How to start prenatal yoga as a beginner

Even if you've never done yoga in your life, your pregnancy is the time to start.

Prenatal yoga has been proven time and time again to reduce complications in childbirth and the length of postpartum recovery.

If you’re brand new to the yoga world, here is what you need to know:

Classes start with an intro to get centered and focus on your breath, body, and baby. You'll build strength, become more flexible, and stress less. There is time at the end of class for stillness and meditation. You'll sleep better, feel more calm, shift your  mindset and your life can only get better after your first class.

The downside?

During pregnancy, the relaxin hormone that turns your body into a rubber band to make space for your baby creates instability throughout your whole body. It makes overdoing it in a heated studio class very easy.

If you want to go the studio route…

Look for unheated classes with an educated instructor. Get familiar with the energy and values of your local yoga studio and learn the styles they offer. Avoid anything that says yin, power, melt, aerial, hot or sculpt. Read instructor bios. Take a few classes in different spaces. Come early or stay after to talk to the teacher. Email the studio. Move really slowly and grab water or rest whenever you need it.

And between you and me... most yoga teachers won't offer you specific modifications if you show up for their class. They'll tell you to listen to your body and teach the class they had planned.. even if it's not ideal for you.

If your yoga pants have never actually made it to yoga... and you're in a vulnerable time of your life... you probably want to hire an expert, right?

Find someone who knows exactly how to safely guide you through a combination of yoga and strength training during this phase of your life.

I’m here to support you. Book a free consultation call to make sure I’m the right prenatal yoga instructor for you.

With so much gratitude,

Megan