FLMORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM At left, Karen Okawaki gives Tanner a kiss as she performs a push-up.

Healthy programs
for mom, baby
Lookin' good, babe

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

New moms have a number of healthy alternatives for getting in shape using Pilates and yoga techniques.

Instructors are aware of the physical changes and childcare dilemma facing young mothers and certain classes are available to mothers and children.

"I've had mothers bring babies as young as one week," said Pilates and yoga instructor Dana Hershman. "During pregnancy, the hips change, lots of things change. The exercises done in class start to strengthen the muscles that got weakened during pregnancy," she said.

The classes provide a place for new moms to stretch out and relax while building strength. New moms find themselves doing a lot more lifting due to their ever-growing infants, and the exercises also help to keep their bodies aligned.

The single class fee is $11; four classes run $40; or eight classes run $72. An unlimited class pass is $125 and can be used for 30 days. Classes are held from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Yoga-Hawaii in Kaimuki. Call 739-YOGA or visit www.yoga-hawaii.com.

Hershman will also start a prenatal yoga class and a mommy-and-baby yoga class, in October at Pilates Pacific, Inc. Call 221-1114 for details.

The following classes are geared toward the child's development, but include parental interaction:

Mommy and Me dance
Toddlers, ages 1-1/2 to 3 years old, can engage in an exploration of music and movement through singing and playing instruments. Parents participate in the classes to help keep the children focused, said instructor Lisa Kimsey. "Even though the class is geared toward the development of the toddler, the adults have as much fun as the kids. It's a very playful class," she said.

The classes also help youngsters to build motor skills such as walking forward and backward, hopping and tumbling. The class meets from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. The class fee is $7 or $95 for a 16-week semester. Call The Movement Center at 735-8641 to register.

Play with a purpose
Gymboree Play and Music classes offer a progression of developmentally appropriate play and music classes for children, focusing on the child's overall development. "Gym Babies" for infants up to 6 months old, helps new parents stimulate their baby's senses. A variety of classes are also available toddlers up to age 4. The center is located at 98-163 Kaonohi St. in Aiea. Call 486-7529 or visit http://www.playandmusic.com/b2c/customer/home.jsp for more information.

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