Pregnancy Yoga / Antenatal Yoga / Prenatal Yoga Classes - Satyananda Yoga Teacher

Kensington, London, W8

Level

Beginners are welcome no previous yoga practice is required. This yoga class is equally suitable for pregnant women who have practiced yoga before.

A note for beginners

You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga. On the contrary most people start with rather stiff bodies. Flexibility comes gradually with regular practice. The ability to stay focused and move with the breath is more important than flexibility.

Class Description

A small and friendly pregnancy / antenatal yoga class. The aim of the class is to enhance the preparation of mother and baby; physically, emotionally and mentally for birth. The class is held at The White Eagle Lodge in Kensington London W8. Spiritual healing is the primary function of The White Eagle Lodge, the atmosphere at this class is therefore one of peace and tranquility. For those seeking to practice yoga in such an environment, at a slightly gentler pace, this class is ideal. The classes are suitable for beginners and for those with some experience of yoga.

Class content

Each pregnancy yoga class is structured and contains three main elements. Postures which are stretching exercises also known as asanas, breathing exercises / techniques also known as pranayama, and deep relaxation / meditation known as yoga nidra in the Satyananda yoga tradition.

Asanas (postures) are practiced to move, flex and exercise the joints to retain and gently improve their flexibility and therefore that of the body as a whole, to strengthen and gently stretch the muscles, to encourage improved blood circulation around the body and supply to the internal organs, and to aid the removal of toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and massaging the internal organs.

Prananyama (breathing exercises) are practiced to improve the respiratory and heart function thereby increasing the oxygen supply to the body and raising energy levels. Prananyama also helps reduce and relieve tension and promotes a sense of aliveness and well being. Specific pranayama to help in labour and reduce stress in everyday life are an integral part of the class.

Relaxation is achieved through guided awareness of body and breath. This can help to alleviate mental stress leaving one feeling, relaxed, calm, positive, clear headed and revitalized.

Throughout the class postures (asanas) are interspersed with breathing exercises (pranayama) and relaxation.

Each class is tailored to meet the needs of expectant mothers and all instruction is clearly given together with an explanation of the benefits of each practice.

Advice before coming to class

The decision is very much up to the individual but women are generally dissuaded from attending the pregnancy yoga classes before week 14 of their pregnancy. If you have experienced any difficulties during your pregnancy it is advisable to consult with your doctor / midwife before commencing any form of exercise.

It is best to wear loose comfortable clothing e.g. loose elasticated or draw string trousers and a T- shirt / sweat shirt are ideal. You are advised not to eat a heavy meal for two hours prior to class (a small light snack during this period is unlikely to be a problem). Many women arrive ten minutes prior to the start of class allowing them time to settle and some women like to bring a bottle of still water to sip during class. There are changing facilities.

Do I need to enrol ?

The pregnancy yoga classes are run on an ongoing drop in basis. There is no need to pay in advance, sign up or enrol you can just come along. However it is useful to know how many weeks pregnant women are and if there are are any complications. So please do email or telephone before coming along for the first time if possible. Women are encouraged to attend regularly as they can to obtain the greatest benefit from these classes.

Getting there

The White Eagle Lodge is situated between Kensington Olympia tube and mainline station and High Street Kensington and Earls Court tube stations.

This yoga class is therefore accessible on foot from Holland Park W11, Kensington Olympia, West Kensington W14, Earls Court SW5, Gloucester Road SW7, High Street Kensington, South Kensington and can be easily accessed by public transport from Notting Hill W11, Bayswater W2, Hammersmith W6, Fulham, Chelsea SW3, Knightsbridge, Brompton, Sloane Square, Victoria Pimlico SW1 and most of central London.

There is a link to a map in PDF format in the links section at the bottom of this page.

By public transport

The nearest tube and mainline station to The White Eagle Lodge is Kensington Olympia on the District line. High Street Kensington tube station on the District and Circle line is also relatively close.

Busses 9,10,27,28 and 49 frequently turn down Kensington High Street. Board the bus outside Marks and Spencer and alight one stop after the Odeon cinema close to a row of Iraininan shops.

Earls Court tube station on the District and Picadilly line is a 15 minute walk away.

By car , motorbike or scooter

Meter parking is available in St. Mary Abbots place and surrounding side streets. Hours of parking restrictions are 8.30 - 18.30 Mon.- Fri. and 8.30 - 13.30 Saturday.

Contact

To contact the pregnancy yoga teacher

If you would like to join the Pregnancy Yoga class, have any questions you would like answered or would like to talk to the teacher before coming along for the first time please telephone Shakti Murti on 0208 675 7529 or 07984 177 505. Leave a message and she will get back to you as soon as she is available.

Alternatively you can email Shakti Murti at enquiries@goyoga.net

To contact The White Eagle Lodge

If you would like to contact The White Eagle Lodge please telephone 020 7603 7914

links

1. Map showing the location of The White Eagle Lodge in PDF format(484kb)

2. Pregnancy yoga frequently asked questions page

3. See other pregancy yoga classes Shakti Murti teaches

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