Yoga is a current trend in the whole of the USA. People from all walks of life are embracing yoga as their primary workout method. There are different types of yoga for different ages and purposes. Whether you are a teenager, an older adult, a new mother, or simply want to lose weight, you will always find a fitting routine for yourself.
Yoga is a broad umbrella term for several forms that come under the same name. Two yoga routines can be quite different if they have specific goals. Prenatal yoga is a special kind of yoga that caters to pregnant women. While it rightfully comes under yoga, it is different from regular yoga as it aims to cater to a mother's problems and prepares her for an easier delivery.
Several pregnant women across the country are enrolling in prenatal yoga classes as the asanas help them prepare for labor and address several issues one faces during this trying time.
One must first understand prenatal yoga in depth to understand how it differs from yoga.
What is Prenatal Yoga?
Prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to workouts that helps pregnant women control their breathing and stretching, both extremely important for relatively easy labor.
It helps women mentally prepare for labor by training them to control their breathing to facilitate stretching.
Some form of workout is necessary during pregnancy, but one should refrain from heavy exercises. It is not safe for a woman to hit the gym while she is pregnant as it can cause harm to her as well as the baby. Therefore, the former always wins when it comes to yoga vs. gym for pregnant women.
Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
When screening the benefit of any workout form, one must remember the goal it is meant to achieve. For example, prenatal yoga is surely not among the best forms of yoga for weight loss, but when it comes to catering to stretching, controlled breathing, and other pregnancy issues, it does the job best. Here are some benefits that mommies-to-be will reap from prenatal yoga classes.
Improves Sleep
Insomnia is very common in pregnant women, especially in the advancing stages when sleeping becomes very uncomfortable. A restless mind adds to the discomfort and can give you consecutive sleepless nights. Yoga can calm your mind and body, thus improving sle
Relieves Back Pain
When your baby begins to grow in the advanced months, its weight is completely supported by your lower back. Yoga can help relieve the pain with certain postures and asanas.
Controlled Breathing
Controlled breathing is the key to an essential delivery. Prenatal yoga classes teach you to sync breathing with stretching.
Increases Muscle Endurance
Muscle endurance is very important during pregnancy as well as while in labor. Prenatal yoga builds flexibility, endurance, and strength of the muscles.
What Happens in a Prenatal Yoga Class
Before you search for the best prenatal yoga classes near me on your browser, you must have a basic idea about what goes on in a typical prenatal yoga class.
Gentle Stretching
Your yoga teacher will encourage you to stretch different areas of your body in a full range of motions to make it flexible.
Breathing
You will be taught to breathe in the right rhythm and interval. These breathing techniques train you to tackle shortness of breath which is common during pregnancy. It also helps during contractions. Mastering breath control is very important for natural birth and, thus, a crucial part of prenatal yoga classes.
Postures
Yoga teachers help you develop the flexibility that will help you achieve different postures during childbirth.
Difference Between Yoga and Prenatal Yoga
As we said earlier in this article, understanding prenatal yoga and how it works is important to differentiate it from regular yoga. Now that you know about it, the task will be easier.
Yoga is a term that incorporates all forms that fall under it. At the same time, prenatal yoga is a sub-part of yoga. It is meant for pregnant women and makes no sense for others to practice. In the case of yoga, anybody can enroll in a yoga class and enjoy its benefits unhinged.
Yoga constitutes several exercises that cater to weight loss, meditation, arthritis, pain, therapy, insomnia, etc. People of different ages and with varying health issues can practice all these exercises. Whereas prenatal yoga only incorporates exercises that will only help the case of pregnant women.
If you are a mom-to-be, it is time to enroll in a prenatal yoga class. You can also opt for an online class if you are uncomfortable traveling to the center for every class. It will surely make your journey sweeter and more comfortable.
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