The Family Tree Studio at  3817 Ingersoll Ave

One of Life's greatest joys and mysteries is the amazing transformation the female body undergoes while pregnant. It's almost magical. But what is a woman to do when the magic is over, and her joyful baby bump has become stretch marks and dimples instead?

 Some Des Moines moms have discovered a place to not only work on recovering their bodies, but their spirits as well – The Family Tree Studio, at 3817 Ingersoll Ave. Husband and wife team Zach and Sandi Hoover have created a home-like place where mothers can come together for an hour each week to connect with their bodies, their babies, and each other, without all the distraction of daily life.

Practicing his headstand at the Family Tree 

Tucked into a beautiful old home in central Des Moines, the Family Tree offers yoga, reiki, Nia, and massage for adults, as well as a variety of mommy and me style classes and services, for adults and their young children. A true family-run business, without that typical strip-mall feel many gyms have, regular clients are likely to occasionally see one of the Hoover's children in office and on the floor, practicing poses or just being boys. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and relaxed, just like you'd want your own home to be, but without the barking dog or ringing telephone.

 Classes are available to women in all stages of motherhood. Among the offerings is a yoga for fertility class; pre-natal yoga, to help moms-to-be get in touch with their changing bodies and prepare them for birth; and Baby and Me yoga, for women and babies from newborn to the crawling stage. New mommies can spend the hour not only gaining back core strength, and relaxing muscles, but spending quality time interacting with their babies.

Baby and Me Yoga class is fun for both mother and child

Co-Owner Sandi Hoover points out that the Family Tree isn't just about yoga. “We're building community..” she says, “..opening a dialogue between moms”  Mothers, both new and experienced, can open up to each other, vent, ask questions, and share stories in a safe, open environment.

All pre-natal and Baby and Me classes are geared towards a beginner's level of yoga, so newcomers shouldn't feel like they need to be expert yogis first to fully benefit from the classes. Of course, all women should check their doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen, both before and after baby comes - yoga is one of the most recommended exercises for pregnant woman, and the team at Family Tree is dedicated to the health and wellness of each client.