I love this class! This was my first step into the world of mother and baby exercise. After spending time on the internet looking at ways in which I can ease myself back into fitness with Lottie, I stumbled upon Jennie’s classes. They take place in Burnham and Marlow, local to my home in Berkshire which is a massive bonus.
The class I attend is small and intimate in a warm modern church hall in Marlow. I was anxious about Lottie’s behaviour when I first attended and my ability as a new mum to keep her calm and controlled!
No need to worry though as Jennie’s class has a very relaxed atmosphere and there is no sense of embarrassment or stress if your baby needs to feed or needs changing or you end up doing very little and have to comfort the baby.
The class is entirely geared for the post natal woman and Jennie finds out about your fitness history and experience as well as details on your birth and baby. I have done lots of yoga classes and retreats in my time and I find this class, whilst wonderfully simple, is focused enough so that you get a good workout and value for your money.
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There is such a lovely atmosphere I feel as though I have had some quality time with Lottie. The class is perfect for those that have no previous yoga experience but a good compromise for anyone who enjoys yoga whilst working in harmony with your baby.
The class always starts with the babies at the head of your mat whilst we try to do as many pelvic floor exercises, abdominal work and some yogic stretching without the babies. Jennie demonstrates the exercises and talks through the correct breathing pattern as well as using pleasing phrases such as”knitting together” referencing the stomach muscles and as we stretch, “relish the space that was taken up by the baby”, this always spurs me on to tighten my abdominal muscles because I can now!
The class differs from week to week depending on the babies moods! Sometimes including balancing postures holding the baby, baby yoga, rhymes in addition to yoga based exercises for the mums. Where possible Jennie will rock your baby for you, allowing you to complete a set of exercises and was even kind enough to hold Lottie despite a rather stinky nappy!
The class ends with three “Om’s” and we hold the babies to our chests so they can feel the vibrations which they find relaxing. I often arrive feeling stressed and strung out and leave feeling carefree and happy.
This really is my kind of class, quality time with Lottie and the only time I will really bother to get down to doing some much needed stomach and pelvic floor exercise.
Highs: A good workout for anyone and a super relaxed environment for mother and baby
Lows: Currently classes are only in Berkshire
Cost: £51 for 6 classes
Contacts: www.phenixyoga.com/mummy-baby-yoga/
Lucy Day, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Do you know if a class or an exercise trend that Lucy should test out? Have you had a great or a terrible experience with post natal exercise? Let us know – email lucyandlottie@sportsister.com
