Prior to being pregnant first time round, I practised weekly yoga to help improve my back pain! I certainly felt the benefits!! I looked for a pregnancy yoga class (this was prior to Wakefield Mumbler being in existence) and really struggled to find anything close by! I was recommended a place in North Leeds!! I had a chat with my yoga teacher and she said I could continue with her classes and she would let me know if I needed to adapt any movements.
However, for my second pregnancy I was really keen to try pre-natal yoga! When Shire Rose Yoga said they would do a trial class at Wakefield Baby Week I knew I had to try it. I had just turned 13 weeks so was good to start the classes and walked into Shire Rose Yoga’s class, run by Lyndsey, with a surprise as only a few people knew about my pregnancy at that stage!!
The class was so relaxing and the movements, stretches and poses that I had previously learnt over 5 years ago came flooding back! Don’t worry if you have never done a yoga class before as Lyndsey is great at explaining what to do so you won’t ever get lost!! I was immediately hooked and signed up for more classes straight away … and then lockdown happened!! Luckily Shire Rose Yoga quickly got involved with virtual classes and before I knew it, the space between the breakfast bar and dining room table became my very own yoga studio on Wednesday and Saturday mornings!!
The classes with Shire Rose Yoga start with simple warm up stretches (don’t worry if you can’t cross your legs and put them on the floor like a typical yoga photo, it doesn’t matter and I definitely can’t!!) and you then enter the ‘workout’ part of the class. Stretches and poses concentrate on leg strengthening, core stability and pelvic floor as well as any problem areas that any other mums-to-be have! Lyndsey points out poses that maybe useful for during labour and those that help get baby into the optimum position! The class is always at your own pace and you can workout at the level you are comfortable with! There are some classes when I am dripping with sweat and others where my energy levels are low and I need more of a restorative class! It is important to do what is right for you and your baby and this is encouraged by Lyndsey!!
And the final part … shavasana. This is the time at the end of the class to concentrate on your mind after you’ve done your physical work! I can quite easily zone out and become quickly relaxed!! Lyndsey also reads out some lovely positive birth affirmations or inspiring poems during this time too! Little did I know before meeting Lyndsey in person, is that she is American, and has the most amazing softy spoken, soothing and relaxing voice, perfect to drift away from the noise of everyday life!
I cannot recommend pre-natal classes with Shire Rose Yoga enough!! Prior to starting Lyndsey’s classes I was struggling with sleeping, as my back pain was increasing. My back had been dreadful since the birth of Mini Mumbler by c-section 5 years ago. I’d been to see a physio in the past, which did help improve the pain, but with my changing body shape the strain was already starting! Guess what … I am now sleeping soundly and I very much put this down to yoga practice and improving my core and back strength!! Fingers crossed all the aches and pains usually experienced from pregnancy stay away and I definitely put this down to Shire Rose Yoga’s classes. I have also met a lovely bunch of Mum’s and even though we haven’t really met face-ta-face we chat regularly on a Whats App group we have set up and are looking forward to catching up with our little ones very soon!
Here’s some more testimonials from others who take part in Shire Rose Yoga’s classes:
Mild contractions started during my 9am yoga class on Wednesday, just after I’d had my ‘show’ at 8am that morning! Lyndsey is an incredible pre-natal yoga teacher with so much knowledge. These classes were such a big part of my antenatal journey, especially given everything with covid – yoga twice a week was the only structure I had towards the end getting me through those last few impatient weeks! [Pre-Natal Yoga]
I am really enjoying Shire Rose Yoga prenatal yoga classes which are helping immensely to stop third trimester aches and pains as my bump grows bigger by the day! [Pre-Natal Yoga]
I joined Lyndsey’s prenatal online classes during lockdown, so I’ve not been to a class in person, but I don’t feel this has impeded me in any way, as Lyndsey is so welcoming. The classes have been a great way to maintain some flexibility to stave off those aches and pains of pregnancy, and you feel like you’re getting a bit of workout at times as she works you hard, but you can go at your own pace and she mixes it up with restorative classes too. The readings and shavasana at the end are just devine, and a nice little treat for all your efforts in the class. [Pre-Natal Yoga]
I’ve been doing Hatha Yoga three times a week for the last 14 weeks and then on and off for years. Hatha yoga has helped with my flexibility and running, as well as stretching out my back and keeping it loose, no need for visits to my chiropractor. Lyndsey at Shire Rose Yoga has been a fantastic Yoga teacher who makes sure the class is differentiated for all levels and caters to what you want out of your class. [Hatha Yoga Classes]
If you’re interested to learn more about Shire Rose Yoga and their pre-natal, post-natal & hatha yoga classes … click here
Disclaimer: Mumbler was asked to review Shire Rose Yoga pre-natal classes and was paid for this, however, all comments are from myself and are an honest and accurate account of my time yogering with Lyndsey! I enjoy the classes so much I have been attending twice a week from 13 weeks and happily pay each week to be part of her community!
