YOGA and Fitness Classes

Yoga and movement classes are almost always the perfect exercises for mind and body during pregnancy and postpartum. Even when your boobs are too sore, your belly feels heavy, and those super cute yoga pants don't quite have the appeal that they once did, these movement classes welcome you and adapt to meet your needs. Come as you are and leave feeling lighter, stronger, and more fulfilled. Use the links below to register today and know that your spot has been reserved or walk in a few minutes before class if you prefer. ​You'll love working with experienced Asheville prenatal yoga instructor Margaret Kirschner , Mama & Me yoga instructor Anastasia Bartlett, belly dance teacher Michele Gee, and Qoya instructor Jaime Fleres as much as we do! 

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Prenatal Yoga
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Prepare for your best birth with yoga designed just for pregnancy. Connect with other mamas, your own body wisdom and your precious baby. Learn the key postures that support you through pregnancy, labor and beyond. Discover which movements, breathing practices and vocalizations help you work well with labor and stay connected to your baby as sensations intensify. Find more space through improved posture, strengthen your legs to support your low back, stretch your feet to minimize swelling, tone your pelvic floor muscles for optimal baby positioning and to prepare to push.  Meditation, visualization and affirmation will be integrated into each class. Yoga works so well not only as birth preparation, but as preparation for life.
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 Wednesdays 5:30

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​Postpartum Yoga

In our postpartum yoga class, the focus is on abdominal reintegration and the pelvic floor. ​Often women are blissfully unaware of their pelvic floor until after the birth of their baby or, even well after their second or third baby.  Then slowly an awareness dawns that the mommy pooch has persisted despite good nutrition and dedicated exercise, sex is not as satisfying and sometimes even painful, a little urine leaks when laughing or sneezing, that hip and low back is definitely achy and posture or breathing is not given a second thought.  This is not your “new post-pregnancy normal.”  Even if it has been decades since you’ve given birth, this class can restore your pelvic floor and core back to health.  We’ll work to normalize pelvic floor tone and relaxation (it’s more than kegel squeezes) to build inner strength, support and resiliency, both physically and emotionally to the whole area of pelvic floor, abs and back.  Discover simple, targeted, specific movements and breathing practices along with helpful information that will give you a new appreciation for your pelvic floor
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Baby & Me Yoga
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The goal of this class is for you and your baby to learn the art of relaxation together! We will spend time working on small, gentle movements to strengthen baby's spine and enliven baby's body systems. In the meantime, mamas will gently tone muscle systems in need of repair after childbirth, while relaxing overworked shoulders and lower backs. This practice will be ideal for mamas who are at least ten weeks postpartum. Please be sure that you have been approved for postpartum exercise by your physician.
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Mondays 11 am 

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BABY STEPS! BABY WEARING  Dance class

​​Baby Steps is a babywearing dance and movement class for you and baby!  Ages 8 weeks to 18 months and their caregiver will enjoy this 45 minute class focusing on stretching overworked muscles, interacting with your baby and learning fun babywearing choreography! No previous dance experience required, just a positive spirit!  Get ready to dance, play and love! 

Info for class:
Ages 8 weeks to 18 months with a caregiver.  Postpartum moms should be cleared for exercise by their doctor.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and dress baby in something light weight so they don't get overheated. Bring water, a blanket for baby and your baby carrier!
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Class is sliding scale $8- $12
Sundays at 11am

PREnatal fitness class

Pregnancy is the perfect time to commit to your health!  Studies have determined that exercise for pregnant women substantially reduces the rate of C-sections and the use of forceps, and pregnant women who exercise can expect an average of two hours less labor time, improved circulation, increased muscle tone and improved posture.
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This class is specifically designed for pregnant women. Participants will receive a 45 minute class packed with a mix of aerobic and cardio work, strength training for arms, legs and pelvic floor, followed by a cool down including relaxation, stretching and meditation.

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Thursdays 5:30pm

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*What to expect in our yoga and fitness classes for women:
You will be greeted warmly and welcomed as you are.  No prior experience is necessary and all body shapes, sizes and levels of flexibility are encouraged to attend. Everything is optional and if a movement is offered that doesn't feel quite right for you, it is fine to sit it out, do your own thing or modify to honor your unique limitations.  Connect with other Mothers, your own body wisdom and your capacity for a deeper, more peaceful breath.  Please bring your own mat if you have one and if you don't we will provide them. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to settle in for class that begins and ends on time.

Meet Our awesome Yoga & Movement Instructors

Margaret KIrschner

​Margaret is an experienced prenatal yoga teacher (E-RPYT, Experienced, Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher), as well as a birth doula. Margaret is trained in the Kripalu style of yoga and has been consistently teaching for 16 years. She completed her certification as a trauma-informed Yoga Therapist at the 500-Hour level in May, 2013. In addition, she is certified as a Dao Flow Yoga practitioner. Dao Flow is a one-of-a-kind style of yoga that merges the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the practice of yoga for women’s hormonal health.
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Anastasia Bartlett

Anastasia is the mother of two teenage boys and has recently been a Surrogate, or Gestational Carrier, three times in 4 ½ years, so she personally understands the fluctuations of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. She is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance, and an Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach.  Health and fitness have been life long passions for her, and she enjoys sharing her passion and skills with others seeking to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Please feel free to reach out to her at anastasia@abartlettwellness.com or www.abartlettwellness.com, 
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