I’ve tried yoga many times in the past and just could. Not. Get. Into. It. I’ve tried different forms, tried it in different studios, and while I didn’t loathe it … I certainly didn’t love it.

I think a lot of it was the fact that I felt like it was a “waste” of an hour, in the sense that the calorie burn was minimal compared to the time commitment. I realize that sounds blasphemous to yogis and devotees — esp.those that do faster-paced yoga or hot yoga or really challenging classes– but it’s honestly how I’ve always felt.

So I guess you could say I didn’t have terribly high expectations of prenatal yoga, which I was to begin tonight.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised with the first of the six classes! There were eight other women in the class, including a pregnant friend from work and I. The women were all different shapes and sizes, and while at first glance I’ll be honest–I panned the room to see what everyone’s bellies looked like–after we got started, all those thoughts went away.

The class was very basic — poses I’d done a bunch of times — but they definitely felt different pregnant!

For example, having danced a good portion of my life (ballet/pointe, tap, jazz)  I’ve always been really flexible — a definite pro for yoga. And even with a nearly 6-mths pregnant belly (6mths Monday!) I was able to do everything.

Another difference — even at my heaviest, I never had a tummy … so it’s weird to have a belly so clearly in the way! And I think it goes without saying that my sense of balance was definitely off! During tree pose, for example, I wobbled a bit until I was able to really find a spot and hold it.

Still, I really enjoyed the class and am looking forward to going back next week. I wouldn’t say it was challenging, but I definitely felt my muscles loosen up, and will definitely be incorporating some of those poses into my regular life — especially since my back has been bothering me lately. (It’s totally normal, but I think carrying low only exacerbates it — and we can’t control where we carry!)

No, it wasn’t a hard workout …and I still did 20 min. of cardio after just to shake it off … but I left with a clear head and an open mind.

And who knows … maybe me and Baby Girl will do Mommy & Me Yoga someday?! 🙂