Prenatal and postnatal Yoga classes
Our prenatal yoga instructor, Marlene McGrath, has been teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga classes in Ann Arbor consistently since 2001. In addition to a yoga teacher apprenticeship, she has completed specialized training in prenatal, postnatal, and pelvic floor yoga instruction, and continues to study with senior instructors of Iyengar yoga. Marlene’s own study and practice of yoga during her three pregnancies and postpartum periods has significantly informed her teaching, as has her work teaching and learning from the hundreds of pregnant and postpartum students who have studied with her. She hopes to inspire her students to develop a lifetime yoga practice of their own. We hope you will join our local community of parents and babies!
2024 winter & early spring Prenatal/postnatal Yoga classes
We offer two combined Pre/postnatal classes that are taught year round. Class dates are updated 2-3 months at a time.
Mondays weekly 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Babies are welcome!
Classes meet: Feb. 5, 12, 19, March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 13, 20
Fridays 2-3 times monthly 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, Babies are welcome!
Classes meet: Feb. 2, 16, March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 26, May 17, 24, 31
Prenatal Yoga Birth Partner Workshop
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, $60 PER COUPLE (offered every 2-3 months)
In-person workshop, online per special request
Pregnant students and their birth partners are invited to a workshop exploring yoga postures that can be used during labor. Learn and practice postures with your partner, which utilize gravity to encourage the baby’s descent and utilize your body’s natural abilities to open during labor and birth. Partners will learn how to assist with the postures, movement, and relaxation. We discuss and practice moving during early and active labor, including positions for birthing. We also explore approaches, including breathe awareness and sound, to work with the transformational pain of labor.
Pelvic Floor Workshop Series
Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 2024
1:30 - 3:30 pm, $160, in-person and online
recording available for 30 days
A balanced pelvic floor is crucial for optimum functioning of the body. Problems related to the health of the pelvic floor can include: pelvic pain or weakness, incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. Over the 4 weeks of this workshop series, we will study the anatomy, structure, and function of the pelvic floor using different models and images to understand its relation to everyday actions and basic yoga postures. Each week a series of yoga postures will be instructed to promote the strength, flexibility, suppleness and relaxation of the pelvic floor. All students of yoga are welcome. Workshop recordings available for 30 days.
PRENATAL YOGA description:
Prenatal yoga at Yoga Focus Collective is specifically designed to support the changes during pregnancy. A variety of classical yoga postures are taught specifically for the pregnant body and can be modified for any level of yoga experience or stage of pregnancy. All postures are taught with awareness of your growing baby. The standing postures promote strength, flexibility, and confidence. Seated and kneeling postures help to open the hips and pelvis, as well as lengthen and bring elasticity to the spine. Many postures work to expand the rib cage, easing the breath and creating space for your baby. Restorative poses promote conscious relaxation of the body, focus of the mind, and awareness of the breath – all of which are beneficial during pregnancy and beyond. Connection with other local women is also an important part of the class.
WHEN TO START:
The best time to start regular class attendance is at the beginning of your second trimester, however, you may start the class any time during your pregnancy. You may attend your first prenatal class any week that we are meeting. You will get the most benefits by attending class regularly, at least once per week. A first time trial prenatal class is $20 and after that, a single classes is $25. Please inform Marlene of any injuries or health issues that may effect your participation or safety in class. At your first class, you will be asked to complete a registration/consent form.
postnatal CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This class is combined for pregnant and postpartum students and their babies. Postures for the postpartum student are taught with a focus on strengthening and realigning the body after childbirth. Specific areas such as the pelvic floor, abdominals, diastasis recti, neck, shoulders, the upper and lower back are targeted by the postures. Some of the benefits women experience in the class include regaining strength, flexibility, and energy, as well as finding balance and restoration. This class also provides a space for parents to connect with one another. It is not a vigorous or traditional yoga class.
WHEN TO START:
Rest is the most important posture after birth. After sufficient rest, you may join the Prenatal/Postnatal class anytime you feel ready to attend. Babies are welcome and most moms do bring their babies to class. You may attend the class with your baby until your baby become too active to stay close to you. You may attend your first class any week that we are meeting. This does not need to be the first class of a session. Individual drop-in classes are $25.
CLASS FEES FOR PRENATAL/POSTNATAL YOGA CLASSES
5-class pass: $100 (good for 3 mos.),
10-class pass: $180 (good for 6 mos.)
Single class: $25 (good for 1 year)
First Time Prenatal Class: $20 (must be used within 14 days of purchase)
Please contact Marlene for questions or concerns or if you need a reduced class fee in order to participate.
Please arrive at the studio 5- 10 minutes before class begins. You may use the studio props or bring your own mat, blanket, or towel.
Babies are welcome in the class!