Yoga Classes | Your Birth Your Way Hypnobirthing

The low down on yoga classes

What is yoga?

For most people, when they hear the term yoga they think of super flexible people in fancy yoga studios doing all those impressive moves that spring to mind.

But did you know yoga is actually so much more than just asana (physical postures)?

Yoga came into being many thousands of years ago in ancient India and was found to be first mentioned in the Vedas. There are actually eight limbs to yoga:

Yama (attitudes toward our environment & others)
Niyama (attitudes toward ourselves)
Asana (physical postures)
Pranayama (restraint or expansion of the breath)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (complete integration)

Yoga is so much more than just a physical class - it can be a lifestyle, if you choose it to be - I hope you'll join me to explore this fascinating practice.

I'm pregnant, what classes are suitable for me?

It's really important to maintain a physical exercise practice whilst pregnant (not to mention the importance of rest, relaxation and time for you).

Yoga can be a wonderful way to incorporate this into your pregnancy journey.

I have been specifically trained to support those going through pregnancy so you can be sure that any of my pregnancy classes will be safe for you (and baby), will feel amazing for your body and help relax your mind.

Special note: I am not currently teaching pregnancy yoga but I highly recommend joining one of the Pregnancy Yoga classes at The Yoga Village at Sherwood Community Centre.

I've had a baby but want my own practice, what classes are suitable for me?

We must never underestimate the work, the stress and the strain that our bodies go through during pregnancy and birth.

It is important to rest and enjoy those early weeks with your baby, but after 6-8 weeks (vaginal birth) and 12 weeks (caesarean birth) and once your lochia has stopped (and of course when you're feeling ready for it), you can certainly join a gentle yoga class.

You're going to want a gentle class that focuses on rebuilding your core strength in a way that is safe for you (for example without aggravating diastasis recti).

Special note: I am not currently teaching postnatal yoga but I highly recommend joining one of the yoga classes at The Yoga Village at Sherwood Community Centre.

I want to incorporate baby into my practice - is that possible?

Erm, yes! Babies benefit from yoga just as much as parents do. Not to mention one of the most important learning curves in parenthood is learning to practice self-care so you're better able to meet your child's needs.

Mum & baby yoga classes are a fantastic way to reconnect with your own body, connect with your baby and (this is a biggie) connect with other parents so you can build your own village of support.

The classes are super informal so if you need to stop to feed baby, or baby is just feeling a little grizzly, then that's ok! There's never any judgement at these classes - come as you are - you will always be welcome.

These classes are suitable from 6 - 8 weeks (vaginal birth) and 12 weeks (caesarean birth) and once your lochia has stopped.

I currently teach the Tuesday 10am - 11am mum and baby (postnatal) class for The Yoga Village at Sherwood Community Centre. Please visit their website to book.

How long do classes run for?

Pregnancy, postnatal and mum & baby classes run from 60 minutes up to 75 minutes in length.

Class bookings run for either 6 or 8 week blocks - this is so you gain the maximum impact from the classes (and on an honest note, it means I have consistent income to cover costs for venue hire etc). If you miss a class due to sickness, then you will be able to roll it over so you can attend another week (subject to spaces in the class).

You can join classes at any time but you will be signing up for 6 or 8 weeks of classes - this is for your and your baby's benefit - I know you will love them too!

If you enjoy your initial block, then you're more than welcome to continue for another block of classes - it doesn't all have to be over if you're enjoying your yoga journey.

What levels do you cater for?

Whether you're a first timer, a beginner or you've practiced yoga before, you will benefit from the classes. All my classes are designed so they can be adapted according to your level of comfort.

I will be guiding you but you will be in the driving seat for your yoga journey - you are the only one who can determine what feels good for your body in class that day.

If you find you're suffering from any particular discomfort/health condition at the start or during your yoga journey, please let me know so we can work together to provide the most comfortable and beneficial practice for you.