Element: Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

Element: Pre-natal and Post-natal Yoga

Two distinct programs — both focus on enriching your physical, mental and emotional health during this special time.

The prenatal workout features “opening” postures designed to relieve stress, strengthen your back and create space for your baby (e.g. a “pigeon” pose that opens your hips).

The postnatal program is a little more challenging. It includes movements selected to reintegrate the pelvic floor muscles and re-balance your nervous system.

Both workouts emphasize relaxation, breathing and connecting with your baby (e.g. “one hand on your heart, one hand on your abdomen”). Peaceful garden setting and quiet music.

Both during and after pregnancy, yoga is a perfect way to firm your body, build strength, and gain flexibility. These two yoga practices, filmed in a serene garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, are also a wonderful way to maintain emotional balance and reduce stress during the exciting and often hectic times surrounding the birth of a child. In the prenatal sequence you'll practice safe and simple movements intended to strengthen and tone your body at any stage of pregnancy, while providing relaxation that will help create a luminous space in which your baby will thrive. The postnatal sequence is designed to redefine your body, restore your energy, and help you reconnect to yourself and your own wellness.

Elena Brower is Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, encourages you to invite yoga's healing benefits into every realm of your life. She is the founder of Virayoga in New York City and author of Alchemy, A Glossary. Named one of New York City's top yoga teachers by Fit Yoga magazine, Elena's clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Minnie Driver, Eva Mendes, Christy Turlington and Rebecca Romijn.