PRENATAL YOGA WOLLONGONG - TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST CLASS
Image: Deb Young
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST PRENATAL YOGA CLASS AT YOUNGA YOGA STUDIO
If you've never done a yoga class - or brand new to prenatal yoga - you might have a lot of questions about what to expect. You might also be feeling anxious about your pregnancy and wondering when is the best time to start.
Don't worry - we've got you covered so that all you need to do is turn up and let us take care of the rest.
Below we’ve included our FAQs as well as some things to consider for your first prenatal yoga class in Wollongong at Younga Yoga.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY FIRST PRENATAL YOGA CLASS?
From a scientific perspective - there are no hard and fast rules - the Royal College of Obstetrics doesn’t not advise avoiding yoga or exercise for the first trimester (a rule that is often given at many yoga studios) - in fact in recent years the guidelines have changed to say that you should remain active throughout your pregnancy - and that starting new activities is also totally fine. If your pregnancy is considered low risk, you don’t have a history of miscarriage and you are feeling like you have the energy to start in your first trimester - then by all means come along. Unlike joining a Bikram class that is heated, or a very strenuous class, our prenatal yoga classes are already modified to be safe for pregnancy.
From an energetic perspective - some women feel totally fine during their first trimester, and some women feel exhausted and nauseous. At Younga Yoga - we welcome you at any stage of your pregnancy and will provide rest options if needed, so it’s really up to you when you decide to start.
First trimester moms - you might need to rest more than usual - but we will help guide you and give rest options if needed.
Second trimester moms - this is the PERFECT time to start - the earlier the better. You are probably starting to feel like you have more energy - and the great thing about starting early in your second trimester is that your experience will grow with your belly…. it’s still easy to move around and generally the second trimester is when you will have the most energy .
Third trimester moms - you are still more than welcome to join our classes. We get that life is busy and perhaps you just haven’t had the headspace to deal with anything extra - but now that this pregnancy is feeling more real - you are in a space where you are ready to get serious about preparing for birth.
I HAVE LOWER BACK PAIN / ACHEY HIPS / ABDOMINAL SEPARATION…
No problem. Yoga has been clinically shown to benefit a number of pregnancy related aches and pains. The majority of these issues are very common in pregnancy due to the natural changes in biomechanics, hormones and gait.
At Younga Yoga - we use our 13+ years experience to change and modify the yoga practice for all sorts of pregnancy related aches and pains.
If your pain is significant - or seems to be getting worse after the yoga practice - we recommend checking in with a physiotherapist that specialises in pregnancy. We work closely with our co-founder Russell Young (Exercise Physiologist) as well as local physiotherapists to ensure our practices are modified accordingly. Just discuss any aches or pains with Deb or your teacher before class so we can help adjust the practice as we go.
WHAT TYPE OF YOGA IS THIS CLASS?
We teach an alignment based vinyasa yoga practice - that is flowing, incorporates techniques to help you relax and be present with your body and baby - but also incorporates strengthening work. We modify the classes depending on everyone’s energy levels on the day - so sometimes it’s super active and more fitness based, sometimes it’s more restorative.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING?
Consider our studio like your own personal sanctuary in the Wollongong CBD. We provide high quality ethically made props (mats, bolsters, blankets), so there is no need to bring a thing.
If you already have your own yoga mat - of course feel free to bring that.
If you book in ahead of time, we’ll reserve a mat for you and have everything set up ready to go.
WHERE DO I PARK?
You can park on Thomas Street or Market Street - it’s metered until 4.30pm weekdays - after that it’s free.
On weekends and out of business hours - you can park in the Council Carpark across the road - it is boom-gated between office hours, but free evenings and weekends.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Depending on the season - layers is best. Stretchy clothing that you can move easily in. As a general rule avoid skirts, dresses and denim.
CAN I DRINK DURING CLASS OR HAVE SNACKS?
Feel free to bring your own water. You are welcome to hydrate as needed. If you need to bring some small snacks like nuts or fruit to manage nausea/energy levels - that is ok as well - you can take a short break if needed - we just ask that no food is consumed in the actual yoga studio.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
For your first lesson - please arrive 10mins early to give yourself time to fill out a quick health form and prepare for class. On subsequent lessons you can arrive around 5mins early.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CLASS?
Each class is different - we usually work with a theme for the class with a similar flow that looks something like this:
breath work to help you let go of your day and focus on being present
seated warm up & mindful movement to help prepare your body for the practice
standing strength sequences linked with the breath to help you build strength & stamina
partner work acupressure tips for labour + pregnancy (we give other options if you aren’t feeling like doing partnerwork on the day)
postures to help you you connect with your breathing, inner wisdom, listen to your body and relax with your baby
WHEN ARE CLASSES HELD?
Tuesdays 4.30pm-5.30pm (run as a 6 week course with 1 week off in between - check the app for times)
Saturdays 9.30am-10.30am (runs continuously throughout the year except public holidays and xmas)
I’M BOOKED INTO A COURSE CAN I DO A MAKE UP LESSON?
Our 6 week course runs on tuesdays - you are more than welcome to take a makeup lesson on Saturdays if you can’t make every tuesday.