This week I was lucky enough to be invited along to review Tadcaster Leisure Centre’s new Parent and Baby Yoga class. The leisure centre are extremely keen for parents to have the option of getting fit with their children and have therefore launched the new class which I am certain will be a success.
As the class is suitable for babies up to the crawling stage, I was unable to take my youngest mini mumbler as she is very much past that but Laura (the wonderful instructor) was happy for me to go along and take part alone. As it turned out, I managed to have a long snuggle with one of the scrummy babies attending the class so I didn’t feel too left out!
The class was an absolute pleasure to be a part of and the lovely ladies and their beautiful babies who attended made me feel very welcome. The class was dimly lit with very soft and subtle music playing. The padded mats under the yoga mats were a nice touch as it was comfortable and meant that there was enough room for parents and babies to roll on.
Laura introduced the session by explaining what the aims of the class were:
1. Ab rehab to help repair stomach muscles after pregnancy
2. Back, shoulder and neck relaxation and tension relief after feeding and holding babies for long stretches of time
3. Having a moment to yourself and an opportunity to relax and close your eyes
The class certainly did what it said on the tin.
Some babies slept through the session and some took part. One of the lovely things about the class is that anything goes in terms of how your baby is involved. As we all know, babies can be unpredictable. Grouchy moments, feeding demands and nappy issues can all interrupt our best laid plans and exercising with people who are in the same boat is very refreshing – because all of these things are accepted. Laura regularly holds babies while mums get on with an exercise if that is needed and she gives various examples of how your baby can be involved in each exercise too, making the class as accessible as possible for both parent and baby.
The structure of the class itself was perfectly balanced; I actually didn’t want it to end and came out feeling very zen. As you would expect in a yoga class, there was a mixture of breathing and relaxation techniques combined with stretches. Laura did a great job at adapting exercises for different abilities and offering alternative positions if
anyone didn’t feel comfortable in their stretch. I actually found the exercises to be quite gentle, accessible and enjoyable which was so relaxing but within an hour of leaving the class I had started aching after exercising muscles that I had obviously not used for a while!
I would highly recommend this class. Tadcaster Leisure Centre’s facilities are great and Laura Graham is fantastic at what she does. She is undoubtedly a talented instructor with a gorgeous manner, patience and experience but she is also an incredibly friendly and welcoming person with a personality that puts you at ease straight away. As a mum, she understands fully what her target audience need; she is so obviously passionate about what she does and helping mums achieve their goals.
I spoke to the mums who attended and asked them what they like about the class. Here are their responses:
“It’s really good to be able to exercise again. It’s lovely and gentle and great to bond with my baby.”
KG June ’18
“Because you’re around other babies you feel more relaxed because everyone understands.”
CB June, 18
“I like the time to slow down and breathe and the calming atmosphere.”
CE June, 18
“I just really enjoy having a good stretch!”
LD, June ’18
I could not have put it better myself. I think as parents we often forget about the importance of making time for ourselves and looking after our minds and bodies. Taking forty five minutes out of your week to concentrate on that, combining it with bonding with your baby sounds like a winning combination. Laura ended the class by asking everyone to clasp their hands then point to their forehead. She then said ‘remind yourself to think kind thoughts’. Next we pointed to our hearts and she said ‘remind yourself to look after you as well as your baby.’ What a fantastic way to end the class!
The Parent and Baby Yoga class is currently on a Thursday at 11.45am. Places are limited to ten people and therefore booking is essential.
Tadcaster Leisure Centre, Station Rd, Tadcaster LS24 9JE.
www.tadcasterleisurecentre.org
