio in my new area soon. I could definitely see myself doing prenatal yoga when the time comes. :)
ok, i need to stop being a lazy slump and go back to my yoga class! those pictures are gorgeous, btw. what a sweet studio!
post prenatal, i recommend trying a vinyasa yoga class.
xo,
gina
What a lovely studio! It sounds like you are doing a great job keeping up with your fitness. I should look into some yoga classes. I've been lazy this holiday season!
While I don't do yoga classes, I have been doing hip stretches I learned from a prenatal yoga video and I love it. Keeping me limber where it counts ;) (I'm 37 weeks as of yesterday)
@Ghenet – I'm no expert, but loving yoga so far! let me know if you do end up trying out a studio in the Bronx and how it goes...
@Gina – I'll need to pick your brain about vinyasa. Is that the sun salutations? ;) I have no idea, ha!
@Molly – Thanks! Yes it's such a lovely studio. I feel so relaxed even in the lobby with all the hot green tea and soothing music... it's like a spa or something.
@Juju – 37 weeks, congrats!! You're almost there, yay! :)