PreNatal Yoga At Bamboomoves

While our Yoga classes at Bamboo are growing in numbers with mats wall to wall, we are still growing the Pre Natal Yoga class. Often times it is only a few expectant moms who venture out to the studio and stretch their bodies, chant, learning calming breathing techniques and deepen the connection with the baby. Hopefully we will have some more young ladies that embrace Pre Natal Yoga to increase flexibility, strength, focus, strengthen the pelvic floor and most importantly support each other in the celebration of new life. For some time I have had the privilege to work with Julisa, a first time expectant mom. Her flexibility is amazing and she is grown in her yoga practice. Today, she brought her hubby (Rich) and they both told me that they are having a Girl!!!! Yea!!! It is so wonderful when Dad's-to-be participate, and assist moms in the healthy approach to pregnancy. We laughed, stretched, and chanted, which brought some more laughing out of all of us, and did some pranayama (breathing exercises). Rich had the chance to learn some prenatal Yoga partner poses/assists. Congratulations to the both of you! ~ Peace & Hugs, Ambria

Pictured: Julisa is doing a Heart Opening Stretch that alleviates lower back pain which can be common during pregnancy. She leans back into my back and focuses on deep breathing.

Pre Natal Yoga @ Bamboomoves SATURDAYS!!!

You want a healthy place for your family to get fit and healthy on the weekend, come to Bamboomoves. I'm so happy to share my yoga practice every Saturday at Bamboomoves in Pelham Bay, where we now have Pre Natal Yoga!!! Saturdays at Bamboo moves offer so much fun and fitness for the whole family. Beginning at 9:30, Andrew teaches an amazing Level 2 class, which I am hoping to attend one of these days. After that class bring your kids to join the 11:15 kids yoga class, taught by me, which is jam packed with fun, stretches, music and yoga for the kids of course. And if you missed the 9:30 am adult class, you can always join my 12 noon adult class, which is right after the kids yoga class. The 12 noon adult yoga class is Level 1 (really it's level 1 & 1/2) vinyasa class where you will sweat, stretch, chant, meditate and leave feeling refreshed after a much deserved savasana (relaxation pose). Ironically, a few weeks ago I had mistakenly assumed the 12 noon class was level two and had most of the class up in headstand. So bravo bamboo yogis!!! Level 1 classes always have a hint of a challenge. Saturdays at Bamboo also offer Belly Dance, with Yael at 1:30 where the ladies shimmy, snake, laugh and sweat their bodies to the tune of hypnotic Eastern Rhythms. Finally the newest addition to the Saturday fitness fun is Kickboxing later in the day. While new classes & workshops are always popping up at this amazing studio, I am most excited about the Saturday NEW PRE NATAL YOGA class at 2:45. Tell all your pregnant friends to come stretch, strengthen, chant, and laugh with fellow soon to be moms. Peace & Hugs ~ Ambria

PreNatal Shoulder Stand @ Namaste

Teaching PreNatal yoga is always a wonderful experience.  The radiant energy that women have while pregnant, the humorous attitude, and the natural bonding that takes place in a prenatal yoga class is always beautiful.  Recently, after teaching class at Namaste Williamsburg, my student requested to stay after to do a shoulder stand.  There are many reasons and contraindications why I usually avoid inversions in Prenatal, however my student insisted that she is comfortable with the practice.  She began with legs up the wall, and gracefully lifted off into shoulder stand.  She was amazing!  While it is true that shoulder stand and inversions make women feel good because of the reverse pressure of gravity on their body, it is still something to do for a limited time, with permission of your physician and under supervision.  

Pre Natal Yoga - It's a GIRL!!!

The benefits of prenatal yoga are worth participating in a class or a private session.  Prenatal yoga allows the mom-to-be to exercise the body and alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy while preparing the body for childbirth.  Most classes include pranayama (breath work) which help the mom send oxygen to the entire body, and learn to regulate the breath while building a closer relationship with her unborn baby.  Another aspect of Prenatal yoga is asana (postures).  The best asanas to introduce to a pregnant mom-to-be include squats, hip openers, balance postures, goddess and more.  These asanas should be tailored to her comfort and ability with props for additional support.  Kegel exercises help pregnant ladies strengthen the pelvic floor and prepare the perineum area for childbirth.  When prenatal is taken in a classroom atmosphere many ladies enjoy the sense of community and support from the other ladies.  Most of all the best aspect of Prenatal Yoga is the emphasis on focus.  Recently one of my lovely prenatal clients welcomed in a beautiful baby girl.  Yeaaaah!!!! She is here!!!!  Only one week before childbirth (as seen in the photo), this brave mom-to-be went through a full 1 hour session and squatted deep in a supported squat! WOW!  I just want to say congratulations to the Lucans and I am so thrilled that the Yoga sessions helped you focus during labor.