pregnancy yoga

[bun]

I wonder if anyone can recommend a pregnancy yoga class in SE London? I did yoga right through my first pregnancy, but I lived in N.London then, and v near a great class. Any suggestions?

Hi Bun, do you live anywhere near East Dulwich? There's a really nice place on Lordship Lane called the Family Natural Health Centre that does all kinds of classes including pregnancy yoga. Haven't done that one myself but several friends have and thought it was good. I don't have the number on me but it's listed in the phone book under Soupdragon (shop the health centre is linked to). I'm doing Pilates this time around as not bendy enough for yoga!

I have never done Pilates but would love to try it, is it safe to start Pilates in pregnancy even if you have never it before and do they do Pilates at the Family Natural Health Centre?

Yes, pilates is safe and recommended in pregnancy, though it's best if your instructor is qualified so they can adapt the exercises for you. They were going to do it at the centre but when I called said they were just taking names to see there were enough for a class. But there are lots of pilates classes in SE London (I'm Camberwell) - here's a number for a woman who runs courses - Sandy Ennis - 8693 0173. I get all my local info from popping into Dulwich Village and reading the ads in the windows of the newsagent and Tomlinsons!

If you live near Balham (but I think that SW)... I know of a place too.

I don't live in London and will not be able to get to classes anyway. So does anyone know of any good yoga videos. I have stopped doing yoga as I am not sure whats o.k and whats not and I must admit I am missing it.

If you do a Google search yoga pregnancy video lots of mail order ones pop up. Not too expensive either.

Hi Lulu, that's a co-incidence, I've just posted a message to you on another thread. And what's more the name Aloha has given you is the same woman I'm going to - Sandy Ennis. She's really good and has made me feel completely confident about doing Pilates right up until the birth - or as long as you feel it's comfortable. I know Sandy is taking bookings for the January term this week so if you want to get in, do ring now as the classes get filled up really fast. The one I do is at St Faith's church in Herne Hill but I think most at at St Barnabus.

Hi Jodiesmum - I bet I've bumped into you in the hideous squash that is an NCT sale at St Faith's!

Colette

have alook at the Active Birth Centre website, I used to attaend yoga classes there (very good) and I am certain they do a video too, and they do mail order. (activebirthcentre.co.uk)

Thanks I will call Sandy Ennis - small world I expect we have all seen each other trailing round the duck pond on a Sunday morning!!!

Thanks for these tips - I'm in Camberwell so will try the E.Dulwich one. Is Pilates difficult for the non-supple?

I'm in Camberwell too, and haven't done pilates for yonks. No, I don't think it is. THe movements are all quite small and precise and the stretching is only as far as you can go. It is very good at making your more stretchy though and good at toning and improving posture and strength. Not aerobic, though, but this does mean classes are peaceful and relaxing! I'm currently enjoying the Sunday morning Ashtanga yoga class at the mouldy old swimming pool/leisure centre on the Pekham Rd (close to the library) a really excellent teacher and not too madly hectic. Only £6, pay when you turn up.

check out the active birth centre web site.

www.activebirthcentre.com/

they list teachers all over the UK. I found a prenatal yoga class in Glasgow through them the first time I was pregnant. Now I'm pregnant again and unfortunately there don't seem to be any teachers in glasgow now! I've spoken to my regular yoga teacher and she's happy for me to continue with her class, just slightly modified. But I'd still love to find one just for pregnant women - if anyone knows of anything let me know!

Rkayne,
I'm in Glasgow too ! In my first pregnancy I went to an eve class at Langside college which she adapted for me . She (Grace) was really good, she also does meditation and tai-chi. So if evenings are ok and its location is ok go there as she is really chilled her classes have a really good atmosphere..
I can't go in the evening now and am looking for a daytime class.(of any kind- I'll just go and see if they can adapt it. Does anyone know if there's a central registration unit for yoga classes?? Video search was pretty unfruitful as only video was by Ruth White - our library has it and its totally unimpressive.

colette, thanks for the info but I've got a yoga teacher I quite like just now. So unless I can find another class specifically for pregnancy I think I'll stick with the one I'm going to now.

I bought a book for pregnancy yoga thinking I would do it at home but it's been sitting here untouched for a month now! At least I force myself to go to the classes every week.

The place where I found my antenatal yoga class last time was the Bodysense studio in the west end. They've got a website with their timetables:
www.planetyoga.demon.co.uk/
They aren't doing very many classes just now but it's probably worth checking back every now and then.

colette, thanks for the info but I've got a yoga teacher I quite like just now. So unless I can find another class specifically for pregnancy I think I'll stick with the one I'm going to now.

I bought a book for pregnancy yoga thinking I would do it at home but it's been sitting here untouched for a month now! At least I force myself to go to the classes every week.

The place where I found my antenatal yoga class last time was the Bodysense studio in the west end. They've got a website with their timetables:
www.planetyoga.demon.co.uk/
They aren't doing very many classes just now but it's probably worth checking back every now and then.

Hi everyone, I am new to London, England and am looking for a prenatal yoga class in Finchley, North London. Does anyone know of any? Thanks for your help.

Hello, I don't know one in your area, but try your local health food shop/kids' toy shop/wherever you go for antenatal appts. That's where I found ads for the classes I was using in Stoke Newington.