Lizzy Tomber, a 33-year-old woman, achieved a remarkable feat by continuing her acroyoga workouts just four days before giving birth to her son in February 2016. Acroyoga, a type of yoga with acrobatic elements, involves balance movements where one partner supports the other in various poses. Lizzy engaged in acroyoga with her husband, Josh Young, even with her visibly large pregnant stomach.
For those unfamiliar, acroyoga originates from India and combines acrobatics with traditional yoga, featuring movements such as flying and somersaults. Lizzy, who travels the world with her husband to teach acroyoga, temporarily settled in Washington D.C. ahead of her baby’s birth.
Lizzy consulted with her obstetrician before continuing her acroyoga practice during pregnancy. The doctor, recognizing that acroyoga was an integral part of Lizzy’s daily life, supported her decision to continue. Lizzy shared, “My doctor was really awesome and said, ‘If you’re comfortable and this is what you do on a daily basis, you shouldn’t stop doing it.’”
Now, having given birth to her first child, David, Lizzy has resumed her acroyoga practice. She even involves her baby boy in the activities. Lizzy and Josh have been teaching acrobatics to David since before he could walk. Lizzy mentioned, “He can hold his own neck, so we’re not in a rush to teach him, but hopefully, he will grow up to be a kid who likes acrobatics.”
The story of Lizzy’s extraordinary agility challenges stereotypes about physical activity during pregnancy. More women are embracing the idea that pregnancy doesn’t necessarily restrict them from staying active and engaged in activities they love. Lizzy’s journey exemplifies the importance of consulting with medical professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby during such physical endeavors.
As acroyoga gains popularity worldwide, stories like Lizzy’s inspire women to redefine their capabilities during pregnancy. Her determination to continue acroyoga until the last days of pregnancy showcases the resilience of the human body and challenges preconceived notions about the limitations of physical activity during this significant period in a woman’s life.