Yoga for Pregnancy Workshop with Sally Parkes, BSc, author of "The Students Manual of Yoga Anatomy"
This one-day workshop is designed for professionals in health and fitness who want to deepen their understanding of how to support pregnant clients. It is open to male and female yoga teachers, Pilates teachers, personal trainers, midwives, doulas, and anyone wishing to learn more for their own personal knowledge.
You will explore the physiological and postural changes that occur during pregnancy, along with the role of the pelvic floor and what is safe and unsafe to teach. You will also discover how movement and breath, when applied thoughtfully, can make yoga deeply empowering for the mother-to-be.
All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Teachers with a 200-hour certification who are members of The Yoga Alliance will be able to include this workshop in their continuing training credentials.
8.30am-10am: Introduction to Yoga for Pregnancy – Practical Session
The day begins with introductions, followed by an 80-minute yoga class for pregnancy that is flowing and gently energising. You will move through pregnancy-appropriate Sun Salutations linked with the breath, with a focus on grounding and connection to the earth element, Kapha. A warrior sequence will then help strengthen body and mind in preparation for the final weeks of pregnancy and birth. The session continues with subtle lower back and pelvic movements to mobilise the sacroiliac area and the muscles surrounding the pelvis, before turning attention to the pelvic floor and breathwork. The practice ends with deep relaxation through Yoga Nidra.
am Sequencing a Yoga for Pregnancy class – Theory Session
This theory session looks at what to include, and just as importantly what to avoid, in a yoga class for pregnancy. Topics include the aims of the class, the delicate energetics of pregnancy, safe teaching, and how to connect asana and breath effectively. Certain postures, such as strong inversions, are not recommended during pregnancy, and the reasons for this will be explained, along with suitable and more effective alternatives.
pm Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor, Hormonal Changes and the Abdominal Area in Pregnancy – Theory Session
Pregnancy brings many changes, and effective teaching requires an understanding of the pelvic diaphragm, the anatomy of the pelvis and sacroiliac joint, and how these are affected. Hormonal shifts also influence the joints and the circumference of the pelvis, and these factors will be discussed before moving into a practical session to bring the theory into action.
12.30-1.30pm Lunch Break
1.30-3pm: Yoga Asana and Breath for Pelvic Floor and Sacroiliac Joint Health; Short Sequences – Theory and Practical Session
Many women experience discomfort or pain in the sacroiliac joint due to changes in the lumbar spine, which can be intensified by a weak pelvic floor. In this session, you will examine postural changes during pregnancy and learn how appropriate yoga asana and breathwork can support the practice. Several short sequences will be explored to contract and release the pelvic muscles, ease tension in the sacroiliac area, and strengthen surrounding muscles such as the glutes and psoas. These sequences can be used in any yoga class.
3.15-5pm Subtle Energetics of Yoga for Pregnancy; Honouring our Shakti Energy – Practical Session
This two-hour practical session weaves mudra, breath, mantra and kriya into a gentle flowing asana sequence. The intention is to honour the Shakti energy within us all, connect with the Root Chakra for grounding, and deepen the sense of connection between universal energy, mother and baby. The class concludes with deep relaxation, followed by mudra and affirmations to close the practice.
Sally has been teaching health and fitness since 1998 and has spent the past ten years studying and teaching pregnancy and post-natal yoga in depth. Her approach draws from the lineage of guru Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, a respected leader in women’s well-being, while also incorporating exercise physiology, Pilates and movement methods from her studies in exercise rehabilitation.
She is also a doula and mother, and has written for major publications. As the author of The Students Guide to Yoga Anatomy, and now a certified Experienced and Senior Yoga Teacher as well as a teacher trainer, Sally is recognised for her warmth, humour and inclusive teaching style. She specialises in delivering thorough pregnancy and post-natal yoga teacher training in the UK and internationally.
TBC
This is a one-day workshop.
Date TBC. The timings for the day are 8.30am – 5.00pm.
Piloga Studio, Dubai
About Sally ParkesSally’s path in the health and fitness industry began in 1998, and by 2001 she had earned a bachelor’s degree with honours in Sport Science, alongside qualification as a Pilates Matwork teacher. Her interest in yoga and breathwork later inspired her to train as a certified yoga and pranayama teacher with respected teachers including Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, Ann-see Yeoh,...
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Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Date
Dates to be confirmed
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