As a parent, it can be challenging to find moments of peace and quiet amidst the busy demands of everyday life.
That's why We highly recommend yoga as a way to not only kickstart your fitness journey but also to carve out some much-needed time for yourself to unwind and focus on your mental and physical well-being.
Yoga involves a series of poses and breathing exercises that can help you build strength, flexibility, and balance, while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, there are plenty of options to choose from, including in-person classes, online tutorials, or even just a few minutes of practice at home. So if you're looking for a way to prioritize your health and happiness in the midst of a hectic schedule, give yoga a try!
As a Mom and a Fitness Coach, as well as someone who promotes mental wellness and knows the benefits being active, can have on your overall mental, physical and emotional health I'm always looking for ways to help New Moms take time for themselves and realistically that involves things where baby can join her
I know as a Mom especially a new Mom your thinking where am I meant to find the time to add one more to do to the ever growing lists of to-dos , it can be impossible to find the time to add just one more thing to your plate.
That's why we Make the time and take a second before saying I'm too busy to ask yourself what else you do for yourself (just you and not a basic need) every day or even once a week or month?!
I know it's hard put I can make a promise - from one Mom who knows what pushing yourself to burnout feels like and who never took a moment for herself, if you don't take the time to focus on your wellness you will be forced to at a time when you really can't afford to. you will be pleasantly surprised at how much more energy even after a sleepless night or how much more patience you seen to have and how clear your mind becomes after you take the time to pour a little love and care into yourself once in a while.. Yoga is something you can begin during ppregnancy as it has some extremely beneficial movements and breathwork that can be applied to labour and can continue after your little one has aarrived either from your own home with the 100s of online tutorials. Linked below are some of those options.
Also linked are yoga studio and practitioners because of how beneficial it is you will find that most offer some form of ‘class’ for mothers or 1-1 sessions.
As noted above There are many reasons but the most appealing tends to be the benefit it has for our core muscles postpartum (the mom pouch) as many refer to it, it is a gentle flow of combined movements that incorporate stability and flexibility both of which require the engagement of core muscles therefore helping to reverse and strengthen the weakness caused by pregnancy.
There is a reason we all struggle with this area as Moms and that is because all the right foods and working out aren't going to tone those muscles back into the “same” places without some form of core-engaging exercise.
Which feels almost impossible when your abdominal wall is weak and extended.
This is why yoga is so beneficial to do it gently and without the added cardio or weights required for more intense exercise, each movement is adaptable and can be specifically tailored to each individual from beginner to professional and all the gaps in between it is also one that we tend to see and feel the progress and benefits a lot faster.
Along with the physical elements yoga implements breath work that allows you so calm your mind naturally and become more centred and aware in the present moment. this can be extremely beneficial for times when you find yourself becoming overwhelmed (which is giving for any mother no matter what stage of the journey she is at) being able to refocus your thoughts and self regulate is a vital part of being a parent and for your own mental and emotional wellness
Yoga, with its gentle postures and soothing breathwork, offers a respite from the chaos, nurturing both body and mind. For moms, it serves as a revitalizing escape, allowing them to unwind, stretch, and strengthen their bodies with grace. The benefits are manifold, from improved flexibility and posture to reduced stress and heightened mental clarity.
Moreover, yoga unlike other exercises is for any age, once they are mobile they can make some attempt to join the fun, being able to integrate your little ones into your yoga practice can deepen the bond between parent and child, of course, any activity that our child or toddler can do too is a win, also because there are so many easy-to-follow classes online it can be done without having to leave to the house another win for the days that dragging the entire house and a baby out the door don't feel quite doable., And nothing will muster a good belly laugh like watching the cuteness of your little one move from down-facing dog to a 3-legged down-facing dog, or humble you as they seem to be a lot more flexible and balanced in positions you struggle to get in and out of never mind hold.
I would recommend trying to find a local class that offers baby and mum classes or postpartum classes because lets face it sometimes getting out of the house and around other adults is just as important as the task itself,
Through playful poses and shared movements, yoga becomes a joyful activity that fosters connection and mindfulness. Children learn to embrace their bodies, improve their balance and stability developing their fine and gross motor skills and emotional intelligence, cultivate focus, and experience a sense of calm alongside their mothers
There are many options aswell as place to take part or join your local yoga classes I have included a few of my personal favourites, that I have either tried personally or heard positive things about as well as my go-to online videos that are suitable for beginners.
An Seomra Yoga
Has been providing classes for many years and have a range of different class and packages to offer from beginners and up.
Yoga With Saibh
Offer classes in a variety of places aswell as offering 1-1 sessions and online options.
Yoga Mara
They provide online classes, nationwide wellness and yoga retreats and also offer options for children.
Marhehir Yoga
Offer pregancy and postnatal classes being specifically tailored towards Mum and baby both in person and online classes available.
Youtube is the one stop place for learning any new skill from the comfort of your own home here are a few go to for Moms wanting to try yoga from home:
Yoga with Kassandra
https://youtube.com/@yogawithkassandra?si=si8KoO4yyqIL4-V3
Yoga with Bird
https://youtube.com/@YogaWithBird?si=2WJGNgPq5_9bpPuo
Boho Beautiful Yoga
https://youtube.com/@bohobeautiful?si=mXSgfnP2A9t9_KY3
Lemon Yoga
https://youtube.com/@LEMonYoga?si=oV4RIe25VjpHvgb4
You can also check out @momsmatters Pinterest for plenty of ideas and easy-to-follow guides to yoga for beginners.
As you embark on this harmonious journey of yoga with your little ones, the next step beckons—a seamless transition into the realm of Pilates. Stay tuned for our next post as we explore how Pilates can further enhance your core strength, balance, and inner harmony. Embrace the tranquillity, breathe in the peace, and let your yoga practice blossom into a beautiful shared experience with your little ones.
Add comment
Comments