Yoga

I have been watching with great anticipation for the opening of the yoga studio in the new strip mall right at the entrance to our neighborhood. Finally last week they opened their doors. The kids and I took a walk down and I found out I could come anytime and take a free sample class.

When I was pregnant with Micah it seemed to me that yoga would be a great way to prepare the body for childbirth. The focus on breathing, relaxation, strength and flexibility makes it a great fit with pregnancy and childbirth. Development of these things can only benefit the childbearing body. Unfortunately, because we were in transition during that pregnancy, yoga class never materialized for me. But now I have my chance!

This morning I did my sample class. It kicked my butt! Yoga is not for sissies. Yoga is interesting because it is simultaneously physically challenging and relaxing. At one point I was huffing and puffing up a storm (my stuffy nose from some unknown allergen that blew in a couple of days ago didn't help) and I had to take a break from a couple of poses, and wilted a little during the poses I pushed through. During another series, the instructor told a classmate to try to get her palms flat on the ground without bending her knees. In your case, Dana, he told me, just give your knees a bend and touch with your fingertips. Ah well, I'm a pregnant novice! I did feel like I redeemed my inflexible self toward the end when we did some balance work.

So I'm going to sign up for twice weekly classes (Jen, wanna come to one while you're here?). I am looking forward to seeing what kinds of strides I can make in the strength and flexibility department over the next months. And how I will work around my burgeoning bump!