You really want to give yoga a try, but quite frankly you've never done it before - and you're not quite sure what to expect. Not to worry. Pregnancy is a great time to give yoga a try. You'll be in a room full of other pregnant women and chances are some of them are new to yoga too. Read on so you know what to expect from your first class.
The heart of yoga involves your breathing.Yes, I know you believe you know how to breathe, but have you ever really paid attention to it? For centuries, yoga asana has been considered a form of moving meditation, so it's not surprising that you'll be paying particular attention to your breath. If you've never done this before, your instructor will have you breathing through your nose while you gently contract the back of your throat-the glottis. It sounds a bit like Darth Vader breathingbut the point is for you to aware of your breathing throughout the class. In addition, this attention to breath will also help you manage your contractions during labor. The heart of relaxation in labor is also the breath.
Prenatal yoga classes will have stretching, breathing, and some challenging poses, followed by relaxation. All positions and stretches prepare your body for the daily changes and challenges of pregnancy, and the intensity of labor and birth. You'll be moving various parts of your body, even your neck and arms, through various ranges of motion. While you stretch you may not even realize anything is happening. You'll feel yourself working hard, and as you pause, you'll feel the effects of hard work, and endorphins surging through your veins. When you step away from the class, you'll almost immediately be feeling remarkably better overall. Don't be surprised if you even sleep better after a class. You'll notice that aching back feels a lot better too. Yoga improves flexibility, balance, and strength. It reduces stress, and can help prepare your mind and body for a time of quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation. it's a chance to turn inward, and that's what you have to do in labor.
Finally, the last portion of the class involves relaxation, known as Savasana. This may take different forms depending on your instructor. This is a time to lie down, and let go, both physically and mentally. Empty your mind.
Some teachers may encourage you to become aware of nothing else but your breathing. Others may lead you through a type of short mindful meditation, asking you to be fully aware of the sensations in your body, while you lie down on your mat. Some may even have you do a short mantra-based meditation, while seated, in which you focus on a meaningful word. Whatever form this relaxation portion of the class takes, it's intended to produce a calmness and serenity within you and by extension bring that serenity to your baby.
When you're pregnant, yoga works on many levels for you. From easing the pain and discomfort that naturally accompanies pregnancy, to making you more flexible in what may be a new physical experience, helping to calm you and prepare you for labor, yoga does it all. So what are you waiting for?
Liza Janda owner of Yoga Janda Inc. has 40+ combined years of experience teaching fitness, yoga, and Bradley Method Childbirth classes.
Visit: http://www.yogajanda.com to download MP3 audio and video yoga classes that you can do at home. And read positive birth stories on her blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liza_D_Janda
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