D.C. Yoga Mamas: Pregnancy Yoga Classes in the District of Columbia

Hip Mamas-to-be in the D.C. area want to stay fit and trim even while their bellies expand. Yoga is a great exercise for pregnant women because it is gentle on a woman's changing body, yet it still provides an excellent workout.

Many of the benefits that yoga offers including increased flexibility, and stamina, and a more focused, attentive, peaceful mind are all just what a pregnant woman needs.

Yoginis who have already been practicing yoga when they become pregnant can easily continue with their practice after they have consulted their doctor and their yoga teacher to get tips for modifying her practice as her pregnancy progresses. Those mamas trying yoga for the first time during pregnancy will need to proceed carefully and work closely with their doctor and yoga instructor so that they can choose poses that will be not be harmful for her and her growing baby. Pregnant ladies should take a pregnancy yoga class, or purchase a pregnancy yoga video and try the exercises at home.

D.C. has lots of wonderful yoga studios to choose from, and this article is going to take a look at the studios that offer special pre-natal yoga classes.

When choosing a pre-natal yoga class, you want to find a certified yoga teacher. They should at least be certified at the 200 hour level, and even better if they are certified at the 500-hour level. You might ask if the teacher has had specialized pre-natal yoga training where they learn how to modify yoga poses for pregnant women.

Here are the web sites for several D.C. yoga studios that offer prenatal yoga classes:

http://www.dcyoga.com/

http://www.yogaplus.com/about/ (two locations in Potomac and Bethesda)

http://www.circleyoga.com/

http://www.flowyogacenter.com/flow/index.html

http://www.inspiredyoga.com/prenatal.htm (this studio dedicates a whole page on their site to tips about safely practicing yoga during pregnancy)

http://www.shaktimindbodystudio.com/index2.html (this studio has a special 6-week prenatal yoga series)

A prenatal yoga class is a great way for women to stay in shape while they are pregnant, and prepare their minds and bodies for giving birth. Doing yoga during pregnancy also gives women the opportunity to care for themselves internally as well. Prenatal yoga, in addition to helping a woman keep fit and trim, can also help women manage stress and feel calm and peaceful during this time of amazing change in their lives.

Yoga breathing helps to increase the body's oxygen supply, which is good for both mother and child.

At a time in her life when a woman is preparing to give birth, taking yoga is a fabulous way for a woman to get in touch with her body and center her mind. Taking pre-natal yoga classes from a certified instructor is a fun way for a woman to stay fit and strong throughout pregnancy.