Beyond Mat: Yoga For Pregnant Mothers.

Ardha Chandrasana(Half Moon Pose)

Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose invited you to tap into both the calm, balancing energy of the moon and the fiery force of the sun. Ardha means half, whereas Candra denotes shining or hue of light, usually translates as the moon. By learning to stand on one leg at a time in Half Moon Pose, you begin to strengthen both legs evenly. Half Moon Pose is a standing yoga posture that will challenge your leg muscles and your ability to balance. The benefits of these pose areas listed below:

• Strengthens the abdomen, ankles, thighs, buttocks and spine.
• Stretches the groins, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest and spine.
• Improves coordination and sense of balance.
• Helps relieve stress.
• Improves digestion.

In this pose, you will be stacking the hips and shoulders. It's perfect as a peak hip-opening poses through the standing series. Firstly, rest your opposite hand flat on your hips or side waist. Then slowly straighten the bent knee while at the same time the back foot floats off the floor and lifts up to be in line with the hip. Leave your hand on your hip (gentle variation) or reach it towards the sky.

Performing yoga is a great exercise during pregnancy (when modified for safety) as it relieves stress, aches and pains, connects you to your baby in the womb and allows you to discover new strength and power from within.