Check out my new site

For the longest time I've been trying to create a better looking and more professional website and today I finally took the first step towards getting it up and running.
Check it out and send me your comments, feedback, etc!
Namaste!
www.yogawithandre.com

New website for www.yogawithandre.com

Be in 2012

Yes, the year 2011 is about to end and I still seem to find it hard to post regularly on my blog. I want to thank Annette from Downtown Yoga for allowing me to offer Prenatal Yoga classes throughout the year. I also want to thank Cathy from The Zen Room for letting me teach at her studio.
Our little one Emma is about to turn 2 and we are getting ready for a new arrival into the family: another baby girl. My biggest wish is that we will be able to adapt to new routines and new schedules without too much drama. I hope to be able to be a supportive and loving mom to both my little girls and a good friend to my husband.
Over the past few months, I have been diligently waking up before sunrise and practicing a short series of asanas followed by a few minutes of meditation. This has helped me prepare for the big changes up ahead. "Breathe, breathe and stay in the present moment" I keep telling myself.
I'm not sure how much time I will find in 2012 to teach yoga but I know yoga is already ingrained into my life, even if I don't always find my way to my mat. Setting aside time to nurture myself in 2012 will be very hard, but I promise to keep trying. That's my resolution for 2012.
I'm looking forward to having my in-laws come and help out during the initial first few weeks. I'm specially excited about my sister's visit in April 2012, her first visit to our home in US. A long-waited event indeed!!!
I'm grateful for the beautiful, sunny winter days; for my husband and his unending love; for my family's support no-matter-what; for the joys and hardships of motherhood and all my lovely friends, scattered throughout the world. I love you all.
Peace to everyone. Breathe, feel, and Be all that you want to be.

Prenatal Yoga at DTY starts a new 6-wk session next Nov. 15th

If you are preggo and want to explore ways in which prenatal yoga can help you relieve stress and stay fit at the same time, go to www.yogadowntownmelbourne.com and sign up for the last 6-wk session of the year 2011.
I'm preggo too so don't be scared!

Yoga Scholarships

Just thought I'd share this information which I received recently via e-mail:

"Hello, I am the assistant editor for a site called Yoga Training Guide that supports students along their path of becoming a yoga teacher. We have just launched our annual scholarship program where students can enter to win a free yoga teacher training from 21 schools and teachers that include Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Rolf Gates, Doug Swenson, Amazing Yoga, Yandara Yoga, Agama Yoga, Shakti Spirit, and many others. These programs are all over the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, India, Spain and more.

"Our goal with this program is to truly support those students who want to make a positive difference in the world but have a hard time being able to afford a teacher training. I thought your readers might like to know and if they care to learn more, they can visit our Yoga Teacher Scholarship page that outlines the program further.

"Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Best,

Ashley Moreno
Assistant Editor
hello@yogatrainingguide.com"

Breathwork Workshop at the Zen Room - $15

Pranayama (Breath) Workshop     
October 22 1-2:30pm

Pranayama is the practice of effecting one's energy by training the breath. This workshop provides both theory and practice to teach you how to set up an invigorating and healing breathing routine.
Come and experience the science of Pranayama, one of the most powerful tools for mental balance and stress management.
Theory and practice come together in this 90 minute workshop. All levels welcome.  Preregister at The Zen Room or email cathyandjessy@gmail.com to reserve a space.  15$ per participant.

Visit www.thezenroom.info for details.

Upside down

I love headstands! The rush of blood to the brain, the feeling of seeing everything upside down, the abdominal strength needed to get up there and stay there, the challenge of finding balance, the shoulder strength needed to avoid hurting your cervical spine, the subtle adjustmnts... I could go on! I love it all and I love this picture that my friend Melodi captured of me doing one of my favorite postures!
Namaste!

Headstand - Sirsasana

Photos to share

Seated half-moon

Tree pose

A good friend of mine recently took some photos of me doing yoga at a nearby location where I like to take Emma on playdates and hang out when the whether is not scorching. Here are the first ones I got back.
If you want to see my friend's other photos, check out her Flickr account:
Melodi Ayn.

A student's testimonial

A student of mine recently wrote this testimonial about my Prenatal Yoga classes. I meant to post it sooner but being a mom always makes it difficult for me to spend time in front of the computer. So finally, here it is, along with my best wishes for her new baby girl and for all new moms as they transition through their pregnancies and into motherhood.
Thanks Krista!
"Andre's prenatal classes have been instrumental in helping me prepare my mind and body not only for the process of labor, but for the journey into motherhood. I left each class feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. Her classes inspired me and empowered me to believe in my intuition as a woman and mother. [Andre} the prenatal classes you teach helped me to really enjoy the process of being pregnant. I looked forward to your class every week. I attended until the end of my pregnancy. Prenatal yoga by Andre helped me to stay balanced and calm throughout my pregnancy. I'm sure I'll be a better mother as a result. Thanks Andre.---Krista P. Trefz, Psy.D."

Happy Summer everyone!

I've been thinking a lot about Summer lately. There's been stories on NPR about summer sounds and plenty of people writing about what summer means to them. There's lots of desperate moms with kids out of school looking for activities to keep them busy and out of trouble. And of course, there's the Florida heat!
Growing up just north of the Equator, I guess for me summer lasted all year. It wasn't until I was 10 that I learned that there were seasons, when my family relocated to Serbia.
I've been trying to identify what summer means to me. As a kid, it meant sleeping in, watching TV, no school, traveling with the family and all those good things. I guess Summer is different in ech part of the world. When I lived in Argentina, Summer occurred January - March with the start of a new year.
Here in Central Florida, it's definitely a time to slow down and conserve energy. I'm the mom of a 16 month old and even though we love spending time outdoors, lately I find myself looking for more ways to have fun indoors. I also have to remember to bring water and not only keep our baby hydrated, but to keep myself hydrated.
Truth is I always say that Summers here in Florida are more like Winters in other places because the heat, the humidity and the bugs make it more tempting to stay indoors than to go outdoors. Nevertheless, it's still important to get fresh air. So we make sure to get out before 9 am and after 6 pm, when the ocean breeze make the days more enjoyable.
What does any of this have to do with Yoga? Well, for one thing Summer is definitely a good time to practice indoors, drink plenty of liquids and perhaps go easy on the body. It's a nice time to practice more restorative poses and spend more time cooling down at the end of a session. It's also a good season to practice later in the evening and get the most out of daylight.
Whatever you do, wherever you are, be present, in the moment and don't take anything for granted. Every single moment is a little treasure.

Prenatal Yoga Workshop - June 4 - $30

Join us for this workshop specifically designed with expecting mommies in mind.
All stages of pregnancy are welcome.
No prior yoga experience is necessary.
To sign in go directly to www.yogadowntownmelbourne.com

NPR's 'The baby project'

I just thought I'd share this link: if you are a pregnant woman and your due date is in July, you might want to participate in this NPR story on pregnancy, delivery, babies and motherhood.

http://www.npr.org/2011/05/20/136355973/the-baby-project-share-your-story

Been a long time...

It's been a long time since I last blogged, so I just want to write a quick update on what's going on in the life of Yoga with Andre.
The main thing is I'm planning a Prenatal Yoga Workshop that will be held at Downtown Yoga in Melbourne. I'm hoping more people sign up over the next couple of days. So if you're interested, sign up here.
On a more personal note, I'm grateful that I have found a reliable helper. She takes Emma on walks, takes her to the park and the zoo and spends valuable time with her. During that time I enjoy some much needed quiet time to myself. I take showers without stress; I eat breakfast or make a phone call in peace; I work from home (besides teaching yoga I'm also in charge of updating WFIT's website. Hubby and I use the days when Emma is with her sitter to grab quick lunch dates. I run errands without the added physical strain of hauling a 25 lbs baby around. In other words, I enjoy a few stress-free hours.
Of course I worry sick about Emma when she's not in my presence, but I try to control my thoughts and so far her sitter has proven to be a very responsible and professional person.
The other added bonus of having a helper twice a week is that I get more done during the day which means that I can enjoy more me-time in the evenings after I put Emma to bed. Those magical quiet hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. have become the hours when I do things for myself like read a book, practice some gentle restorative yoga postures or just simply cut my toenails! Some nights, hubby and I just lie in bed reading, quietly, sharing the same space and unwinding together before falling asleep.
Remember: taking time to nourish and care for ourselves is just as important as taking time to take care of our little ones.

Prenatal Yoga Workshop - June 4 - $30

1:00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.Downtown Yoga, Downtown Melbourne
Price: $30
Downtown Yoga: 532 E. New Haven Ave. Downtown Melbourne, FL 32901
321 - 676 - 4600
Register online at: www.yogadowntownmelbourne.com
For details contact Andre by phone 321 - 432 - 7091 or E-mail: yogawithandre@gmail.com
Andre is 200-hr Certified Yoga Instructor, Prenatal Yoga Certified

Why Prenatal Yoga?

The bodily changes that occur during pregnancy can often cause aches and pains which can make pregnancy a difficult time in a woman's life.

Prenatal yoga exercises have been specifically designed with this in mind.

In this workshop, we will learn how to adapt regular yoga postures so that they can be practiced by an expecting mom safely.

We will also learn breathing exercises (pranayama) which will help us prepare for childbirth.
* As always with any physical exercise, if you have any doubts about whether you should participate in this workshop, consult with your doctor or midwife prior to registering.


* Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat (also available at the studio) and a pillow.


* Open to all pregnant women, during any stage of their pregnancy.


* No prior yoga experience is necessary.

Prenatal Yoga

Click, download, e-mail, copy, paste,
share, spread the word,
join us.

I apologize

I apologize for promising to write about my experience at the Seane Corn workshop. I apologize for not making the time to update my blog about yoga. I apologize for not always practicing as I wish I could. I apologize for having to cancel some classes because my husband is out of town and my babysitter quit. I apologize for apologizing so much.
I still love yoga.
I still practice every chance I get to.
I still teach every chance I get to.
I still try to get my husband to do a little yoga every chance I get to.

Breathe, breathe, the only thing that is certain about life is change.

Coming soon: 'Teaching vinyasa yoga' workshop with Seane Corn

The week is flying by and I'm getting ready to drive down to Miami (about 3.5 hrs) with my little one year old to attend Seane Corn's workshop. Due to my little one, quite a lot of logistics and planning are required, but it's all good. She will stay with relatives while I attend the workshop and I will also enjoy some 'latin' vibes and family time while I'm there.
If you don't know who Seane Corn is, go to her site:
www.seanecorn.com
Namaste!

The Science of Mother Love

I'm sure everyone (at least everyone that lives in the US and gets exposed to the all the commercial hype that's impossible to avoid!) spent at least few seconds thinking about love and its many facets this past Valentine's Day.

I sure did.

So I decided to do a little research on motherly love and came across this wonderful article. I shared it with my Prenatal Yoga students who attend my Tuesday evening class in Downtown Melbourne (at Downtown Yoga) and now I post it here for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

The Science of Mother Love (Source: Babiesonline.com)

Free prenatal yoga videos online!

I just wanted to share this very valuable piece of information with all you yoga mammas out there! I came across this website and decided I should post a link to it from my blog for anyone interested in Prenatal Yoga. This website offers many videos for home practice that you can follow at your own pace in the comfort of your home.

So now you don't have an excuse not to practice!

If you have any doubts about whether it's ok for you to practice prenatal yoga, always ask your doctor just to be sure.

Enjoy!

Link: Prenatal Yoga Videos

Mom and Baby Yoga cancelled at The Zen Room

Bananas? Yummy!

I'm one of those people who has a very difficult time saying no, but sometimes you just have to. I have decided to cancel my Mom and Baby yoga classes for several reasons. First of all, Emma, my baby daughter, is almost 1 yr old and needs a lot more attention than when she was just 3 months. And second of all, the attendance was never higher than four moms.
After trying to get a Mom and Baby yoga class going for almost a year, I have come to the conclusion that Mom and Baby yoga requires certain special conditions for the class to be both fun and safe for moms and their babies.
First of all, the room is very important. An uncluttered, childproof, carpeted room is best.
Second, just like every baby is different, every mom is different. I think Mom and Baby yoga is best practiced during the first 6 - 8 months post-partum. One reason for this is that yoga can definitely aid in the sometimes very slow process of recovery most women go through after birth. Back muscles need strengthening, pelvic muscles need toning, arms need stretching, everything needs realigning and specially the abs, these need special attention since we loose almost all muscle tone in the abdominal area. Nevertheless, the way to regain it is not by jump starting a rigorous exercise routine (at least not for everyone) but by slowly strengthening the abdominal muscles along with all other parts of the body, slowly and gradually.
Another reason why Mom and Baby yoga can be of wonderful assistance soon after birth is that it gives moms something to do with their babies during those first months when bonding is so crucial and vital.
And lastly, it's just much easier for both mom and baby to practice while baby is still fairly stationary. Once those little crawlers start pulling themselves up, grabbing someone else's water bottle, stealing another baby's pacifier, let's admit it moms: our breath speeds up and we start to panic both because we are embarrassed and also because we fear germs.
In any case, I definitely want to offer another Mom and Baby yoga class in the future, but right now my priority is Emma and she needs me the most. Perhaps when she can handle herself a little better and spend a few hours in school, I will be able to dedicate more of my "free" time to help other moms stretch, strengthen and relax through the ancient practice of yoga during that delicate post-partum period of our lives.
If anyone is interested in arranging private classes at home or at the studio, I'd be more than happy to work our a convenient schedule and an exercise sequence specifically designed to meet your needs.
Namaste to all you moms and babies!

2011: A new year for Yoga

Hello everyone. A very very very happy new year to all of you that might be interested in taking a class with me or who are just perusing the net for Yoga related articles.
I can definitely say that 2010 marked a turning point in my life. On a very sad note, I lost my dad at the age of 74, to a massive heart attack. But even though he is not with me anymore, his teachings and life experiences still live in me and in those whose lives he touched.
2010 was also the year in which I entered motherhood for the first time. Our baby girl is now 10 months and it's just amazing how intense and joyful our lives have become. I am so grateful for every moment that I spend with her.
As far as Yoga teaching goes, little Emma doesn't leave me a lot of time to take on a full schedule of classes so I only have a few classes a week to offer:
- If you are an expecting mom, join me on Tuesdays at 6.45 P.M. at Downtown Yoga in Downtown Melbourne. All levels are welcome. Variations are offered for first, second and third trimester.
- If Tuesdays doesn't work for you, join me for Prenatal Yoga at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village on Fridays at 5.30 P.M.
- Also on Fridays, I will be teaching a Hatha Yoga (all levels) class at 6.30 P.M. at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village.
- And last but not least, Mom and Baby Yoga is still held on Fridays at 10.30 A.M. at The Zen Room in Cocoa Village.
That's all for now.
Namaste!