I'll admit it, when you're pregnant you don't necessarily feel inclined to don your workout gear in public. The larger and less graceful you feel, the greater the intensity of those feelings. Of course, you can always pop in an at-home prenatal yoga DVD and stretch from the comfort (and privacy) of your living room. But, here are two huge benefits to practicing prenatal yoga in a group setting.
Am I Doing This Right?
Even experienced yogis have uncertainty regarding proper alignment in some poses,and that's where the help of a qualified teacher comes into play. Particularly when you're pregnant, it's important to understand not only why, but how the poses are impacting your body and your growing fetus. Your body's range of motion changes based on what trimester you're in. Pushing yourself past comfort zones that may have been perfectly natural pre-pregnancy, can lead to real long-term damage as your pregnant body changes. A group setting can put your mind at ease that you are performing poses that are both safe and effective.
Am I Normal?
People make all kinds of insensitive comments to pregnant women. I recall a complete stranger telling me at a business meeting that I looked like I was carrying a watermelon. Sure, there are worse things she could have said, but I was left wondering why she felt entitled to share such a thought in front of the CMO of a major bank! (Luckily, I suppressed the urge to tell her she looked she was carrying the aftermath of a few too many chicken wings throughout her body). Whatever the intention, such comments combined with your changing body can leave pregnant women feeling awkward and insecure in a body that feels like it belongs to a stranger. Practicing group prenatal yoga can help you find comfort in your changing body, in a safe atmosphere, with women who are going through the exact same experiences as you!
What Is Happening to My Body?
Particularly for new moms to be, the scariest part of pregnancy is simply the unknown. There are plenty of books out there, but the more you read the scarier it gets! A prenatal yoga class can introduce you to a support group that can help ease your mind in this life-changing experience. Let's face it. Some things that accompany pregnancy are just plain embarrassing and gross. Who better to help you through your experience with than those going through it?
Am I Doing This Right?
Even experienced yogis have uncertainty regarding proper alignment in some poses,and that's where the help of a qualified teacher comes into play. Particularly when you're pregnant, it's important to understand not only why, but how the poses are impacting your body and your growing fetus. Your body's range of motion changes based on what trimester you're in. Pushing yourself past comfort zones that may have been perfectly natural pre-pregnancy, can lead to real long-term damage as your pregnant body changes. A group setting can put your mind at ease that you are performing poses that are both safe and effective.
Am I Normal?
People make all kinds of insensitive comments to pregnant women. I recall a complete stranger telling me at a business meeting that I looked like I was carrying a watermelon. Sure, there are worse things she could have said, but I was left wondering why she felt entitled to share such a thought in front of the CMO of a major bank! (Luckily, I suppressed the urge to tell her she looked she was carrying the aftermath of a few too many chicken wings throughout her body). Whatever the intention, such comments combined with your changing body can leave pregnant women feeling awkward and insecure in a body that feels like it belongs to a stranger. Practicing group prenatal yoga can help you find comfort in your changing body, in a safe atmosphere, with women who are going through the exact same experiences as you!
What Is Happening to My Body?
Particularly for new moms to be, the scariest part of pregnancy is simply the unknown. There are plenty of books out there, but the more you read the scarier it gets! A prenatal yoga class can introduce you to a support group that can help ease your mind in this life-changing experience. Let's face it. Some things that accompany pregnancy are just plain embarrassing and gross. Who better to help you through your experience with than those going through it?
