Here are the top ten reasons to attend a hypnobirthing course. Gain the tools to achieve a positive birth experience One of the key elements for a positive birth experience is confidence. Regardless of the type of birth you end up having, you can have a positive experience by knowing what you can control. And, of course,  letting go of what you cannot. Learn to trust your body, your instincts and your baby From an early age, we have been socially programmed to believe birth is painful. By replacing this fear and negative outlook, you can enjoy the amazing experience of pregnancy and birth. Having the confidence that your body will work effectively and in the way that it is naturally designed to is vital. It is equally vital that  your baby knows what to do too. This confidence will keep you relaxed and calm. It will also enable you to follow your instincts. This, in turn, will guide you to what is best for you and your baby. Birth without unnecess...

Studies have shown that 95% of labour pain is the direct result of the birthing mother’s fear and tension. So what if there was no fear and tension? Does that mean there would be very little pain in childbirth? Well, many hypnobirthing mothers would agree with that. They would claim that any discomfort was manageable without the need of medication. So how does fear cause a labouring woman to feel pain? When we experience fear or anxiety, our ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in. We all know that feeling. Think back to how you felt before a test, an interview or meeting your prospective in-laws. While you may not have run away or hit anyone, you would have experienced that rush of adrenaline produced by your body to help you survive the situation if it becomes too scary. A labouring woman who feels afraid or nervous is not in a position to fight anyone and certainly is not capable of fleeing the scene. Well, not with any speed. However, her body will still produce adrenaline....

YOGA FOR BIRTH PREPARATION NEXT COURSE: WEDNESDAY 8 & 15 JUNE, 4:30-6PM Diane's "Yoga for Birth Preparation" classes are tailored for the final stages of pregnancy (from 32 weeks), where what we need most is to quieten the mind, let go of time pressures and constant doing and be in a consciously relaxed state, where we can connect with ourselves, our babies and our inner birthing wisdom. The course runs over two weeks covering the following topics: Week 1: The natural physiology of birth – What to expect at different stages of the labour process Using breath as your anchor in labour – Detailed breath techniques for the different stages of labour. Week 2: Managing fear – Trusting your body and nurturing a sense of empowerment Creating a positive intention and guided relaxation – Letting go of the intellect and connecting with intuition and instincts. After the initial discussion, the session then becomes more body focused incorporating yoga postures t...

YOGA FOR BIRTH PREPARATION NEXT COURSE: Wednesday 4/5 and Wednesday 11/5/2016 Diane's "Yoga for Birth Preparation" classes are tailored for the final stages of pregnancy (from 32 weeks), where what we need most is to quieten the mind, let go of time pressures and constant doing and be in a consciously relaxed state, where we can connect with ourselves, our babies and our inner birthing wisdom. The course runs over two weeks covering the following topics: Week 1: The natural physiology of birth – What to expect at different stages of the labour process Using breath as your anchor in labour – Detailed breath techniques for the different stages of labour. Week 2: Managing fear – Trusting your body and nurturing a sense of empowerment Creating a positive intention and guided relaxation – Letting go of the intellect and connecting with intuition and instincts. After the initial discussion, the session then becomes more body focused incorporating yoga postures...

To rest, relax and restore is essential in today’s society where stress levels are rising. To rest deeply is to experience absolute relaxation, where there is effortless stillness, quietness and peace. Restorative Yoga provides bespoke restorative postures, specific yoga based sequences, breath awareness practices and relaxation. Open to both men and women this class is suitable for couples trying to conceive naturally or through IVF (providing you have been referred by your IVF consultant). The physical focus of the postures is to create space and ease and to optimize the blood flow to the muscles and connective tissues in the lower pelvis. On an emotional level, the benefits of restorative yoga and the haven of a safe, nurturing environment, can help both men and women cope with the stress associated with trying to conceive and to increase the ability to self nurture, deeply relax and accept where they are in the process. Our restorative fertility classes are in conjunction...

PRENATAL PILATES SATURDAY MORNINGS,  11:15AM - 12:15PM Prenatal Pilates can help retrain your muscles to accommodate to the changes your body is undergoing throughout your pregnancy. Many women find Pilates helps some of the common ailments associated with pregnancy such as back and pelvic pain. It is a safe and effective way to strengthen the core muscles including the pelvic floor. It is recommend you attend in the second or third trimester. Join our Physiotherapist and Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates Instructor, Rachel Druce, for this course and see the benefits for yourself! COST AND BOOKINGS Yoga Mama Prenatal Pilates class passes cost £84 (6 classes to be used within 8 weeks). To enrol on this course, call  0208 789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk . CLASS PASSES Yoga Mama operates a class pass system on Prenatal Yoga and Pilates courses. Class passes cost £84 for 6 classes, which must be used within 8 weeks. Upon enrolling on a c...

  RESTORATIVE YOGA WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 8-9PM Unwind at the end of your day with a class that starts with gentle, yet strengthening yoga stretches and breath work, before moving toward restorative yoga, using props (bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps, eye bags) to support the body, create comfort and minimize muscular tension, which in turn helps to relax the nervous system, rest the adrenal glands, fostering a deep sense of well-being. This class is suitable for all levels of experience and flexibility. It is also suitable for people returning to yoga practice after a spell away, or any one working with injuries or health conditions. Above all, it's an hour where individuals can switch off from the pace of London life and tune into themselves. BOOKINGS This 8-week restorative yoga course costs £112. To book your place, call 020 8789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk .

4-WEEK ASHTANGA YOGA FOR BEGINNERS COURSE STARTS SATURDAY 25 APRIL, 8:45AM We are pleased to announce that Yoga Mama will be offering a new 4-week ashtanga yoga for beginners course which starts on Saturday 25 April, 8.45am. The class will be led by Degy and is designed for beginners. Please note that this course is unsuitable for pregnant women who have not studied ashtanga yoga before. ABOUT THE COURSE The beginner course will teach you the grounding elements of Ashtanga Yoga. You will learn the main principles of this method, which are linking breath and movement. You will be taught the Surya namaska sequence and introduced to the standing postures. This particular method of yoga is ultimately practiced in what is called "Mysore style", where you move through the sequence at your own pace, in what becomes like a moving meditation. It is both dynamic and relaxing at the same time. ABOUT THE TEACHER Degy was introduced to the ashtanga yoga method here a...

8, 9 AND 10 SEPTEMBER 2015 We are delighted to announce that internationally renowned ashtanga yoga teacher, Nancy Gilgoff, will be returning to Yoga Mama and The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy in September for three days of Mysore-style ashtanga yoga workshops. This is a unique opportunity to practice with Nancy, in her only teaching dates in London this year. Book early if you would like to attend, as places will go quickly. ABOUT NANCY GILGOFF Nancy is widely respected as one of the greatest pioneers of ashtanga yoga to the West. She was one of the first westerners to study ashtanga yoga over 30 years ago with K.Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. She is the director of Maui's House of Yoga and Zen. Her studies have led her to the dharma teachings of the Dalai Lama and the expression of love and compassion for all beings. We are honoured to host Nancy's only workshops in London this year. PROGRAMME OF EVENTS Tuesday 8th September (8:30am - 11:30am): Mysore ...

8, 9 AND 10 SEPTEMBER 2015 We are delighted to announce that internationally renowned ashtanga yoga teacher, Nancy Gilgoff, will be returning to Yoga Mama in September for three days of Mysore style workshops. This is a unique opportunity to practice with Nancy, in her only teaching dates in London this year. Book early if you would like to attend, as places will go quickly. BOOKINGS Bookings: call 020 8789 3881 or email info@putneyclinic.co.uk .

Ashtanga yoga is a flowing dynamic form of yoga, where each pose is linked and synchronised using a breath and movement system . Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga yoga is a set series of postures that are linked to the breath in a flow of movement, increasing strength and flexibility. The discipline of this system allows us to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves. It is both empowering, and liberating and allows us to move through life with a calmness and steadiness of mind and body. Ashtanga Yoga courses at Yoga Mama In addition to our Friday morning (9 -10:30am) Ashtanga Led Yoga course, we have added a new Tuesday morning (9:30 - 11am) course too. Both of these courses last for 8 weeks and cost £120. Come along and join our yoga classes to gain muscle strength, flexibility and improve your posture to help prevent re-injury and to achieve a mind-body connection. More information and bookings For more information or to book your place on...

Yoga Mama features in the September 2014 edition of the OM Yoga and Lifestyle magazine. Cherie Lathey's article, titled "The Fourth Trimester", looks at the importance and benefits of postnatal yoga. The magazine is available to buy at newsagents. Cost £3.95.

As you probably already know, London is an exciting, vibrant and often noisy city. However, if you look hard enough you will also discover that it also has a quiet side. Writer, Siobhan Wall, has compiled a guide to quiet corners in and around the capital (some better known than others) and Yoga Mama are pleased to announce that we have been included in the book. Siobhan encourages Londoners and visitors to the city to wander away from the crowds and discover calm amid the hustle and bustle. Quiet London is a guide to over 100 quiet corners in and around the capital, bringing together a mix of peaceful gardens and green spaces to lose oneself in, and places that inspire rest, relaxation, meditation and mindful contemplation. We are honoured to have been chosen among a select group of quiet corners in London. Why not come along and find out for yourself? Our studio is located in a peaceful and tranquil environment in the heart of Putney, south-west London. Quiet London i...

My daughter Cally is taking part in this year's London Marathon in aid of the World Wildlife Fund. This is a huge task for her as she is an inexperienced runner. The interview below in which she tells us about her preparation was originally posted on The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy blog and I thought I would share it with you all. :-)   A beginner runner's account of Marathon training On Sunday 13th April, the 34th edition of the Virgin Money London Marathon will take place. The 26-mile route, which starts in Greenwich Park and Blackheath and ends in The Mall, attracts elite athletes from all around the world, as well as thousands of runners raising money for their favourite charities. One such runner is 23 year-old fashion graduate Cally-Siân Lathey from Putney, who is also a patient at the Clinic. She will be participating in this year's Marathon on behalf of the World Wildlife Fund and has kindly agreed to tell us about her preparation for the event. ...

Meet some of the Yoga Alliance UK Teachers from Yoga Alliance UK on Vimeo . Join some of the Yoga Alliance UK Teachers as they tell us about how they started their yoga journey and what is important to them. Recorded at the Om Yoga Show in 2013. For your information a rather tired me appears at 05:21 ;o)

The Yoga Mama team had a wonderful (busy) time at the Om Yoga show here in London. The show also featured the Mind, Body exhibition where there was plenty of weird and wonderful things happening, including spiritual hair cutting. We met so many lovely people and I was really happy to have some of my yoga pals drop by and say hello... A big thank you to everyone who made it possible. Here are some photos of the event. For more details on Pregnancy yoga teacher training in London go to www.yogamama.co.uk The one quiet moment       Some of the Yoga Mama team                          Some of the Yoga Mama team  The Yoga Mama stand Kevin joins the team :-) Marygrace  Mel from Yogaclicks brings us a smile                   Scott from Stillpoint yoga London selling t-shirts... not :-))  ...

Here is a photo of a 5 month pregnant ashtanga yoga student at Nancy's recent London workshops. She had a beautiful fluid practice and was taking appropriate modifications for pregnancy-I would not recommend you take up ashtanga yoga in pregnancy- but as you can see, if you already have a practice you can continue once you have passed the 3 month period ( Sharath Jois is recommending you do not practice ashtanga in the first three months). Talk to your teacher for advise on modifications, as not all poses are suitable during pregnancy

by Fleur Borrelli, Nutritionist Here are some excellent tips to help you stay young. Aerobic exercise Exercise on an empty stomach Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit Avoid environmental chemicals Eat whole foods Live! Laugh! Love! For more information or appointments, you can contact Fleur at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy on 0208 789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk or visit our website. Nutrition and Superfood website: www.nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk Telephone: 07766 883 522 for a free consultation.

by Fleur Borrelli, Nutritionist How effective we are at exercising aerobically all depends on our mitochondria. Mitochondria are little sub-units, known as organelles, inside our cells. These are the power-houses of the cell, the engines, where make most of our ATP which is the body’s energy currency is generated. Apart from producing energy for us, they coordinate other actions such as becoming a skin cell or a muscle cell. They also manage cell death which needs to occur in a way that does not cause collateral damage and can even be beneficial to us. Our mitochondria are so vital to health that we need to treat them well. They are semi-autonomous and reproduce independently of the cells they live in a way that is very similar to a bug. In fact microbiologists believe that at the beginning of time they might have lived freely as bacteria, until they took up resident in larger cells. They even have their own DNA to produce proteins which help our cells to work. When we engage...

Lets get this party started. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. x