A BETTER WAY
TO BE IN YOUR (PREGNANT) BODY
with Anuta Bondarenko

I was four days past my due date and feeling extremely uncomfortable when Anuta kindly offered to assist me in initiating labor. Her support was invaluable. She guided me through various exercises that not only relieved some of my discomfort but also mentally prepared me by helping me visualize my labor and focus on my goals.

Anuta also taught me breathing techniques that proved to be incredibly helpful during labor and the transition stages. Additionally, she provided tips for my husband to support me through contractions, which made a significant difference. I was deeply impressed by the depth of Anuta's knowledge and the practical advice she offered.

We concluded our session with a relaxing and positive affirmation written by Anuta, which helped me feel at ease and mentally prepared. Her affirmation reassured me that my baby would soon be in my arms, safe and sound.

To my delight, I went into labor the very next day. The exercises, breathing techniques, and overall support from Anuta enabled me to have the positive birthing experience I had always hoped for. I am extremely pleased with Anuta's assistance and would highly recommend her for every stage of pregnancy, especially towards the end when you need both mental and physical relief. Anuta is truly a wonderful support to have during such a crucial time.

I have attended Anuta’s prenatal yoga classes starting at about 20 weeks of pregnancy. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her exercises and care. Anuta has a special gift for connecting to people, understanding (today’s) pain points and catering to those. I’ve specifically struggled with swollen feet and hands and her classes were just pure medicine. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her care as well as her personality and energy (during the crazy time of being pregnant). I worked out until the day my water broke and have had an amazing birthing experience, quite quick and painless actually with a very speedy recovery. And I attribute all of that to how active I was before and especially the yoga program. Thank you so much for everything, Anuta! 

Before working with Anuta, I was a skeptic on holistic approaches including the benefits of Yoga. I was gifted a package of prenatal yoga and reluctantly went. Anuta completely changed my perspectives. Her attention to detail in her classes made the difference. She was able to identify certain stretches that addressed common concerns her clients had within the the first 5 mins of class. During many of the sessions, I especially had painful wrists and Anuta was always able to provide alternatives to complete the movement with the class. After completing the program, it was clear that Anuta's experience and passion for this field has greatly improved my pregnancy journey and for that I am very thankful!

I'm so grateful to you for your work with me and for helping me become a better, more aware user of my own body! I will continue to share your work with my colleagues. working with you is extraordinarily beneficial to any pianist! You developed new and adapted existing approaches to a healthy body mobility based on a 90-degree sitting position of a pianist and it is rare and invaluable. For those performers who are interested in longevity, flexibility, and experience any signs of hand/arm injury due to piano practicing, sessions with you will help build strength long-term, and develop healthy posture while playing the piano. A must!

My body feels more open, and relaxed. Movement is easier, more fluid. I have increased awareness both mentally and physically of how my muscles work together to facilitate movement. I am more aware of less desirable movement patterns which stress my body and more able to make corrections by calling on muscles to do their job more harmoniously or optimally.

On a personal level this work is helping me slow down. I tend to move too quickly and impatiently, and have injured myself as a result. I also tend to hold different muscles ( eg. my jaw). I am more aware of this and more able to correct it. I am also learning not to excessively push or force my muscles in order to achieve various tasks. I guess in a sense I am feeling more appreciative and respectful towards my body. I am also much more aware of how interconnected the body is as opposed to seeing it as a collection of disjointed, separate parts with separate roles.

I have pursued "body work" for over half a century. I have learned from yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, Laban, the Alexander technique, West African dance, Flamenco, modern, ballet... I graduated from the dance program at York University and practiced as a dance/movement therapist. Subsequently I became a special education consultant and most recently a dance and drama teacher at the elementary level.

My experiences have introduced me to a handful of "master movement teachers": people whose kinesthetic sense extends to an astute perception of the physical presence of others. Anuta is one of these rare beings.

Anuta's range of support is grounded in the work of Katy Bowman, but it is not limited by it. Her non-verbal intelligence is coupled with a facility in offering clear succinct comments and prompts that have contributed to sustaining my own learning, strengthening and celebration of my 70 year old body.

I have worked with Anuta in a small group setting and in private sessions. In the small group, students received attention specific to their individual needs while following a progressive series of movements which enhanced alignment, flexibility and strength. I have found private sessions to be excellent in addressing current challenges, such as knee pain resulting from minimal cartilage and lifelong patterns of movement related to external stressors.

Anuta brings a warm empathy and respect for the individual to her work. I highly recommend her services to those seeking to be active participants in their physical health and remediation.

I discovered or perhaps, re-discovered how everything in the body impacts everything else. I've recently re-invigorated my yoga practice and re-started jogging/running. I now approach both activities with greater awareness of my body. I learned the importance of having my feet and ankles activated and properly stretched, for example.

Your approach taught me to slow down (I used to think that only high intensity exercises are beneficial), connect my mind with body movement with more awareness. I learned to better balance contracting & relaxing which does not always come as a given because of the way I might have been conditioned to work out.  

I especially loved how much I learned about the health of my feet and that the damage we have done with traditional shoes can be undone. I learned to incorporate your lessons into my daily routine whether with my kids or waiting in line, working or cooking.