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With the increasing popularity of yoga, and as the health benefits of this age-old discipline become better known, more and more pregnant women are incorporating this exercise form into their prenatal routines. Although traditional yoga may conjure up images of headstands and tree poses, prenatal yoga is a discipline designed to be comfortable for the pregnant woman and the baby. While the thought of adding yet another “to do” in your already packed weeks amidst your increasingly waning energy may seem difficult, prenatal yoga is actually exactly what you need to give yourself an extra bounce, your mind a respite, all while providing short and long term health benefits to you and to your baby.
Prenatal yoga has proven to help women throughout their pregnancy by:
• increasing strength and flexibility,
• preventing pain in the lower back,
• diminishing swelling traditionally associated with pregnancy,
• reducing stress, and
• preparing for labor through relaxation techniques.
Additionally, prenatal classes provide a relaxing environment to meet and converse with other pregnant women. According to experts, this practice of yoga can be incorporated into a pregnancy routine at any time.
How can you get started on prenatal yoga? Citysaheli Baby has outlined a few guidelines to help you start out.
1. Check with your doctor before doing any athletic activity, including yoga.
2. Pick a day(s) of the week when you can routinely attend a prenatal class. This will help tremendously in extending the benefits both in and out of the class room.
3. Pick a yoga studio that is near your office or home for ease of access. If you have access to few nearby studios, then ask if you can take a trial class.
CitySaheli picks for prenatal yoga studios!
Karma Kids Yoga
Here prenatal classes are held four to five times a week and include yoga postures to address and relive the common discomforts of pregnancy; relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to ease fear and anxiety associated with pregnancy and delivery; and abdominal and pelvic floor toning to enhance postnatal recovery. Check out their website and attend their next prenatal yoga class. Mention CitySaheli Baby, and receive a free trial class.
Prenatal Yoga Center
The Prenatal Yoga Center is the first yoga center in New York City to focus on moms and moms-to-be. Over the past 7 years, over 6000 women have taken classes and workshops. The Center is based in the Upper West Side and offers classes in Chelsea, Brooklyn, and the Upper East Side as well. Classes include: Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Mommy and Me, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language and Music for Babies.
Jivamukti Yoga
Through the use of props and a wide spectrum of asanas adapted for the ever-changing pregnant body, Jivamukti’s pre-natal yoga classes enable the pregnant yogini to safely practice sun salutes, standing poses, balances, twists, forward bends, and even backbends. emphasizing breathing along with stretching and strengthening the body, these challenging but relaxing classes are empowering for pregnant women.
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