Toddler Yoga and Family Yoga

Happy Spring everyone! Or if your in AZ, whatever you call this season before triple digits. I've had lots of new things happen over the past few weeks and I am so excited to share! Personally, I am happy to report that everyone in our house FINALLY seems to be sickness free! Thank the lord! Finally getting back into our normal routines, healthy eating, working out, etc!

Yoga-wise, everything is going great! I've added a Mommy and Me Movers Yoga class at Modern Milk. For those local, it is Wednesday morning at 10:30am. Perfect to get energy out before nap time. Ages will be crawling to 2 years! I'm so grateful that a place like Modern Milk exists for moms. If you are expecting or are a new mom, please come check this place out. Stephanie, the owner, is a former labor and delivery nurse and certified lactation consultant. They have weekly support groups, breastfeeding 101 groups, infant sleeping classes, and of course all the prenatal and mommy and me yoga you could ask for! Check out the website here for class times and pricing.


Another fun venture has been adding Toddler and Family Yoga to Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler! The toddler yoga is for ages 18 months to 4 years old and the time is Fridays at 3pm! It is still in it's testing phase, but I know the want for a class like this is high so I'm hoping that attendance picks up! Family Yoga is Sunday at 4pm. This class is for anyone ages 6 and up! You can come with kids, or feel free to come just by yourself or with your husband and friends. I've designed the class as a fun beginner flow style!

I did end up dropping two classes from my weekly schedule, one by circumstances and one by choice. My fellow co-teacher at Modern Milk did a great blog post recently on how we sometimes glorify being busy. Society seems to value us as better functioning members in society if we have our plates full. However, where is the glorification in having so much prep work to do for classes your teaching that you don't have any patience and energy left for your family? I am teaching double-digit classes a week. A lot of people think that it's as simple as time spent driving to the studio and then teaching an hour or a 75 minute class. The truth however is I spend at least 5-10 hours prepping all my classes for the week. Mostly I do this at night after Leia has gone to bed, which means I'm working exhausted. Now, I love teaching. I find that my body is getting used to practicing almost daily while I teach (I like to run through the sequence with the students as a lot of them need visual cues over verbal ones), I love teaching Prenatal and Mommy and Me and then relaxing into my Yin and Restorative classes. Right now, I feel like my body can handle everything! Plus, the money isn't half bad. I love being able to contribute to our bills and still have money for coffee, shopping, spoiling haha. However, I had to face the fact that I was getting burnt out. So the Universe took care of one class, and I took care of another. Of course, I got offered to teach another class on a day that better suits me :) So I will stick with it and see how long I can go on teaching 12 classes a week!

Enough of that! Do you have plans for Easter? I am off from all teaching jobs! So my 1 and only goal is to RELAX! Hopefully you can do a bit of the same!

Namaste! Until next time!

Classes Taught This Week **New Class Alert**

Hi friends! Is it seriously almost the end of January? HOW!? Wow time flies! I will say that so far, I am living up to my New Years goals! I could do better, and will do better, but I am happy with the progress I've made thus far! How are you doing with your resolutions?

I've added a new class to my schedule starting this week! Yin Restorative Thursday at 7pm at Aloha Yoga! Here is a little bit about Yin Yoga from an excellent resource, yinyoga.com:

Yin Yoga has the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation normally created in the asana portion of the practice deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues (which we are calling the yang tissues). Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice.


Suitable for almost all levels of students, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.


We will do a yin style at the beginning of class, and then follow with a restorative practice. In restorative yoga, nourishing poses like childs pose, legs up the wall, and supported bridge are held anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes to create ultimate relaxation and release! This will be the perfect after work flow to get you ready for bed and rested for your Friday morning!

Here is a link to my facebook page where you can find more information on the class:
Jenessa D'Elia Yoga


Here is my schedule for the whole week:

Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga
Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm
More info here.

Yin Restorative Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula
Thursday 7pm-8pm
More info here.

Restorative Bliss Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula
Saturday 10:45am-11:45am
More info here.

Prenatal Yoga at Modern Milk
Sunday 10am-11:15am
More info here.

Mommy and Me Yoga at Modern Milk
Sunday 11:30am-12:30pm
More info here.

Mommy and Me Yoga at Spa Lamar
Sunday 1pm-2pm
More info here.


I hope to see you at one of the many offerings here! Have a fabulous weekend!
Namaste.

Starting At Modern Milk This Sunday!

Happy Thursday friends!
This Tuesday was the grand opening of the new and awesome gathering place for moms called Modern Milk! I am so happy to be there and to be a part of such an awesome community of moms. They are offering Prenatal and Mommy and Me classes every Saturday and Sunday. I am the Sunday teacher, so here is my schedule for that day! Hope to see you there!

Prenatal Yoga at 10AM
Mommy and Me Yoga at 11:30AM

This week will also be Prenatal Yoga at Spa Lamar at 1pm. 

Saturday, I am teaching Restorative at 10:45am at Aloha Yoga in Chandler! You can find the description of Restorative Bliss Yoga here!

For fun, here is a little pic of my baby girl and I rockin bow pose! have a great weekend everyone!

Classes This Week!

Welcome to another fabulous week in January! 2015 has been a great year so far, I must say! I was getting worried, wallowing in self doubt about what I am doing and this journey as a yoga teacher, prenatal yoga teacher specifically, and everything has be confirmed and reassured by the Universe! I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I love it! Are you still sticking to your resolutions? Mine are a daily work in process, but I am happy with my progress! I am attending more yoga classes, and doing more practice at home. I am learning and diving even deeper into class planning. I am eating better, taking probiotics and vitamins again. Life is good!

Here is where you can find me this week!

Wednesday 1/14/2015
Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga in Tempe, 1940 University Dr. Class starts at 6:30pm! This space is wonderful and you will immediately feel at home within this group of women. Nikki (owner/prenatal yoga teacher/doula extraordinaire) has started such a warm and wonderful prenatal/mommy and me program. Most of the women meet each other in prenatal yoga and then continue to stay connected in mommy and me yoga. I love it there. Check out the website (here) for more info!


Saturday 1/17/2015
Restorative Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler, 4939 W. Ray Road. Class starts at 10:45am. If you have never taken a Restorative class, you are missing out! In Restorative yoga, you are held and supported by props (blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps) while you sink deep into postures held for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. The idea is that as you relax into these poses, the muscles release, and you are able to breath new oxygen and new blood circulating into these areas of the body. It is completely rejuvenating, and an experience that can't be missed. Today also marks the beginning of Aloha's 30 days of yoga for $30, where you are able to take up to 17 classes a week! That is pennies on the dollar! Find more information here! The winner of the challenge will receive a FREE additional month of unlimited yoga classes! The studio is gorgeous and serene, like practicing on the ocean water. Check them out!


Sunday 1/18/2015
Mommy and Me Yoga at Spa Lamar in Scottsale, 5115 N. Scottsdale Rd. Class starts at 1:00pm!  There is a wonderful group of mommies that have been attending these classes! Age range for babies is asked to be 6 weeks up to crawling. I wanted to create a class where mothers could gather, bond with their babies, and move their bodies. Of course we need to keep our babies entertained as well, so we have fun singing and clapping, which is great for babies development. It's a fun, light-hearted class that will make you laugh and relax! Babies are in charge, so if at any point you need to feed your baby (breast or bottle), change them, rock them, etc....it is absolutely welcomed and supported! We end every class with a 5-10 minute savasana in which you can breath and relax with your baby! I ask that you bring whatever makes you and baby comfortable! We have blankets at the studio, but burp rags, toys, and stuffed animals are always welcome!



Starting January 25th, I will be teaching Prenatal and Mommy and Me at the AWESOME new place opening up called Modern Milk. For more information on this wonderful new meeting ground for mothers and moms-to-be, check out the website here!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love as a "job". It is wonderful to love what you do and do what you love! Namaste friends!

Looking Forward To 2015

Hi friends!
So today I met with Stephanie, the owner of a new store called Modern Milk opening up in Scottsdale. Here is her bio, as posted on the website:
"Stephanie, Founder of Modern Milk, has a long history in Women's Health. She began her career as a Postpartum Nurse and later moved on to work in Labor & Delivery and High-Risk Antepartum. She then received her degree as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and left the hospital setting for the office setting, where she cared for a wide variety of patients at Camelback Women's Health.  After having her own children and meeting other moms, she noticed there was a strong need for breastfeeding support in the community, which is why she started Modern Milk. Stephanie loves being able to combine her passion for women's health with her passion for helping other moms. She believes that all moms need support and the more moms she can help, the better!"

I am very excited to announce that I will be part of this amazing facility, as a prenatal and mommy and me yoga teacher! My tentative schedule will be Sunday mornings, 10am-11:15am Prenatal and 11:30am-12:30pm Mommy and Me (6weeks up to crawling). There isn't a for sure set date of opening, but she is hoping to get the store opened by January 19th, with my classes being taught the 21st!

Also starting in 2015, I will begin teaching Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga in Tempe on Wednesday evenings! Class with go from 6:30-7:30pm! I met with Nikki, the owner who is one rad chick! She is also a doula, so I look forward to chatting all about that once I figure out where I will get my training from. You can check out all the info on her studio here!

I am no longer teaching Prenatal Yoga at Aloha Yoga in Chandler. In the new year, I will have the same time slot, Saturday mornings 10:45-11:45am but I will be teaching Restorative Yoga! I am nervous because I don't have a lot of experience teaching restorative, but I know that it will work out and hopefully bring more students into the studio! It is one of the most beautiful spaces!

Of course, you can still find me Sundays at 1pm at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale! Next Sunday is Mommy and Me, at 1pm! The class is for babies 6 weeks up to crawling! We sing, move, and just have fun laughing and playing with the babies! Hope to see you there!

I hope the new year brings in everything you are wanting and a few dashes of things you are needing! Make it your best year yet!

Namaste :)

WYCFMTW December 20-21st & Some Thoughts On The PYTT This Past Weekend

Hello friends!
Here is where you can take a class from me this week :)

Prenatal Yoga at the gorgeous Aloha Yoga in Chandler! Click here for some great holiday pricing on yoga classes! Your first class is free!

This week is Mommy & Me Yoga at Spa Lamar! I love this class! Seeing the littles grow every week and enjoying movement with their mommas :) This class is open to ALL caregivers! For babies 6 weeks up to crawling! 1pm-2pm!

After completing the prenatal yoga teacher training at swiha this past weekend (for the 2nd time) I have this renewed passion about natural births (true natural births) and helping women own their power as a mother. As soon as I am able to, I want to do my doula training, preferably through Sacred Pregnancy. I just have this passion about the whole birthing process, and want my life to really be about building women up as they prepare to give birth and raise babies! I could go on and on about my love for everything related to this topic, but the babes are waking up from their nap! Until next time my friends,
Namaste!

Where you can find me this week Saturday Nov. 29th-Sunday Nov. 30th.

Hi all!  Here are the places you can find me this week:

Prenatal Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler

Also, Prenatal Yoga at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale

Both have groupons and holiday packages available, so make sure to stop by and check out the discounts and deals!

I have another exciting announcement! I was asked to assist in the 20 hour prenatal yoga course at SWIHA! This is just so awesome because I was in love with the class and it really solidified my want to teach prenatal yoga. The instructor, Gila, is an excellent mentor and one that I look up to deeply. She is also a doula, which I hope to be one day. You don't have to be a YTT student to sign up for the class, in fact most aren't! If you want to learn about natural birthing, breastfeeding, natural parenting, safe yoga poses for pregnant women, and so much more, consider signing up! You will not be disappointed! You can register HERE. I will be teaching a 30 minute prenatal sequence as well during the course.

Why Prenatal Is So Beneficial

Hi friends!
So you may have figured out that I teach prenatal yoga...and you may have even noticed that I am pretty passionate about it. You also may be wondering why I think it is so beneficial. Sure it's good to move your body and "exercise" right? Yes, but when you are pregnant, the specific movements that you will find in a prenatal class can not only impact your new body, but the life growing inside it as well.

Say whaaaat.

I know. So, here is a little (by all means NOT inclusive) list of why you should consider doing Prenatal Yoga when you are pregnant:

Breath Awareness
This is something you should find in any good yoga class. There are three parts to yoga: asana (poses), meditation, and breath. Bringing attention to the breath has a calming effect on the mind and thus the body. When you are asked to focus on your breath in class (you will usually be taught a breath such as Ujjayi or 3 Part Breath)your drawing your attention inward. Your breaths are deeper, more penetrating. You bring awareness into filling the belly, expanding the rib cage, and lifting the chest. Your oxygen levels literally power up! Amazing. For pregnant women, this can mean bringing the breath back into tight spaces that have been replaced by a growing babe. Having awareness and control of the breath also comes handy when it comes to labor and delivery, regardless of your birth plan. Taking yoga class early in your pregnancy will help you to learn about breathing techniques sooner and help you to use them when it is time to deliver your baby.

Strengthening of the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles that form a bowl attached to the pelvis. This muscle supports the vital reproductive and digestion organs, as well as the baby during pregnancy. Why is knowing this important? Well the weight that accumulates on the pelvic floor while pregnant weakens it, which can cause a multitude of problems down the road including prolapse or sagging of the uterus, bladder, and rectum and urinary/stool incontinence. Yikes right? In prenatal yoga classes, you are taught how to strengthen your pelvic floor with the asana and breath. After you go through the process of delivering and stretching all those muscles, you can use these techniques to strengthen them back up. Even if you are having a cesarean section, there is still weight put on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, so these exercises are still very beneficial to you.


Aches, Pains, & Circulation
It's no secret that your body will change while pregnant. Your center of gravity will shift as you get bigger, your blood circulation will be directed towards the baby causing swelling in the extremities, and your shoulders and backs will ache as the number on scale goes up. Fun stuff. So how does yoga help? Well for starters, we work on poses that will ease tension in the typically painful areas of the body during pregnancy. Hint, there are a lot of hip openers! Which are juicy poses for everyone, not just expecting mommas. Hip opening poses such as pigeon, goddess, and bound ankle pose release the lower back, stretch the adductor muscle, and relieve tension. Balancing postures such as tree pose, warrior 3 at the wall, and warrior 2 increase blood circulation throughout the legs, decreasing the chance of blood clots forming and swelling. These postures, modified and done safely, will provide the ultimate relief for any aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Restorative yoga, again modified for a pregnant woman, can also provide deep relaxation and releasing of the muscles.

Prenatal classes are also fun! They are a chance to meet other moms and they provide a moment to bond with your growing baby. They pull together movement with breath and meditation to form a truly unique experience. Check out your local prenatal classes!

You can find myself teaching at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale and Aloha Yoga in Chandler.
Tempe moms, stay tuned for Prenatal coming to you very soon :)
Namaste!

Prenatal Yoga At Aloha Yoga and Hula

Hi there!! I hope everyone is having a lovely day!
I wanted to share that I am teaching the first Prenatal Yoga class this Saturday, November 8th at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler, Az!!

I hope to see my expecting mommas there!