Introduction
In the whirlwind nine months that happen after you see that plus sign on your pregnancy test, hundreds of to-do’s (and not-to-do’s) race through your head. Checklists, appointments, and plans are made, all while you are dealing with many new physical changes and ailments! You may be wondering how you are going to fit in the time to nurture yourself during this crazy time.
Green Locus Yoga is focused on enabling expectant mothers to learn and use the tools yoga offers to strengthen themselves and their families during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and motherhood. As a family-oriented yoga studio, Green Locus Yoga works to provide convenient prenatal, postnatal, and Mommy and Me classes, in addition to pregnancy related workshops. These are taught by prenatal instructors, experts in pregnancy nutrition, local midwives and doulas, and many others who specialize in caring for pregnant women.
Prenatal Yoga
Perhaps a friend or your healthcare provider has suggested yoga for pregnancy to you as an option for gentle exercise during your pregnancy. But you should know that prenatal yoga offers many more benefits than just exercise! Prenatal yoga is not just a gentle version of a regular yoga class. With an experienced prenatal instructor like the instructors at Green Locus Yoga and Organics, you will experience a vigorous, spirited practice that has been specifically tailored to your pregnant body!
Approximately 20% of pregnant women in the US practice prenatal yoga, and in return receive the benefits of practicing yoga that help them physically and mentally through their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.
It does not matter what kind of birth you are planning—with your caregiver’s consent, prenatal yoga class can be a great way to keep active during your pregnancy and at the same time stay positive, flexible and relaxed.
Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
Many studies are currently researching the potential benefits of prenatal yoga. This research has shown that prenatal yoga has many positive effects on expectant mothers and the health of their babies:
• Lower stress levels during pregnancy and increased ability to deal with stress
• Increased mental clarity and ability to relax
• Bodies are better prepared for the physical effort of labor and delivery through increased endurance and strength
• Pregnancy symptoms are eased, including lower back pain, headaches, nausea
• Prenatal postures are designed to soften and create suppleness in a women’s body in preparation for labor and delivery
How to Practice Prenatal Yoga Safely
Prenatal yoga can be safely practiced through all three trimesters with your caregiver’s approval and with the guidance of an experienced prenatal yoga instructor.
If you are new to yoga, pregnancy is a great time to introduce yoga into your fitness routine. An experienced prenatal yoga instructor will guide you through a series of gentle movements, postures and stretches that are specifically chosen to balance, tone and flex your pregnant body. The instructor will also have several modifications to help you reach your most comfortable and relaxing practice.
If you are an experienced yoga practitioner, your instructor will have suggestions on how to modify your practice as your body changes through pregnancy. Advanced postures are still accessible to pregnant yogis, as long as they are practiced safely.
Prenatal Yoga Class Schedule
Currently, Green Locus offers prenatal yoga classes on the following dates and times:
Citrus Park/Westchase
- Sundays: 10:30 to 11:45 AM with Kerri
- Wednesdays: 6:00 to 7:00 with Kerri
- Fridays: 4:30 - 5:45 PM with Kerri
Wesley Chapel/Meadow Pointe/New Tampa
- Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 PM with Raechel
- Six week series held at the Meadow Pointe Clubhouse. Register
We are expanding our classes to Temple Terrace, Clearwater, and Saint Petersburg. Please contact us for details!
Please check our online schedule to verify times and to register for the class!
Testimonials
"It was relaxing and easy to keep up with and catch on to for my very first time doing yoga."- Danielle
"The Prenatal Yoga Class is amazing! It gives me the opportunity to strengthen myself physically and mentally while allowing me time to recharge and connect with baby. Every time I leave, I feel both calmed and rejuvenated."- Green Locus Student
"Amazing time to meet and bond with other pregnant women. An open and welcome environment that helps during pregnancy and learning your body."- Green Locus Student
Prenatal Events
We also partner with our prenatal professions to bring a variety of workshops to our soon to be moms. Past and future workshops include:
- Free lactation support groups with North Tampa Breastfeeding Center, LLC
- Birth Education with Your Birth Sister
- Private Prenatal and Couple Prenatal Yoga classes
For a complete list of workshops check out our event page for upcoming workshops.
Blog
Want tips and more info on Prenatal Yoga? Check out our blog featuring tips from Green Locus Yoga instructors and our partners such as Happy Birth Way.
Teach Prenatal Yoga
We believe in assisting mothers through their pregnancy through yoga. Through breath, movement, and mindfulness we can help mommy connect with their baby to create a comfortable and positive experience. We offer Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training through our partners at Blooma. This program is not only open to current yoga instructors but fitness professionals, nurses, doulas, chiropractors, and mothers.
Find out more about Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training.
References
Berger Gross, Jessica. "baby Love." Yoga Journal 11 2013: 74-81, 89-92.
Bershadsky, Svetlana, et al. "The effect of prenatal Hatha yoga on affect, cortisol and depressive symptoms." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 20 (2014): 106-113.
Bribiescas, Saleena. "Yoga in Pregnancy." International Journal of Childbirth Education 28.3 (2013): 99-102.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Prenatal yoga: What you need to know. 22 01 2013. 18 07 2014 <http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-yoga/art-20047193?pg=1>.
Reis, Pamela J. and Martha R. Alligood. "Prenatal Yoga in Late Pregnancy and Optimism, Power, and Well-Being." Nursing Science Quarterly 27.30 (2014).
