Berkeley Parents Network: Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga classes

Berkeley Parents Network

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons >

Prenatal Yoga Class that's vigorous and safe

May 2003

Can anyone recommend a vigorous but safe prenatal yoga class held mid-day on any week day in the East Bay? It seems everywhere you look these days there's a new yoga studio, so I'm surprised to be asking this question...but there isn't anywhere that I know of where you can search all the schedules for what you want. anon

Many of the studios and individuals who offer Postpartum Yoga, also offer Prenatal Classes. Websites for the studios are noted. Here is a link to some Postpartum Yoga Options: http://users.lmi.net/sherryr/communityresources8.htm Sherry

Alameda yoga studio on park street in Alameda has an excellent pre-natal class on Saturdays at 1pm. Strenous in a good way with a very knowledgeable and warm teacher. Easy parking. happy yoga!

Lin Maxwell at Piedmont Yoga Studio does a great class - I am 36 weeks and have been going to her most of my pregnancy. She includes strength-related movements which I love - it is not a super-sleepy prenatal class like many of them can be. She has a Tuesday at 9:30-11am and a Friday at 10:30-12pm. Another option for you might be the 4th Street Yoga Wednesday 9:30-11am class. It is not as vigorous/complete as Lin's class but it is still very enjoyable. Both these studios have websites for more info. Enjoy! anon

Hi there, The Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland on Piedmont Ave has prenatal classes every Tues and Friday. I;ve just started the Friday class and so far I like it. I don't know if it will fit your description of ''vigorous'' (I don't think most prenatal classes would) but it certainly works on the areas needed to help with some of the aches and pains of pregnancy as well as preparing the body for labor and delivery. I went to a prenatal class on the peninsula for my first baby and this one uses more traditional yoga poses (albiet modified) which is nice. Though I do miss some of the ''just for pregnant women'' movements that I did before... Good luck! Anon

I think this may be the third time I've written to recommend Deborah Saliby, who teaches prenatal classes on weekdays (among other places) at 7th Heaven Yoga. I simply can't say enough good things about her. She has a wonderful manner, teaches a class that's neither too difficult nor too easy, and really gives you some great coaching on the breathing aspect of labor; despite EVERYTHING going wrong in my labor, I found a huge source of calm and repose in concentrating on my breath, as Deborah had taught me. She also teaches hypnobirthing workshops -- and I'm not a really new-age person, in fact sort of allergic to most forms of premeditated spirituality, but I enjoyed the one-day workshop we did with her. Even my Mr. Spock logical husband liked it. Go figure. I think it's because of Deborah's no-nonsense, mellow approach. No incense, not an overload of woowoo. Alexa

Berkeley Yoga Center at 1250 Addison Street (by Strawberry Creek Park) has prenatal classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I think two women named Melanie and Deborah teach the classes. I went to a class with Melanie and thought I got a good workout that was gentle to my then 9 month pregnant body. Melanie was very kind and attentive, giving everyone specific instructions based on their stage of pregnancy and physical needs. You can do drop in classes or buy a series of classes. The number is 843- 8784. They also teach postnatal classes for mom and baby. I haven't attended those classes yet but plan on checking it out. Best of Luck! anon

Yogalayam at 1717 Alcatraz has a prenatal yoga class on Wednesdays at 10. They have a website, it'll come up first on a google search. cari smith

I loved the prenatal classes at 4th st yoga and at the Berkeley YMCA. Though they were taught in very different ways, I really felt great after both of them. I have heard of classes at 7th heaven and the Berkeley Yoga center. A new yoga center on Shattuck in North Berkeley is opening up with prenatal classes to be offered. I think they will be opening in June, the name was something like Yoga Kula. Sabina

The Piedmont Yoga Studio has a huge weekday schedule. I am sure that they have a prenatal class during the week. Jin Sung used to teach on Tuesdays and Cynthea now teaches on Sat mornings. dawn

Deborah Saliby teaches great prenatal yoga classes at 7th Heaven in berkeley Mon & Fri 9:30-11 am; Weds 6-7:30 PM. I always get a workout and it's a great environment. Cynthia Denise is also great (Weds. am at Monkey Yoga Shala), but in a different way. I don't get as much exercise at her classes, but the ''community building'' there is really nice-- more time talking and getting to know each other. anon

Barbara Voinar teaches an excellent prenatal yoga class at 4th Street Yoga on Wednesdays at 11:30. Many of the women taking the class when I took it had previous experience doing yoga. I would recommend Barbara's class highly if you are looking for a physically ''rigorous'' class that helps relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy. She also teaches a postnatal class, and I became friends with several moms I met in those classes. Maria

Prenatal Yoga for the Novice

Aug 2002

I've heard many raves about the benefits of prenatal yoga, and I've read the recs on the website, but here's my specific concern: I can't even touch my toes, never been able too. I'm quite fit, but flexibility has never been something I've had. Combine that with a general aversion to group fitness activities (traumatic childhood PE experiences, probably), and it's hard to get me enthusiastic for prenatal yoga, whatever its benefits. At the same time, I'm not looking for a cakewalk of a class, and am willing to do it even if it's hard, but I think I'll really need a supportive environment, with other novices so I don't feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. Any advice much appreciated.

As a related issue, my husband has expressed an interest in taking up yoga with me. Could he attend the prenatal classes too' Or could we both attend a general class'

We live in Rockridge, and need classes in the evenings or weekends. Thanks so much for your help! Yogaphobe

You might want to try Living Arts Prenatal Yoga tape with Shiva Rea. It's pretty easy but still effective, and has modifications for the second and third trimester so those with less flexibility (like me) can follow those. I am also intimidated by yoga classes with very flexible people, and found the tape quite doable. Colleen

I don't know about classes in the area but highly recommend the video Yoga Mama -- very good, suitable for people with little or no yoga background, means you can do it even if you can't go to a class, etc. Ioana

Someone who can't touch their toes is THE perfect person to try prenatal yoga. Not only will you gain some flexibility over time but you will also gain some strength, learn breathing techniques, stretch muscles you didn't know existed and most importantly, learn to relax. All very important things to work on while pregnant and getting ready for labor and delivery. I had low back/tail bone pain early in my pregnancy which cleared up entirely when I began yoga. I loved the classes at Piedmont Yoga Studio. All the moms were at different levels and many had never taken any yoga previously. It was really fun to return every week and watch everyone's bellies grow a bit more. After you ''graduated'' from the class, it was customary to bring your baby in to show everyone. Try it, I promise you will love it! Nicole

Try taking a class from Deborah Saliby. She is a wonderful teacher who accomodates all levels of flexibility and fitness without passing judgement. I attended both her prenatal and postnatal classes, and there was always a wide range of participants, from the folding-chair variety to the can't-touch- my-toes variety. She adapts poses to suit your body. The prenatal classes don't feel that hard, but I found that they were actually quite toning. And I'm convinced that the breathing exercises and the pelvic strengthening and opening helped make my labor a lot easier. Deborah teaches a couple of places, but the class I attended was at 7th Heaven, which is near the Ashby exit off I-80. It's at 6 pm. Sometimes husbands or partners came along, and they were welcome too. My husband and I also took a one-day workshop on ''hypnobirthing'' (basically, yoga breathing and relaxation techniques) with Deborah, which was great. My husband, by the way, can't even touch his knees without bending them. AKS

The Yoga Room in Berkeley is excellent. Barbara Papini has a class on Thurs. evenings. No guys though. It helped me remarkably throughout the pregnancy and birth. It's low key, but can be challenging. I highly recommened it. Beth, Oakland

I did prenatal yoga during my two pregnancies and I loved it. I went to several teachers and liked them all but for different reasons. My suggestion is to try Barbara Papini's class at The Yoga Room (in the Julia Morgan on College at Derby) Thursdays 5:45 - 7:15. Barbara is a grandmother who is very nurturing and gentle. She doesn't expect students to be flexible or strong but if you practice you will notice changes. Yoga can be done solo once you know what to do and Barbara is very supportive of you doing it your way. Her phone number is 601-1883. Sienna

Cynthea Denise's prenatal yoga class at Monkey Yoga Shala on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland is an excellent option for you to check out. She teaches Weds/Sat from 10:45-12:15. She is highly intuitive and respectful of people's limitations. You seem to be already aware of the benefits of prenatal yoga, so I won't go into them here. But, her yoga class was the only ''birth prep.'' class I took and I felt that it helped me immensely during labor. I'm not sure that you are looking for this, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other pregnant women. Many a mom's group has formed from Cynthea's class. Also, there is a partners class the first Saturday of the month. Brightstar

There is a very welcoming, beginner friendly prenatal class at the Yoga Room (behind the Julia Morgan. It meets Thursdays 5:45- 7:15pm. It is however only for moms-to-be. anon

I would highly recommend The Yoga Room's prenatal yoga class. I am not into yoga either or excersize, but my sister made me go when I was about 4 months pregnant and I loved it so much I went to every class after for the next 5 months. Barbara Papini is the instructor and she is the nicest woman. She is extremely patient and flexible in her instructions as she usually has a wide range of pregnancies to deal with. It was always a very comfortable environment and she explains every pose as if everyone was a beginner so you never feel left out. I wish I could still go to her class.

The Yoga Room is located at 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. You can find it behind the Julia Morgan Theater. It is in the same building complex but in the back where they have ballet and other classes. There is a path down the left hand side of the building. Barbara's class is on Thursday evenings 5:45 - 7:15pm Her phone number is 601-1883 if you want to talk to her first. Erika

You'll love Saraswathi's gentle prenatal yoga class at 10 am on Saturday mornings at Yogalayam (in Berkeley, on Alcatraz). Partners attend from time to time, and it's a very warm and supportive environment for moms-to-be. Also check out her birth class and post-partum yoga. I've been going to Sara's class since my first trimester, my daughter is now 18 mo. and loves going to mom and toddler yoga with me. There's something for everyone at Yogalayam, and it's definitely got a do-at-your-own- pace, comfortable vibe. Julie

i'd really recommend the prenatal yoga video by gaiam, with shiva rea. it has women in all 3 trimesters doing the various poses and i found it really relaxing. and to be honest, i never had the patience for yoga before. but i noticed that i started feeling better the days after i would do the yoga, compared to the days i didn't. disadvantages of a video are that you don't get to network with other expecting moms, but on the other hand you can do it whenever you want. the tape had 4 bits, warm-up type stuff, standing poses, sitting poses and relaxation, i found that i liked the first two bits the best and did those. i hope this helps! joanne

Hi! I can recommend a great teacher for Yoga. Her name is Priya and she teaches at 'No Sweat' 528-1958 on Solano Avenue. I like her specifically because she seems to understand and remember every person's individual needs/issues. At the same time she does not single you out thereby making you feel self-concious. Her class gives you a wonderful workout without getting you sweaty and breathless. You can contact her directly at ''priyadoesyogaATyahooDOTcom Best of luck. Claire

Try Cynthea Denise's prenatal yoga class at Monkey Yoga Shala on Lakeshore Ave. near Lake Merritt (she teaches a mom and baby class in Piedmont too). I can't imagine having gone through my pregnancy without the class: it was fabulous. Many in the class are beginners. It's very low key, geared towards changing pregnant bodies, and is a great support group as well. Free parking across the street at Alberstons. Deirdre

I wholeheartedly recommend Barbara Voinar's pre-natal (and post- partum) yoga classes at Fourth Street Yoga in Berkeley. She is a very kind, nurturing teacher and gears these classes for women who have no previous yoga experience. It's a wonderful haven to take care of YOU. And for the post-partum class she and an assistant rock the fussy babies so the mothers can actually do some yoga (but nursing, changing diapers, cooing at your baby is an integral part too). It functioned as a mom's group for me. Tyche

I recommend Cynthea Denise who teaches at Piedmont Yoga studio and Monkey Shala, both in Oakland. I am also not a yoga fiend and found her classes to be very supportive emotionally and doable yoga poses. I also cannot touch my feet! Also, she is pregnant herself right now and has taught for years. Wendy

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.