Yoga and Fitness Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: Do I need to register for a class?
A: No pre-registration is necessary (unless otherwise noted on the schedule). Your first class is complimentary with this free pass. After your first class, you can pay per class or buy one of our many packages. We offer 5, 10 or 20 class passes, or you can buy yoga classes as part of some of our pregnancy or wellness packages.
Q: What if I have never done yoga before?
A: Not a problem! As TMC founder Gabriela Gerhart said, "About 60 to 70 percent of our clients have never done yoga before, so no previous experience is necessary. Our instructors are great at addressing all levels of fitness and experience." In fact, many of our clients continue doing yoga and/or fitness classes after their pregnancy through classes like Mom and Baby Yoga or Mommy Fitness Bootcamp.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?
A: For yoga classes, wear comfortable pants or shorts and a workout shirt or t-shirt. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and plan to do the class barefoot. For fitness classes, you will want to make sure to wear tennis shoes.
Q: What if I don't have a yoga mat?
A: You can rent a mat at The Motherhood Center for $2 or buy one in our retail store or our online shop.
Prenatal Yoga
Q: Is it too early or too late in my pregnancy to start taking prenatal yoga?
A: No. Yoga is beneficial is all three stages of pregnancy. "It's great to for moms who are a few weeks into their pregnancy to see other moms in the class who are due in a few weeks. Many moms find it very encouraging," said Gerhart.
Q: Is prenatal yoga safe?
A: Yoga is generally considered one of the safest exercises during pregnancy because you can tailor it to your needs and abilities. It doesn't matter what trimester you are in or if you are expecting one baby or many, yoga has many benefits. Read this article for more.
Q: How often should I go to yoga?
A: The OBGYN Association recommends that women with a healthy pregnancy exercise at least three times a week. Many clients attend yoga classes 3 to 5 times a week, but if you can even make it one day a week, you will feel the benefits.
Q: What if I bought a yoga class pass or a package and then I'm put on bed rest?
A: Please call us at 713-963-8880 and we will put a hold on your package so you can use it after bed rest is over or for mom and baby classes after pregnancy.
Q: Do you have babysitting available during yoga?
A: Babysitting is available through The Childhood Center.
Q: Do I need a doctor's note to attend yoga?
A: There is no release necessary, but if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any concerns, get clearance from your OBGYN or midwife before attending classes.
Q: Will yoga induce labor?
A: There is no evidence that yoga can induce labor, but we do have many clients who like to do yoga around their due date because it often helps relieve soreness, offers relaxation and gives moms-to-be a chance to practice their breathing exercises.
Mom and Baby Yoga/Mom and Baby Fitness
Q: How old does my baby need to be to come to class?
A: For mom and baby yoga/fitness, there is not a certain age your baby has to be to come to our class. It really depends more on when the mom is ok to exercise. Usually it's about six weeks after a c-section, earlier for a vaginal birth, but please make sure to get the ok from your practitioner first.
Q: What if my baby is sleeping or crying?
A: Please do not worry about a schedule. It's fine if your baby is crying or sleeping. You are in the comfort of The Motherhood Center and are welcome to feed the baby during class if necessary. If you would prefer, you can also feed your baby in our locker room right next to the yoga studio.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: In addition to your yoga mat, bring a blanket for your baby and maybe a favorite toy or two, especially if they are at or nearing the crawling stage.
Q: Should I bring a baby carrier?
A: For yoga, you are welcome to bring a baby carrier if you think your baby might fall asleep. Bring a sling or front carrier for the fitness class.
Q: Is my baby too small or too big to participate?
A: Generally when your child is "very active" and getting to the walking stage, it might be time for the next class, such as Family Yoga or Kid Yoga.