Sometimes it is hard to exercise while pregnant. Yoga for pregnant women offers moms-to-be an excellent workout that is beneficial for you and your unborn baby. Here is a guide on safe, basic yoga exercises and stretches to use during pregnancy.
Prenatal yoga offers both mental and physical benefits during pregnancy. For one, it is helpful because it teaches you how to use breathing to relax your body and mind, factors which will definitely come in handy during childbirth. Learning how to do the postures involved in prenatal yoga will get you ready for labor and childbirth and it facilitates this by training your body to stay relaxed.
However the benefits of yoga for pregnant women are not only confined to your physical stamina, as the main principle of yoga is to vitalize not just the body, but the mind and the spirit also. Not only that, but simply working out in a positive and supportive environment with others who are in the same situation as you will help to give you an emotional pick-me-up right when you call for it most.
There are many yoga poses particularly that are specifically for exercise while pregnant, including the Cobbler or Tailor pose. This is a sitting pose that helps to open up the pelvis. To do this pose, you sit yourself up straight against a wall with the soles of your feet touching each other, and then softly press your knees down and away from one another. Then just stay in this position for as long as you feel relaxed.
Another good prenatal yoga position is the pelvic tilt, which is a pose that helps to relieve back pain. Get down on your hands and knees with your arms shoulder width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Make sure to keep your arms straight; then tighten in your abdominal muscles and tuck your buttocks under and round your back, breathing in while you stay in this pose.
Now, relax your back into its neutral position, and breathe out, repeating as you feel comfortable.
Finally, another good posture is the squatting position, which helps to open up the pelvis and to strengthen the upper legs. As you start to grow during pregnancy there are a variety of support props that you should use to support your body in this position, such as yoga blocks or a pile of books.
Commence by standing facing the back of a chair with your feet spread slightly apart, with your toes pointed outward. Bring your tailbone towards the floor as though you were planning to sit down on a chair, but rather than sitting you hold the position there. Take a deep breath in, and when you exhale, push your legs up and bring yourself to a standing position, and then repeat as you feel comfortable.
So if you are pondering how you will possibly exercise while pregnant, consider trying yoga for pregnant women. Not only will you feel great, you'll be amassing great benefits for you and your little one. This natural exercise program will reduce tension and improve your flexibility. Yoga poses are a helpful way to ensure your sense of health and well-being, and a practice that you will be able to manage to accommodate into a mother's busy schedule.
By : Ron King
