Yoga with your baby more than child’s pose

A HADDON mum is helping parents get moving with their children.

Alana Rushton is a yoga instructor who is running parents and babies’ yoga classes every Tuesday morning during school terms as a way to get the community social and moving.

“I had a background in journalism, writing and working for a politician and then my career changed to being a mum and I found that I was stressed out and wanted to find something that would be a bit of exercise,” she said.

“Yoga is a gentle recovery to do after you’ve had a baby.”

Ms Rushton gained her 500-hour Purna yoga certificate with the Byron Yoga Centre.

“Once I started yoga it came pretty naturally because I really enjoyed the physical aspect but more importantly the ability to be able to relax,” she said.

“It is hard to regain that sense of community when your career has changed from being a full-time worker to having this baby at home.

“The yoga classes are a friendly environment and a great way to meet people, to let the babies interact and to not worry about your child making a noise, needing a feed or all those distractions that you might worry about with a regular fitness class.”

Ms Rushton said, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s key for parents get social.

“It’s more important than ever to look after people’s mental health and understand that you’re part of a bigger place, to gain that confidence again and share stories of what your babies are up to,” she said.

Ms Rushton also offers a range of other classes for everyone from seniors to children and currently teaches yoga at Loreto College Ballarat.

The classes are held at the Haddon Community Centre and cost $14 for concession card holders and $17 for adults, with children up to kinder age welcome to join their parents.

To book email Alana at [email protected].