By Emily Harrington
Ooooooommmmmmmm. Say it with me now, “Ooooooommmmmmmm.” Feel better? A little stretching, some deep breathing, a bit of meditation and self-reflection—who couldn’t use that stress-busting combination in their life?
Luckily, the practice of relaxing yoga is widespread in our community. Men and women alike are downward dogging and child’s posing at every corner. There are studios dedicated to yoga and gyms that are adopting classes to diversify their offerings.
Many of the studios dedicated to this both physical and mental exercise offer classes designed for women, many specifically to women who are pregnant. If you are pregnant, contact your physician/midwife to ensure that yoga would be a healthy activity for you. All of the classes noted are low intensity and do not require any previous experience with yoga.
Amara Yoga & Arts
Location: 300 S. Broadway Ave. #156B in Urbana
Contact: info@amarayoga.com, (217) 328-9642
Cost: $17 for one class or a monthly membership for $79 (other payment packages available)
Notable classes: Yogini Bliss is a prenatal/postpartum/restorative class focusing on gentle postures that increase circulation, relieve muscle tension and strengthen the pelvic floor. The class is held each Wednesday from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Living Yoga Center
Location: 212 S. First St. in Champaign
Contact: info@livingyogacenter.net, (217) 351-8359
Cost: $15 for one class or a monthly membership for $65 (other payment packages available)
Notable classes: Prenatal increases relaxation, energy and stamina while building strength and flexibility. The class is designed to improve focus and concentration through this empowering and gentle practice. The class is held each Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.
Stephens Family YMCA
Location: 2501 Fields South Dr. in Champaign
Contact: (217) 359-9622
Cost: If you are a member all classes are free. If you are not a member, are 18 or older and are unaccompanied by a member, the classes are $15. If you are not a member, are 18 and older and accompanied by a member, the classes are $10.
Notable classes: Prenatal Yoga is a slow-paced class for expecting mothers. The class allows enough time to deepen and broaden your yoga practice with a variety of postures. Modifications are offered for those new to yoga, as well as for more experienced participants. The class is held each Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana
Location: 407 W. Springfield Ave. in Urbana
Contact: info@yoga-cu.com, (217) 344-9642
Cost: $15 for one class or you can pay in full (at a discounted rate) for the seasonal sessions
Notable classes: Yoga for Women is designed for women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. The class can help with nausea, optimal birthing positions and encourage a healthy pregnancy. In addition you will learn poses that promote postpartum healing. The class is held each Wednesday, beginning September 3 to November 19, from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m.
If you already have children and want to bring a little serenity to their lives, the YMCA has many yoga classes geared towards kids and the entire family. Check out their program guide. Amara Yoga also has many classes for kids, some solely focusing on yoga and others on art. If your local gym or recreation center has group fitness classes, chances are they have a yoga class on the schedule. Check them out, too!
Even though mostly prenatal classes are highlighted here, yoga is an all-inclusive activity that welcomes all. So, pick a class, put your palms together and bow your head. You’ll not regret giving yourself an hour or so to focus on you.
Emily Harrington is a Chambana townie that left her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job to be a 24/7 mom to a dreamy son. Still interested in writing, Emily uses some of naptime to practice her passion and keep her mind right. Emily is a happy wife with a happy life because she fell for a fellow townie. Oh, and let’s not forget her other son, a degenerate canine named Heppenheimer.