My first experience with pregnancy yoga

My first experience with pregnancy yoga was not half as bad as I thought it was going to be. Going from being the bendiest person in pole class two years ago to not being able to touch my toes anymore has been quite an experience in itself! So when I was invited to take part in a pregnancy yoga class with Lushtums Ipswich, I was a bit unsure of what was going to happen…

The class was a great size of 8 including me- we started off with introductions and how we were feeling generally. The instructor (Sarah) likes everyone to get to know one another and create a stress free environment.

We focused on breathing techniques which certainly helped to forget the day and feel peaceful while we stretched, and it allowed everything to just drift away.

There were certain positions that were not hard at all, but depending on the position of your baby this may not be the same for everyone. Sarah gave us easy ways to adapt our positions with bolsters and cushions so that floor work was fine however you needed to pose.

As I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome when there’s too much pressure on my wrists, I used a cushion with the extended poses to help support my floor hand (as below).

We spent the remaining minutes of the class doing a warm down excercise which was great. We all got into a comfy position with our blankets and listened to Sarah’s voice as she spoke to us about each body part to relax. Such a chilled out vibe, and it really made a difference the next day in terms of how I felt mentally and physically.

I have found stretching and breathing to be two vital things to get me through each day during this last trimester. As positions and actions become harder and harder, pregnancy yoga is a great way to help alleviate certain niggles and pains and at the same time teaches you some great coping methods. I will be trying for a natural birth without pain relief (not even gas and air) and I feel that my first experience with pregnancy yoga at Lushtums has taken me a step in the right direction towards preparing and coping when the time comes.

Leggings by Dharmabums 

Thanks to Sarah and Lushtums Ipswich for inviting me along!

• Classes are suitable from 15/16 weeks unless experienced
• Find your local Lushtums class here
• Follow the Ipswich Facebook page here

Saharasplash x

Read my previous article HERE – beauty lovers only! ❤️