Okay, so last night wasn't exactly a five-star evening, but there was one bright spot--my prenatal yoga class. I started researching local yoga centers and fitness clubs a few weeks ago in my quest to do something physical with my out-of-shape body during the cold winter months. I was really itching to do a water aerobics class, but both sections offered at the YMCA are wait-listed right now, plus I'm not a member. So I thought I would do something totally different and try prenatal yoga. My back pains have been so excruiating at times that I've been craving a stretching technique that would help relieve the tension and soreness.
A coworker's wife put me in touch with a friend of hers who had taken a prenatal yoga class a couple years ago and loved it. She sent me the contact details for the instructor, who invited me to join the last few classes of the session. The first class really didn't impress me at all--I didn't feel at all stretched out and I started to wonder if yoga was all hype and no delivery. That night, I woke up at 3am with a sciatic nerve pain radiating from my left butt cheek down to the back of my knee. That was a bad pain, and one that kept me awake for quite some time as I tried to stretch the leg out. I was in even more doubt about this whole yoga thing after that; not to mention the fact that my back never stopped hurting.
Last night completely changed my mindset. The second class for me was incredible. Though I was doubtful, I tried to enter the positions with a free and clear mind and just have fun with it all. One squatting position she had us doing totally stretched not only my back but also the muscles in my va-jay-jay area. I just about fell over from the sensation and asked if I was supposed to be feeling that. The woman next to me said she was feeling the same thing, and the instructor laughed and said, sure, it was normal. By the middle of the class, Baby Mittman was kicking and frolicking around, having as much fun as I was!
The last half hour of class seems to always be devoted to shavasana, a relaxing pose (ie--lying down on your side, or leaning back cross-legged on pillows) that helps rejuvenate your body and mind. I love it! The instructor always encourages us to "exhale, placing one hand over your heart, and the other over your baby." Cheesy as it might sound, I'm totally digging it. Baby Mittman settled down and just did some easy wiggling movements as I rubbed my belly to my internal thoughts. By the time the instructor rang the bell to break us from our reverie, did some final stretches and declared Namaste, I was near sleep. I was almost afraid to get behind the wheel I was so relaxed and drowsy. Next week is the final class of the session, but I'll definitely be signing up for the next 8-week session when it starts in a few weeks. I can hardly wait.
Namaste.
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