The Woodland Journal

Learn + grow + connect

Prenatal Pilates Benefits: Why It’s the Perfect Exercise During Pregnancy

Pregnant woman in white activewear doing a side stretch on a yoga mat with

Pregnancy brings incredible changes to the body, and finding safe, supportive ways to move is essential. Prenatal Pilates Is one of the most popular forms of pregnancy exercise because it gently strengthens, stabilizes, and prepares the body for birth and beyond. Here are the top benefits of adding Pilates to your pregnancy journey.


Builds Core & Pelvic Floor Strength

Prenatal Pilates focuses on the deep core and pelvic floor muscles that play a huge role in supporting your body during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Strengthening these areas helps reduce common discomforts like back pain and can aid in faster healing after delivery.


Improves Posture & Reduces Pain

As your belly grows, shifts in posture often cause aches in the back, hips, and shoulders. Pilates emphasizes alignment and gentle movement, helping ease tension and improve posture so you feel more balanced and comfortable.


Prepares You for Labor with Breathwork

One of the biggest benefits of prenatal Pilates is mindful breathing. Breathwork not only reduces stress and boosts circulation, but it also equips you with powerful tools for labor - helping you stay calm, focused, and present.


Boosts Energy & Emotional Well-being

Pregnancy can bring fatigue and stress, but movement is a natural mood booster. Gentle Pilates sequences increase circulation, support better sleep, and promote a sense of calm, leaving you with more energy and resilience for the day.


Creates a Supportive Community

Prenatal Pilates classes offer more than exercise, they’re a chance to connect with other moms-to-be. Sharing movement, encouragement, and stories in a safe, welcoming space can make your pregnancy feel less isolating and more empowering.

Prenatal Pilates is safe, adaptable, and designed to meet you where you are in your pregnancy. By building strength, improving posture, and fostering mindful connection, it prepares both body and mind for labor, recovery, and the journey of motherhood.


Join us for our first prenatal and postnatal class at WPC on September 30th!

9 Reasons Why Story Time Chess Is the Best Activity for Kids in Nashville, TN

Young child playing chess with another person.

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Hey Nashville parents - feeling overwhelmed by all the after-school activity options out there ? From sports to music to enrichment programs, it can be tough to choose the right activity for your child. You want something fun, educational, and engaging,  but where do you evenbegin We’ve got the answer: Story Time Chess is the ultimate activity for your child right here in Nashville at Woodland Play Cafe!


Here are 9 reasons why our Nashville chess classes for kids are one of the best investments you can make in your child’s growth and development.

Chess is a workout for both sides of the brain 

We all know physical fitness is important, but what about mental fitness? Chess sharpens memory, boosts focus, and strengthens overall brain function. At Story Time Chess Nashville, we combine logical thinking with imaginative storytelling - encouraging kids to use both sides of their brain while learning the game.

Chess gives kids an academic edge 

Research shows that chess players perform better on reading and math tests. It builds retention, problem-solving, and helps kids stay calm under pressure. Starting as young as age three, Story Time Chess classes in Nashville give your child a head
start on critical skills - all through story-driven lessons that make learning fun.

Chess builds planning skills 
Every chess game starts with a plan. Our Secret Mission stories and Tactics curriculum help kids learn to think several steps ahead and anticipate challenges. It’s planning disguised as play - and it’s all happening at Woodland Play Cafe.

Chess makes flexibility fun 
Even the best plans can change. Chess teaches kids to adapt quickly, a skill that applies both in the classroom and in life.
Through our storytelling approach, Nashville kids learn the importance of flexibility in a way that sticks.

Chess teaches learning that builds on itself

Our Story Time Chess lessons use a scaffolding approach: each new skill builds on the last. Kids master concepts one step at a time, creating a strong foundation for both chess and academics.

Chess sparks imagination 

Chess isn’t just strategy,  it’s also creativity! With Story Time Chess, kids explore imaginative stories while learning the rules of the game.
This unique approach keeps children engaged and sparks their love of both play and problem- solving.

Chess builds confidence 
Nothing beats the confidence boost of mastering a new skill. Kids in our Nashville chess classes gain pride as they win games, spot strategies, and grow in their abilities. Plus, chess is a lifelong skill they’ll carry with them into school, friendships, and beyond.

Chess helps kids process competition 
Competition is healthy when handled well. Story Time Chess provides a safe space for kids to experience winning, losing, and sportsmanship. Every class ends with a handshake and the reminder that the game is always fun,  win or lose.

Chess sharpens critical thinking 
Chess encourages “if-then” thinking and strengthens concentration. In today’s distraction-heavy world, that focus is invaluable. Our Nashville chess lessons keep kids engaged, thinking ahead, and developing critical skills that will benefit them for life.

The Bottom Line for Nashville Parents
With so many benefits,  from academics to creativity to confidence  - Story Time Chess is one of the best after-school programs in Nashville, TN. With lessons at Woodland Play Cafe, we make learning chess fun, social, and imaginative
through our award-winning storytelling curriculum.

Ready to get started?
Sign your child up for Story Time Chess in Nashville at Woodland Play Cafe today and watch their skills grow, one move at a time. 


 Try out a free class at WPC in September!