Abu Dhabi Week takes a look at the variety of exercise classes on offer for mummies-to-be here in the capital
Exercise is an important addition to any healthy lifestyle, but becomes even more vital when you are eating for two. Pregnancy isn’t an excuse for women to overindulge but rather, is a time when the health of yourself and your unborn child is of the utmost importance.
There are numerous health benefits of gentle exercise when expecting. Not only can it help women strengthen their bodies for the impending delivery, but it can also alleviate discomfort and uncomfortable symptoms that typically mark one’s pregnancy.
Sasha Quince of Let’s Go Yoga explains, “Its very important to keep the body moving when expecting as it can reduce stress, which is elevated during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones and change. It also allows one to ease back pain, increase circulation, strengthen the spine, enhance muscular strength, improve coordination and open one to stronger breath capacity, which is particularly useful during pregnancy and labour.”
Deborah, who is 36 weeks along and expecting her third child adds, “I found yoga to be very helpful. I first began taking prenatal yoga classes when I was pregnant with my second child. The lessons strengthened my pelvic floor muscles and helped my body get strong enough for labour.”
Bump it up
There are a handful of unique exercise classes on offer in the capital to suit expectant mothers. From prenatal yoga to prenatal pilates and even aquanatal classes, there certainly is something for everyone. Each class can offer different benefits, so it is recommended you do a bit of research before you decide on a course suitable for you.
Aquanatal teacher Anne Kinart says, “I offer gentle exercises in the water to help keep one fit while pregnant. You can get rid of discomforts such as heavy legs, lower back pain and improve sleeping disorders. And you feel weightless in the water, which is priceless especially around the seventh month!”
Before starting any exercise regime, it is important for expectant mothers to get approval from their doctors. Most women tend to begin prenatal exercise classes during their second trimester, after they’ve passed the phase of morning sickness, however it’s important to listen to your own body to decide when you are ready.
Training for two
Eager to discover what all the fuss is about, we went to the Bodytree Studio in Abu Dhabi to test out a prenatal yoga class. After we arrive, we were ushered to a roomy space already equipped with yoga mats, metal folding chairs, blankets, blocks and pillows.
With our lovely instructor, Lenka Dalby, guiding us through a variety of gentle stretches and poses, we soon discovered these props are here to help the women, of varying bumps and due dates, position and support themselves.
After a series of soft stretches to warm up our bodies, we begin with poses meant to build awareness of the pelvic floor muscles and build strength in our legs. Other poses are meant to alleviate back pain or tightness in the hip, and of course there’s the breathing, which Dalby tells us can help when in labour.
“Yoga is good for strengthening not just your body, but your mind,” says Dalby. “It’s a great way to learn about your needs and how to relax. But more importantly, it’s also a community for women to connect with each other, give and share advice and network.”
Want more?
To find out about the capital’s offerings in prenatal yoga, aquanatal or prenatal pilates visit:
www.aquanne.net
www.bodytreestudio.com
www.letsgoyogame.com
Sawaiba Khan
Memories for Mums
Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times of your life. To capture all those special moments why not arrange for a special maternity underwater photo shoot? Photographer Jacqui Nightscales says, “It’s a beautiful way to create unique art pieces for the client that will wow her family and friends.” For more: www.nightscalesphotography.com
