Aqua Yoga

Aqua Yoga is a unique series of exercises developed by Francoise Barbira Freedman over many years.It combines the therapeutic and buoyant nature of water with the energizing and harmonizing effect of yoga. Aqua yoga is a natural and all-encompassing way to promote and sustain fitness and health. It offers a gentle and easily available way to enjoy movement and breathing using the supportive element of water. Many aqua yoga exercises are classical yoga postures adapted to water.

It has been shown that swimming can strengthen the immune system, and can help us to heal a wide variety of conditions. Swimming not only improves the circulatory and respiratory systems but develops mobility in the muscles and joints and increases muscular strength and tone. Aqua Yoga combines slow stretching with the use of breathing and relaxation as the water provides resistance for the muscles to work against. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water, so that stretches that might not be possible on the ground can be achieved without strain. Aqua yoga is the perfect combination of the benefits that yoga and swimming can bring.

No previous experience of yoga is necessary to benefit from these exercises. Aqua yoga can be practiced by swimmers and non-swimmers alike but to train as an aqua yoga teacher you will need a swimming qualification. Water is a medium especially suited to pregnant women and wonderfully soothing to those who have just given birth. It is therapeutic and supportive, allowing you to stretch and breathe far beyond your capabilities on dry land. Yoga is a centuries old practice that promotes balance, energy, deep breathing and relaxation. Together they provide the optimum workout for you and your baby.

The adaptation of Yoga movements in water, even for the non-swimmer, makes exercise enjoyable to all pregnant women, particularly if they are suffering from backache or pelvic pain, or if they are overweight. Swimmers benefit from innovative styles of Yoga swimming, which promote fitness, deep breathing and relaxation all in one in a very short span of time. Birthlight Aquanatal Yoga is the ideal preparation for women who are attracted to water birth as it includes special exercises for labour in the birthing pool.