Prenatal yoga and yoga-dance classes in Charlottetown

Classes will be held Saturday mornings

A short session of specialty yoga classes, including yogadance and prenatal yoga, will be offered in Charlottetown over the next few weeks on Saturday mornings.

Yoga-dance is a form of fun and mindful fitness that begins with body warm-ups and slow music, then becomes more rapid with a mix of yoga and dance movements to faster music, slowing down at the end to be more relaxing and meditative.

The songs and dances are specifically chosen to inspire and engage and represent a mix of world, yoga, and popular music.

No prior dance or yoga experience is required. It is an ideal opportunity for adults to enjoy dancing, though children nine and older enjoy it too. Yoga-dance will run 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays on Jan. 23 and Feb. 3.

Prenatal yoga class offers a chance for women at all stages of their pregnancy to enhance their posture, strength, focus and ability to calm the mind with breath and a variety of other techniques.

The breathing practices can be helpful during labour, delivery and parenting as well as during yoga poses.

The focus for poses is to tone and strengthen muscles in the legs, pelvis, abdomen, back and arms, stretch through the legs, back, arms, neck, shoulders and chest and relieve minor discomforts.

Each asana chosen is specific for the prenatal population and modifications are offered for various trimesters and individual needs.

Partners are welcome to attend class as well. Prenatal yoga is 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., Jan. 23 and Feb. 3.

Both classes are held at the Path, 344 University Ave., Charlottetown.

Yoga for Life offers yoga for all ages and stages of life, taught by Mary MacPhee.

Call 902-892-4658, check the website yogaforlifepei.com or email yogaforlife@eastlink.ca to inquire about any of the courses.