Why you should consider prenatal yoga during your pregnancy

Before I fell pregnant – I was an active gym-goer attending 5 days out of 7 for strength training workouts as well as a range of classes including spin, body balance, group core and barre – so I knew that I wanted to stay active for as long as I could throughout my pregnancy, but in a less strenuous way. That’s when I turned to yoga and discovered the amazing Prana Mama Yoga as well as going walking, swimming and going to a weekly barre class.

I remember attending my first class feeling anxious, wary and a little bit sick (thanks to the delights of morning sickness at 14 weeks – whoever called it morning sickness and said it ended at 12 weeks should not be trusted!) I didn’t know what to expect and whether it would be for me, but as soon as I was greeted by the lovely Lis and the smiles of the other pregnant women in the class, I instantly felt relaxed and at ease – that feeling has never left throughout and I looked forward to and enjoyed every class!

Prana Mama Yoga’s classes offer a mix of dynamic yoga postures with relaxing more restorative ones, meditation and breathing exercises as well as discussion and information on pregnancy and yoga related topics.

For me, I initially joined prenatal yoga classes to maintain some level of fitness, but Lis’ classes exceeded this expectation and offered so much more!

• The relaxation I experienced, for one, was amazing and really helped me to unwind and switch off which was really welcomed after a long, tiring day in the office.

• The network and support from Lis and the other pregnant ladies in the group was so lovely and I found it really beneficial when we had a chat and shared experiences with one another. To see these women go off and have their babies and then come back, baby in arms, to share their birth stories was so special and really helpful.

• The breathing and visualization techniques and how they can be used throughout pregnancy, during birth and after, have been a great tool to learn and I’ve already been putting them to practice and will be using them in labour too.

• The stretches and postures used in class have been mindful of our transforming bodies and different capabilities, aches and pains etc. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and listen to their body.

• And let’s not forget the pelvic floor awareness exercises in class – enough said!

So, whilst the classes have allowed me to remain fit and active throughout the majority of my pregnancy, they have also made such a positive experience on my pregnancy overall in more ways than I could have imagined! I have left with tools, techniques, support, knowledge and friendship that will help me throughout the last few weeks of my pregnancy and as I begin my motherhood journey, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Lis of Prana Mama Yoga for this.

P.S. I went along to the first Prana Mana Yoga Meet Up and thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to go back as a new mum with my little one! It’s a monthly meet-up in Inverurie for mums-to-be and new mums and I’d encourage you all to check it out 😊