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Yoga For Stamina

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 11, 2008

Pregnancy is one of the most joyous times in a woman's life. Add prenatal yoga to the mix, and the experience can become even more intense.

Breath work weaved into stretching and meditation makes yoga the perfect preparation for childbirth. Stretching and strengthening muscles prepare for the hard work of labor. Yoga offers a wonderful way for moms-to-be to connect with their unborn child.

"Your body is changing so rapidly, and yoga can help you change more gracefully. It can help you be more present with your breath, body and growing baby," says Lisa Wilson, instructor at Yogani Studios in South Tampa. "Be guided by your comfort while practicing."

CeCe Coppins, 40, and Leah Carden, 34, demonstrate yoga partner poses you can do anywhere. They practically transform this sequence into a dance, shadowing each other gracefully.

SEQUENCE: WARRIOR II, REVERSE WARRIOR and SIDE ANGLE POSES

Try these three standing poses as a flowing sequence. They cultivate stamina, open the hips, stretch the side of the body and help connect your breath to the movement. The side bend poses also help relieve lower back pain.

1. Begin in Warrior II by standing on your mat with your feet wide apart. Turn the toes on your left foot to the left. Reach your arms out so they are at shoulder level. Bend your left knee until it is over your left ankle. Hold for a breath.

2. Inhale as you take your right hand to your right leg for support, and sweep your left arm overhead so your entire left side is stretched in an arc. Gaze toward the sky as you hold for a breath.

3. Exhale and place your left forearm on your left thigh. Sweep your right arm overhead stretching the right side. Hold for a breath.

Repeat this sequence three times on each side, moving with your breath.

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