I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.
But when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!
Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!
It is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.
Yoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.
That’s why I chose to start a Prenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher! My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.
If you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India!
Online Yoga Classes – Live & Interactive
Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!
In the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.
It may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.
Plus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!
Lying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.
Many poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.
First of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.
Even if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.
Prenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.
Get your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms.
So don’t begin your practice without these items:
Being in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!
If you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
That’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!
Prenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.
This is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!
I mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
That means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.
Typically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
Having a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.
I encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy.
Benefits of prenatal yoga include:
We’d love to have you join us in my Prenatal Yoga Class! We’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!
If you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! Sign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer!
Online Yoga Classes – Live & Interactive
Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!
{"slug":"prenatal-yoga-benefits","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."}},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"ckja5zc9k9e070d752vaz4zm3","slug":"things-i-wish-i-knew","author":{"name":"myYogaTeacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Things I Wish I Knew Before Beginning My Yoga Journey","createdAt":"2020-12-29T15:47:35.958926+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-elly-fairytale-3823204.jpg","content":{"text":"Hindsight is always 20/20, right?\\n\\nWe think so too. But we would’ve really liked to learn a few things from others before making our own mistakes – or assumptions.\\n\\nThat’s one of the reasons we offer \\nyoga for beginners\\n and other classes that help beginners on their path to becoming better humans, not just better yogis. Still, though, there are just some things we wish we knew before diving into the world of yoga.\\n\\nFor instance, what types of mats are best? Does the mat even matter? How do classes with a private yoga teacher compare to those in groups? Is it really worth the extra cost?\\n\\nThere are lots of questions you don’t even know to ask if you’re a newbie. And just like with anything you try that’s new, in the end, you’re always left thinking, “I wish I knew that before I started.”\\n\\nWhich leads us here. Imparting our experience, wisdom, and continued learning to you!\\n\\nLet’s talk yoga mats\\nWhat makes a great yoga mat, anyway? Is it really that important?\\n\\nWell, yes. Actually, it is. If you haven’t already experienced the struggles with a yoga mat that doesn’t work well for you, you probably will at some point. \\n\\nBut we’re here to help you avoid as many yoga mat problems as possible. \\n\\nYoga mats for beginners\\n\\nA high quality yoga mat is probably the most important piece of the puzzle to keeping you safe, stable and grounded during your yoga practice.\\n\\nIf you’re a beginner yogi\\n, you’ll want a mat that is thicker until your joints get stronger and more used to the poses you’ll be performing. A thicker mat is also great for yogis that have knee, back, or shoulder issues.\\n\\nYou’ll also want one that provides good grip so you’re not slipping out of downward dog and nose diving to the floor. \\nFollow these general guidelines when choosing a mat:\\n\\nChoose a mat that is 3-5 mm thick.\\nJute, cork, and natural rubber mats provide a good amount of stickiness to reduce slipping.\\nA mat with a foam underside gives more padding and support (but be careful using them on carpet).\\nFind a mat that is resistant to moisture, antimicrobial, and/or easy to clean.\\n\\n\\nLiforme\\n is an excellent brand of yoga mats for beginners! All of their mats feature the AlignForMe system to guide yogis through their flow with ease. They also happen to be eco-friendly!\\n\\nPrivate yoga teacher vs. Group classes\\nHow do you take your yoga? With a side of privacy? Maybe you’d prefer to practice yoga out in nature. You could be the yogi that survives and thrives in a studio or group of other yogis in group yoga classes. Maybe you don’t even know which type of class is right for you.\\n\\nWhatever the case, a private yoga teacher – or at least a few private yoga sessions – helps you build a solid foundation for a strong yoga practice.\\n\\nIf you’re a beginner yogi, a private yoga teacher benefits you by:\\n\\nInstructing you on proper alignment for your body.\\nAddressing any current or former injuries that will affect your yoga practice.\\nTeaching you the true meaning of yoga so you can get the most out of your practice.\\nAssessing your breath and demonstrating how to sync your breath to your flow.\\nMaking you feel comfortable and safe talking about your anxieties, stress, or areas of your practice where you know you need improvement.\\nCreating a customized practice designed specifically for you and your needs.\\n\\nThese are all important aspects of yoga.\\n\\nMany novice yogis begin with private lessons so they feel more comfortable and confident moving into group yoga classes. \\n\\nPrivate yoga lessons are customized to you and your needs, help you develop self-awareness, and give you the tools you need to go out on your own! \\n\\nSo when it comes to comparing group classes to private lessons, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. They are both beneficial in different ways. Here at \\nmyYogaTeacher,\\n we offer both! \\n\\nMisconceptions about starting a yoga practice\\n\\nWe could go on and on about all the things we wish we knew before starting our yoga practice. Unfortunately, we hear a few really common misconceptions that we want to nip in the bud right now!\\n\\nYou have to be flexible to do yoga.\\n\\nThis is absolutely not true! \\n\\nFlexibility is often a side effect of yoga, which is really cool. It’s a great way to develop flexibility if you aren’t already flexible. But it’s not a good excuse to dismiss starting your yoga practice.\\n\\nTaking a “yoga for beginners” class or hiring a private yoga teacher is a perfect way to start your journey to newfound flexibility.\\n\\nYoga teachers know everything about yoga.\\n\\nIf this is a thought you have, it’s probably intimidating. \\n\\nYou are inundated with images of perfect yoga poses, and IG posts of online yoga teachers wearing expensive yoga gear flood your feed. Talk of spirituality, asanas, harmony, meditation, and breathwork might have you thinking yoga isn’t for you.\\n\\nNews flash. Even advanced yogis and yoga teachers don’t know everything. They also can’t do everything. Which is totally fine! Yoga is about constantly growing and evolving as a human and a yogi! And what you see on social media isn’t always the best representation of what yoga is really about.\\n\\nAlmost all online yoga classes are created equal so it doesn’t matter which one I choose.\\n\\nThis couldn’t be further from the truth. \\n\\nBefore you start your yoga journey, it’ll benefit you to do a bit of research or, at the very least, talk to someone with a fair amount of knowledge about yoga. \\n\\nFree online yoga is great. YouTube has tons of free yoga videos, and myYogaTeacher gives you a\\n free 2-week trial\\n! But finding the best yoga class and instructor for you will help you develop a practice that is safe, healthy, and optimized for your body, mind, and spirit.\\n\\nHere at myYogaTeacher, we feel that people learn yoga best when their class is LIVE. Our yogis get the added benefit of immediate feedback and personalized interaction with their yoga teachers. LIVE classes offer a more comprehensive yoga experience versus pre recorded online videos one might find elsewhere on the internet!\\n\\n\\n\\nSo let’s recap!\\n\\nYour mat choice is important. Private yoga teachers offer major benefits, particularly for newbie yogis. You don’t need to be flexible to begin doing yoga. And finding the right teacher and class for you is the best way for you to gain the most from a sustainable yoga practice! \\n\\nWhether hindsight is 20/20 or not, you don’t have to make the same mistakes other yogis have. Remember these tips when you’re ready to begin your yoga journey!\\n\\n\\n \\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"ckx7yyea8h8w80a76eijv061f","slug":"private-yoga-for-beginners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"6 Benefits of Private Yoga for Beginner Yogis","createdAt":"2021-12-15T20:11:14.873149+00:00","coverUrl":"fy4uzszeeumvdaiwrwvp.jpg","content":{"text":"Whether you’re going to the gym for the first time or the millionth, working out around a lot of people can be intimidating and uncomfortable for many people. As a matter of fact, upwards of 40% of the population of the United States doesn’t go to the gym for those two reasons.\\nFor new yogis or those who want to start their yoga journey, even a virtual group setting can pose problems. \\nThe fear of being judged seems to be the primary one. But we also tend to compare ourselves to others or have concerns about natural human tendencies happening in front of other people (like extreme sweating or flatulence). We’re worried about how we look, how we smell, whether we’re keeping up, doing the poses correctly.\\nFalling out of poses that others have mastered is also a common concern for beginner yogis.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we want everyone, every \\nbody\\n, to feel and be safe practicing yoga! That’s why we always highly recommend private yoga classes, or what we call 1-on-1’s, for beginner yogis, with authentic, expert yoga instructors.\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nRead on to find out why we’re so passionate about virtual private yoga classes for beginners!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. You get to build your new yoga practice in a safer environment with online private yoga taught live.\\nIf you’re brand new to yoga or haven’t started yet (but are considering it), you might find even the thought of group yoga classes daunting. \\nYou may struggle to keep up in a yoga class with more advanced yogis. Not only is this unsafe, it’s bad practice. Spending time trying to keep up may mean you’re not practicing proper alignment, using the wrong muscles, or not taking advantage of the meditative aspect of yoga. \\nHowever\\n, with a private yoga instructor, your class is tailored to \\nyou\\n! \\nIt is imperative that you learn the basics of yoga correctly. Otherwise, you’re at an increased risk of injury. Private, 1-on-1 instruction is exactly what beginner yogis need to develop a strong foundation from which to build their practice!\\nNo pre-recorded nonsense. Live instruction means real-time corrections and interactions so you're not practicing poses wrong from the start!\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Virtual private yoga taught live means you skip the intimidation, fear, and discomfort of group classes.\\nWhile even experienced yogis often find group classes uncomfortable, we understand that new yogis – or those who want to \\nbegin\\n yoga – may find a group setting particularly scary.\\nYoga is designed to relieve stress, not create it!\\nWhen humans feel free to be themselves, to make mistakes, and to focus on their self-care and health, we aren’t worried about what others are doing, how we look to them. And we aren’t focused on keeping up. \\nOnline private yoga allows yogis the opportunity to truly be themselves. Free.\\n \\nWhen we’re free of intimidation, fear, and self-consciousness, we have room to grow exponentially as humans \\nand\\n as yogis!\\nPlus, virtual yoga taught live means you get to ask your yoga instructor questions and get personalized answers!\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Online private yoga classes, eating plans, and meditation tailored specifically to you.\\n\nJust like fingerprints, everyone’s needs are different. Ever gotten frustrated with trial-and-erroring your way through various fitness programs, dietary choices, or nutritional supplements to see what works for you and what doesn’t?\\nYeah, most people, yogi or not, can relate to this!\\nWith virtual private, 1-on-1 yoga instruction, you don’t just get a yoga class. You get an expert and a friend. Someone with more than just yoga teaching experience but knowledge of how the body works, how \\ndifferent\\n bodies work and what the human body needs to survive and thrive.\\nWith MyYogaTeacher, you also get instruction rooted in ancient traditions that have helped people heal, grow, and thrive for a thousand plus years! Because our yoga teachers come from the birthplace of yoga, India, and are traditionally trained!\\nWith MyYogaTeacher you get to pick from bunches of yoga instructors. Find one that you gel with and that you feel comfortable opening up to! \\nThen the two of you can tailor your practice to your goals.\\nNothing \\npropels your health, your life, forward better or faster than individualized attention! \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Private yoga reduces stress and anxiety without causing more stress and anxiety.\\nYoga is commonly practiced to reduce or eliminate anxiety and help yogis manage stress. But what if your yoga practice \\ncauses\\n you stress and anxiety?\\nManeuvering through traffic to get to your gym or yoga studio, dressing for the occasion, making sure you have all your yoga gear, bringing a change of clothes (if you’re coming from work). Oh, let’s not forget the amount of time all of those extra steps take.\\nPlus, some people are triggered by large groups of people, which makes group yoga counterproductive to combat anxiety.\\nOnline 1-on-1 yoga eliminates the need to do anything after work but come home. Or, you can practice from anywhere in the world you want that has wi-fi! The stress of traveling, people, prepping for class is virtually non-existent! (haha! See what we did there? \\nVirtually\\n nonexistent?)\\nWith that in mind…\\n\\n\\n\\n5. Virtual 1-on-1 yoga means yoga on \\nyour\\n time.\\nOne of the primary reasons people skip the gym (or their yoga practice) is due to scheduling conflicts.\\nAt gyms, most group yoga classes are only offered very early in the morning or later in the evening. Who wants to get home from work, cook, eat, take care of family needs and \\nthen\\n \\ngo back out to do a yoga class?!\\nIf that’s you, kudos! We’re proud of you! \\nBut most people want to have the opportunity to work out when it’s convenient for them. With virtual private yoga classes, you get to schedule your workouts, health, and fitness around your schedule!\\nWhat works for one person may not work for another. That’s why connecting with a private yoga teacher or studio that offers private yoga classes is important for beginners. Beginner yogis often don’t possess the patience that comes with time and growth.\\nIf giving up due to inconvenience, time constraints, or stress is an option, it’s likely a novice yogi will take it – or not start a yoga practice at all! Which makes us sad!\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Private yoga is perfect for people with injuries, health issues, or unique challenges.\\nA common reason new yogis quit or someone never starts their yoga journey is due to previous injuries or chronic health conditions.\\nThey lack the confidence that yoga will benefit them or simply don’t have the know-how to adapt a yoga practice to their unique challenges. But as we’ve said before, we believe yoga is for everyone! \\nHaving access to a personal yoga instructor helps people with varying degrees of disabilities set goals and participate in a consistent, regular yoga routine that will improve their health and mobility, no matter what the challenges are!\\n\\nWhether you’ve spent your entire life practicing yoga or you haven’t made it to your first forward bend yet, we’d love to see your beautiful face on the mat at MyYogaTeacher! \\nIf you haven’t checked out our affordable 1:1 membership plans,\\n you can sign up for your 2-week free trial and get a look at what’s available to you here!\\n\\nJoin the \\nGentle yoga\\n group class for beginner exclusivley at MyYogaTeacher!\\n“Doing yoga 1:1 I get to practice with one teacher who knows what I need and can track progress.” - Erin, MYT member since October 2019\\n“Making a correction with 1:1 yoga is way better than any corrections that are ever made in a group class.” - Michael, MYT member since October 2019\\n“There is more focus on your alignment and you get more personal attention with 1:1. You make progress a lot quicker because the teacher is able to fully focus on you and change the techniques based on your body type and need.” - Kashmira, MYT member since November 2019\\n\\nLearn more and sign up here!\\n"}},{"id":"cl8ydkwnvhu6s0aheyrlyqlrv","slug":"how-to-practice-yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga at Home : 10 ways to start your home yoga practice","createdAt":"2022-10-07T10:59:25.142855+00:00","coverUrl":"ajwcgjkkcaeg1mp3bb9p.jpg","content":{"text":"How to get Started:\\nAre you ready to commit to an at home yoga practice? No matter what your reasons for deciding to start an at home practice, \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n has you covered! We will help you begin your journey from beginner to advanced yogi, all without having to leave the comfort of your own home.\\n1. Set up your yoga space\\nWhen you decide to start an at home practice you want to create a space that inspires movement. Since you’ll be coming to your Zen space often, this should be a spot in your home that promotes joy, comfort and peace.\n\\nWhat you need\\nStart with a quiet space. You don’t want to be in a space where you can hear traffic, noise or your family bickering. Find a space where you’re away from noise. If you can’t find a place that’s quiet, invest in headphones for your practice.\\nPlay some music! Grab a small speaker or headphones and find your tunes. There are tons of great yoga playlist available. Find one that inspires you!\\nVisual aids Images or quotes that motivate you. You can put these up or even make a vision board which will help with intentions when you’re read to set them!\\nYourself! The most important thing you’ll need is you! Come as you are to your space. Thank yourself for showing up and have some grace as you begin your journey.\\n2. Get your gear\\nTo begin a yoga practice at home, there are a few things you’ll need to bring to your physical space. If you’re a yogi on a budget, no worries! We’ll provide you with a swap you already have at home!\\nA Mat or towel : Normally for yoga, we use a mat for our practice. If you don’t have one, you can use a towel or two. Just make sure it’s thick and doesn’t slip too much!\\nA bolster or small pillow and blanket: If you’re interested in a relaxation or deep stretch practice, these are essential. A small couch pillow can take the place of a bolster and any blanket will suffice.\\nBlocks or books: Sometimes we use blocks in our practice to help deepen a pose or get us closer in our pose. You can also use a chapter book in place of a block!\\nWith these swaps there’s no excuse to wait till you can purchase props to get started! You have everything you need already!\\n \\n3. Find your Why\\nWhy do you want to build an at home yoga practice?\\nWhat are your goals? Before you get started, sit down and think about your “why”. Be intentional about why you’re on this journey. Our online classes can be a great addition to your at home practice! \\nYou can grab a free trial and get started with us today! \\n\\n Do you want to get stronger?\\n \\nTry a power\\n or\\n \\nvinyasa practice.\\n\\nAre you looking to find more ways to relax?\\n \\nTry a restorative\\n or\\n \\nyin practice.\\n \\n \\nTrying to lose weight?\\n \\nTry our mindful weight loss class.\\n\\n \\n4.Find Your Style\\nWhat type of Yoga is right for you?\\nLet’s break down some of the most popular styles so you can find the right fit for your home practice!\\nVinyasa\\nA vinyasa practice is meant to build strength in your body and mind. Typically, we move with our breath in a vinyasa class. One breath per movement. This flow class is good for building strength.\n\\nHatha\\nGetting back into a fitness routine? Hatha is great for building into an existing or newly revamped fitness routine. This style is meant to improve overall health and fitness as well as build a mind-body connection.\n\\nAshtanga\\nAn Ashtanga practice is for toning up. This practice helps you to build strength and flexibility. This practice is better for intermediate or advanced students as it uses a lot of upper body and core strength.\n\\nYin Yoga\\nLooking to relax? Yin is meant to relax the body and help alleviate any pain or tension in the body. This style is great for recovery for athletes or those rehabbing an injury!\n\n\\nNow you’re ready to practice:\n\\n5. Begin your journey\\n· Rule of 5’s – Stick to your goals by practicing the rule of 5’s. Five minutes, Five poses, Five deep breaths(slow inhales and exhales) . This is a great way to get started! Slow and steady wins the race and you can ease into your journey with just five minutes at a time!\\n· Poses for beginners – Five poses to get you started! These poses are great for everyone beginner through advanced.\\n\\n- Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Forward Fold Pose\n\\n\\n\\n- Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Pigeon Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Child Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Set an Intention\\nThis is your guiding force. It can change with each practice or always be the same. Pick a mantra or an intention. Let it drive you. Let it help you find your focus\\n \\n7. Find your breath\\nBegin a prana practice! There are lots of different types of breath practices. Find one that helps you find balance and try to add it into your practice.\\nRead more about them in\\n \\nthis article\\n from our website!\\n\\n8.\\n \\nCommit to a schedule\\nFitting yoga into your life should be easy. Take some time to think about your goals.\\nHow much time do you want to commit to your practice daily or weekly?\\nSet a goal to do yoga a certain number of days per week. Remember to make your goal attainable. It can always be adjusted. Yoga is a practice, not a perfect. There are no wrong answers in yoga. Any time you make to move your body is an achievement.\\n \\n9. Enhance your home practice\\nStill building your Zen space? Here are some things to add to your space to create an atmosphere you can really relax in!\\nEssential Oils- Grab a few of your favorite oils and a diffuser so your space’s aroma puts you in the right state of mind to move.\\nJournaling- Sometimes the only way to get out of our heads is to put a pen to paper. If your mind is too busy while you practice, try to journal before. Get a notebook and special pen you can keep in you Zen den!\\nBuilding a meditation practice- Extend your yoga practice by building a meditation practice to add on before or after your flow. This can help you emerge from your space more calm, cool and collected.\\n \\n10.\\n \\nFind your community\\nHow to begin an at home practice with us at MyYogaTeacher. \\n\\nJoin our free trial\\n: You’ll get two FREE weeks of unlimited group classes and two free 1-on-1 sessions. \\nHave a plan! Our expert yoga teachers will help customize a plan that’s perfect for you! \\nTake classes & build your practice every day! \\nNow that you have the tools and information, you’re ready to go! Make a plan and get started! Your body will thank you!"}},{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckp73576w0lwi0b842405yzde","slug":"prenatal-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Supriya","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons to Choose Prenatal Yoga Over “Regular” Yoga When You’re Pregnant","createdAt":"2021-05-27T16:03:05.827253+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-04T14:26:41.521628+00:00","coverUrl":"sbmgxyrxu4ntwvoqxuyy.jpg","seoDescription":"Learn how prenatal yoga benefits you and your baby! Prenatal yoga is becoming more and more popular for expectant mothers.","content":{"text":"I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.\\n\\nBut when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!\\n\\nPregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!\\n\\nIt is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.\\n\\nYoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.\\n\\nThat’s why I chose to start a \\nPrenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!\\n My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.\\n\\nIf you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.\\n\\n1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.\\n\\nIt may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.\\n\\nPlus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!\\n\\nLying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.\\n\\nMany poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.\\n\\n2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.\\n\\nFirst of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.\\n\\nEven if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.\\n\\nPrenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.\\n\\n3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.\\n\\nGet your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. \\n\\nSo don’t begin your practice without these items:\\n\\nYoga straps\\nBlocks\\nYoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)\\nA body pillow\\nYoga knee pad\\nThicker yoga mat\\nOptional: Wide foam wedge\\n\\nBeing in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!\\n\\n\\n4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.\\n\\nIf you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. \\n\\nThat’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!\\n\\nPrenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.\\n\\nThis is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!\\n\\n5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.\\n\\nI mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.\\n\\nThat means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.\\n\\nTypically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.\\n\\nHaving a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.\\n\\n\\nI encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. \\n\\nBenefits of prenatal yoga include:\\n\\nImproved sleep\\nBetter/more stable mood\\nRelief of aches and pains\\nImproved circulation\\nEasier childbirth\\nFaster recovery from childbirth\\nBuild strength and stamina \\n\\nWe’d love to have you join us in my \\nPrenatal Yoga Class! \\nWe’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!\\n\\nIf you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! \\nSign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! \\n","html":"<p>I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.</p><p></p><p>But when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!</p><p></p><p>Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!</p><p></p><p>It is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.</p><p></p><p>Yoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I chose to start a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!</a> My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.</p><p></p><p>If you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! </p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p>In the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.</p><p></p><h2>1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.</h2><p></p><p>It may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.</p><p></p><p>Plus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!</p><p></p><p>Lying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.</p><p></p><p>Many poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.</p><p></p><h2>2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.</h2><p></p><p>First of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.</p><p></p><p>Even if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.</p><p></p><h2>3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.</h2><p></p><p>Get your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. </p><p></p><p>So don’t begin your practice without these items:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga straps</div></li><li><div>Blocks</div></li><li><div>Yoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)</div></li><li><div>A body pillow</div></li><li><div>Yoga knee pad</div></li><li><div>Thicker yoga mat</div></li><li><div>Optional: Wide foam wedge</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Being in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.</h2><p></p><p>If you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. </p><p></p><p>That’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.</p><p></p><p>This is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!</p><p></p><h2>5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.</h2><p></p><p>I mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.</p><p></p><p>That means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.</p><p></p><p>Typically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.</p><p></p><p>Having a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.</p><p></p><p></p><p>I encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. </p><p></p><p><strong>Benefits of prenatal yoga include:</strong></p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved sleep</div></li><li><div>Better/more stable mood</div></li><li><div>Relief of aches and pains</div></li><li><div>Improved circulation</div></li><li><div>Easier childbirth</div></li><li><div>Faster recovery from childbirth</div></li><li><div>Build strength and stamina </div></li></ul><p></p><p>We’d love to have you join us in my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga Class! </a>We’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!</p><p></p><p>If you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Sign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! </a></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.</p><p></p><p>But when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!</p><p></p><p>Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!</p><p></p><p>It is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.</p><p></p><p>Yoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I chose to start a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!</a> My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.</p><p></p><p>If you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! </p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>In the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.</p><p></p><h2>1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.</h2><p></p><p>It may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.</p><p></p><p>Plus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!</p><p></p><p>Lying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.</p><p></p><p>Many poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.</p><p></p><h2>2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.</h2><p></p><p>First of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.</p><p></p><p>Even if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.</p><p></p><h2>3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.</h2><p></p><p>Get your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. </p><p></p><p>So don’t begin your practice without these items:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga straps</div></li><li><div>Blocks</div></li><li><div>Yoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)</div></li><li><div>A body pillow</div></li><li><div>Yoga knee pad</div></li><li><div>Thicker yoga mat</div></li><li><div>Optional: Wide foam wedge</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Being in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.</h2><p></p><p>If you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. </p><p></p><p>That’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.</p><p></p><p>This is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!</p><p></p><h2>5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.</h2><p></p><p>I mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.</p><p></p><p>That means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.</p><p></p><p>Typically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.</p><p></p><p>Having a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.</p><p></p><p></p><p>I encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. </p><p></p><p><strong>Benefits of prenatal yoga include:</strong></p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved sleep</div></li><li><div>Better/more stable mood</div></li><li><div>Relief of aches and pains</div></li><li><div>Improved circulation</div></li><li><div>Easier childbirth</div></li><li><div>Faster recovery from childbirth</div></li><li><div>Build strength and stamina </div></li></ul><p></p><p>We’d love to have you join us in my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga Class! </a>We’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!</p><p></p><p>If you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=23a81b68-46e3-45d2-a8bd-3a368b040003\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckp73576w0lwi0b842405yzde&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=5 Reasons to Choose Prenatal Yoga Over “Regular” Yoga When You’re Pregnant&entity_slug=prenatal-yoga-benefits&page_or_popup=/articles/prenatal-yoga-benefits&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"23a81b68-46e3-45d2-a8bd-3a368b040003\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"5 Reasons to Choose Prenatal Yoga Over “Regular” Yoga When You’re Pregnant\"\n data-slug=\"prenatal-yoga-benefits\"\n <u>Sign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! </a></u> \n </a></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"prenatal-yoga-benefits","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/prenatal-yoga-benefits","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckp73576w0lwi0b842405yzde","slug":"prenatal-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Supriya","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons to Choose Prenatal Yoga Over “Regular” Yoga When You’re Pregnant","createdAt":"2021-05-27T16:03:05.827253+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-04T14:26:41.521628+00:00","coverUrl":"sbmgxyrxu4ntwvoqxuyy.jpg","seoDescription":"Learn how prenatal yoga benefits you and your baby! Prenatal yoga is becoming more and more popular for expectant mothers.","content":{"text":"I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.\\n\\nBut when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!\\n\\nPregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!\\n\\nIt is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.\\n\\nYoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.\\n\\nThat’s why I chose to start a \\nPrenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!\\n My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.\\n\\nIf you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.\\n\\n1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.\\n\\nIt may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.\\n\\nPlus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!\\n\\nLying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.\\n\\nMany poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.\\n\\n2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.\\n\\nFirst of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.\\n\\nEven if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.\\n\\nPrenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.\\n\\n3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.\\n\\nGet your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. \\n\\nSo don’t begin your practice without these items:\\n\\nYoga straps\\nBlocks\\nYoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)\\nA body pillow\\nYoga knee pad\\nThicker yoga mat\\nOptional: Wide foam wedge\\n\\nBeing in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!\\n\\n\\n4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.\\n\\nIf you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. \\n\\nThat’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!\\n\\nPrenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.\\n\\nThis is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!\\n\\n5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.\\n\\nI mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.\\n\\nThat means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.\\n\\nTypically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.\\n\\nHaving a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.\\n\\n\\nI encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. \\n\\nBenefits of prenatal yoga include:\\n\\nImproved sleep\\nBetter/more stable mood\\nRelief of aches and pains\\nImproved circulation\\nEasier childbirth\\nFaster recovery from childbirth\\nBuild strength and stamina \\n\\nWe’d love to have you join us in my \\nPrenatal Yoga Class! \\nWe’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!\\n\\nIf you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! \\nSign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! \\n","html":"<p>I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.</p><p></p><p>But when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!</p><p></p><p>Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!</p><p></p><p>It is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.</p><p></p><p>Yoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I chose to start a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!</a> My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.</p><p></p><p>If you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! </p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p>In the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.</p><p></p><h2>1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.</h2><p></p><p>It may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.</p><p></p><p>Plus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!</p><p></p><p>Lying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.</p><p></p><p>Many poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.</p><p></p><h2>2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.</h2><p></p><p>First of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.</p><p></p><p>Even if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.</p><p></p><h2>3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.</h2><p></p><p>Get your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. </p><p></p><p>So don’t begin your practice without these items:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga straps</div></li><li><div>Blocks</div></li><li><div>Yoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)</div></li><li><div>A body pillow</div></li><li><div>Yoga knee pad</div></li><li><div>Thicker yoga mat</div></li><li><div>Optional: Wide foam wedge</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Being in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.</h2><p></p><p>If you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. </p><p></p><p>That’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!</p><p></p><p>Prenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.</p><p></p><p>This is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!</p><p></p><h2>5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.</h2><p></p><p>I mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.</p><p></p><p>That means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.</p><p></p><p>Typically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.</p><p></p><p>Having a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.</p><p></p><p></p><p>I encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. </p><p></p><p><strong>Benefits of prenatal yoga include:</strong></p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved sleep</div></li><li><div>Better/more stable mood</div></li><li><div>Relief of aches and pains</div></li><li><div>Improved circulation</div></li><li><div>Easier childbirth</div></li><li><div>Faster recovery from childbirth</div></li><li><div>Build strength and stamina </div></li></ul><p></p><p>We’d love to have you join us in my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/Prenatal-yoga-by-supriya-1\">Prenatal Yoga Class! </a>We’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!</p><p></p><p>If you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Sign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! </a></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}
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