Yoga during and after pregnancy is not only okay, it can actually be beneficial. As with any exercise during this special time in your life, you should always get the approval of your physician and ensure that you choose a yoga instructor who is specifically trained to work with pre- and post-natal clients. “Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for pregnant women,” according to Maria Liscio of True Path Yoga in Stouffville, “because it helps women relax and increases their lower back strength and flexibility which can help ease the pain of childbirth. And after childbirth, a post-natal yoga class can be an ideal time of relaxation for mom and baby.”
Pre-natal Yoga
Yoga is a particularly good form of pre-natal exercise because the emphasis on breathing and meditation can be quite helpful during labour. A pre-natal yoga class like the one at True Path Yoga is specifically designed for the journey of pregnancy by linking yoga postures with the breath. This is designed to lead you to a new discovery and bring awareness to the mind, body and spirit. Taught in a calm, peaceful environment, a pre-natal yoga class will help strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, improve circulation, aid in digestion, exercise the spine and increase over-all comfort.
Post-Natal Yoga
Labour and childbirth put a great deal of stress on your body and yoga provides a nice, gentle way to regain strength and energy. Post-natal classes focus on rebuilding strength in the abdomen, back and pelvic muscles, releasing tension in the shoulders and neck and opening the chest. Plus, some yoga studios, like True Path Yoga, allow you to bring your baby along with you so your baby can benefit from the calm surroundings as well.
True Path Yoga in Stouffville offers both pre-natal and post-natal yoga classes taught by experienced and certified instructors.
Visit True Path Yoga online at www.truepathyogastouffville.com for complete class descriptions and schedules.