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Yoga
An Ancient Practice for
the Modern World
the Modern World
By Diana Erbio
Pregnancy is wondrous, but it also can be stressful. Keeping the mind and body in sync is never an easy task under typical circumstances, and changing hormone levels coupled with a new life growing inside you can make the balancing act even more difficult.
For many pregnant women and their partners, the ancient practice of yoga can help with the new challenges pregnancy brings. Although it has been around for thousands of years, yoga definitely has a place in the modern world.
Practicing yoga strengthens muscles, while adding flexibility. Breathing techniques used in yoga offer physical and psychological benefits. A yoga session calms and energizes the body and mind.
Lisa Trivell is a yoga instructor and fitness professional certified to teach prenatal and postnatal exercise by the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), and the author of I Can't Believe It's Yoga for Pregnancy and After. "Practicing yoga and receiving massage during my pregnancies were very beneficial," Trivell says. "Symptoms of discomfort -- like backache, fatigue, weight gain and mood swings -- were eased, and yoga breathing techniques were helpful during labor."
Trivell also says that practicing yoga during and after pregnancy helps to prevent stretch marks and makes it easier to get back into shape.
Having taken Trivell's classes during her pregnancy, Margaret Schaffner agrees. "Without a doubt, yoga helped ease discomforts during pregnancy, such as back pains and nausea," she says. "All through my pregnancy my posture improved. Yoga helped me with breathing techniques while giving birth. Lisa also taught me to enjoy yoga and not be intimidated by it."
Yoga may be intimidating for beginners, but if you focus on what your body is telling you, it will be a relaxing and fulfilling experience on many levels.
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