Lindsay Brin's Custom Pregnancy Series (2005) Review

Wow!Lindsay is cute and likable.The cardio moves are more difficult than I expected, and are challenging in a positive way.Combining cardio and strength segments make it easier to do all aspects of a good workout at one time, and I actually feel as if my muscles are getting stronger, rather than just being maintained.The Yoga is wonderful.I have tried other Yoga videos (not rated for pregnancy) before, and even the ones labeled 'for beginners' were too strenuous for me, so I was concerned about that - but Lindsay's yoga segments actually relax and revive me.I definitely recommend a yoga mat for stability.I really look forward to using this series throughout my pregnancy and post-partum.My only negative is that I would have liked to see more pregnant women in the videos, rather than only Lindsay who is not pregnant.

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Product Description:
AS SEEN IN PREGNANCY AND PREGNANCY & NEWBORN. Your body and your baby change significantly with each trimester, and so should your workouts! Moms Into Fitness 4-DVD set takes you through each trimester of your pregnancy and then helps you get your body back in Post Natal Boot Camp. The 1st Trimester 4-in-1 DVD (90 minutes) concentrates on increasing your energy and avoiding excessive weight gain. Includes: 2-25 minute Cardio/Toning workouts covering every muscle group, 1-20 minute prenatal yoga workout for relaxation and lengthening, and a 5 minute core workout done on an incline for pregnancy. In the 2nd Trimester 3-in-1 DVD (80 minutes) Lindsay and Candace (16 weeks) take you through 3 workouts to tone all major muscle groups and boost cardiovascular endurance. Includes 2-25 minute Cardio/Toning workouts and 1-20 minute prenatal yoga workout to relieve tension. Lengthen and strengthen all of your muscles with this DVD!In the 3rd Trimester 3-in-1 DVD (70 minutes) Lindsay and Andra (30 weeks) concentrate on strength, endurance, muscle relief and birth. The 2-20 minute Cardio/Toning workouts and 1-20 minute yoga reliever are very specific to your changing body and center of gravity changes. Once the baby is born get ready the Post Natal Boot Camp DVD (130 minutes)! Includes 6 core workouts and ten 10-minute fat blasting workouts! That's over 2 hours of exercises! Reshape your body, flatten your tummy and get your energy back with Pilates, Cardio, Core, Kickboxing, Plyometrics, Yoga, Mom/Baby Core Strength, Toning and more!The entire set contains over 6 hours of workouts. A healthy baby starts here.

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Prenatal Yoga Flow Review

This is a fantastic prenatal workout. The instruction is easy to follow. The poses are challenging, but very attainable throughout the entire pregnancy.
Sara's voice and the music are very soothing and this turned out to be a very relaxing part of my routing while I was pregnant. The scenery was tranquil...it was beautifully shot! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is expecting...it can be done at any stage throughout the pregnancy. :=)

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Product Description:
Prenatal Yoga Flow is an instructional yoga DVD specifically designed to ease any pregnancy discomforts thru each stage of pregnancy. You will learn deep relaxation techniques including breathing exercises and proper positioning to prepare you for labor and delivery. This DVD will also create teach you how to create an intimate relationship with your growing baby with focus on internal sensations, breath and guided imagery.

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Sara Holliday: Prenatal Yoga Series (2007) Review

Sara does an incredible job of preparing an expectant mother for carrying a baby 9 months, delivering the baby and having the strength to carry on postpartum.Many of the other pregnancy videos are very basic, not even allowing the HR to go up.This one may be a bit challenging for those who have not been exercising, but I highly recommend trying and getting as far as possible, taking as many breaks as necessary.I am a certified personal trainer, also in prenatal/pospartum exercise.It is much more important to get in a challenging workout, even if more rests are required than to not try, or waste time on things that are too easy.This is the best full-body workout I have tried during pregnancy.This is my 2nd pregnancy, and I used this for my first through the third trimester.It was WONDERFUL!Again if some parts are too challenging, modify to a comfortable level but don't give up!

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Product Description:
Fitness expert, Sara Holliday, MFT, CPT, uses her extensive training as a yoga teacher to guide you through a safe and effective workout that will strengthen and tone your body, improve flexibility, create a deeper connection with your baby and bring an overall feeling of relaxation and inner tranquility.
Results:
*Reduced labor pain *Increased muscle tone & strength*Decreased stress & muscle tension*Deeper connection with your baby*Improved posture & body alignment*Overall sense of relaxation & well being
Regardless of your fitness level, each innovative program takes you through a series of moves specific to each trimester:First Trimester Yoga (0-12 weeks): This 45 minute yoga workout is great for toning and defining your muscles before, during and after your pregnancy.Second Trimester Yoga (0-24 weeks): A 35 minute yoga workout with flowing exercises to help reduce or eliminate back and leg pain associated with your pregnancy.Third Trimester Yoga (0-40 weeks):For the end of your journey, this 37 minute yoga workout has breathing exercises to help prepare you for labor and postures to open up your pelvis to make your labor easier.

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Pilates for Life: Workout Collection Review

1. Pilates for flexibility:
I really like this stretch video especially after a long bicycle ride. Amy Brown leads you through a 20 min session and 2 workout levels are included (beginners and intermediate). There is both a beginner and intermediate level using the same routine.

I really like the pace and amount of time Amy holds the stretches. She includes some hamstring stretching that I have not seen in other videos. Lying on your back and stretching one leg up, she first has you point your toe out and stretch across, then point your toe in and stretch across. This is one of the best techniques I have found to stretch the outside of my leg from hip to ankle, a place that get very tight for me with the amount of exercising I do and especially after riding my bike.

She includes a variety of my favorite stretches, mostly laying down and sitting. Arm circles, bridge, lunges, twists, side bends, and neck stretch. She has a very pleasant voice and doesn't talk too much. I highly recommend this video as part of your exercise regime.

2. Pilates on the Ball
This is not a hard-core workout DVD, but a wonderful easy-to-follow overall routine. Amy Grant leads a well-paced workout when you're short on time and want an easy, fun workout. I like the balance ball workout because you really work your abs without even realizing it! You can either follow the beginner or intermediate routine provided on the DVD. There is some nice mellow music included with the routine.

I use both DVDs over and over again and I can't wait to try her others! Check their website at pilatesforlife.ca

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Product Description:
From the very successful Pliates for Life Series comes this 4 DVD Set. The Workout Collection set includes Pilates for Flexibility, Pilates On the Ball, 20 Minute Overall Body Workout and Abs & Waist.

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Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates - Four DVD Pregnancy Series (2005) Review

Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates Four DVD Pregnancy Series is meant to take women from conception all the way through pregnancy and delivery.The DVDs can be purchased individually or as a set:

DVD 1: Triple Threat: Get in Shape Before Your Pregnancy
DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: Maintain strength and prepare for birth
DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: Get your pre-pregnant body back
DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: Bond with your newborn and stay in shape

Jennifer's impressive resume includes distinctions such as Certified Pilates Instructor, Master Trainer, Labor and Post-Partum Support Doula, ACE and PMA, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis & Yoga certified.Her expertise, passion and compassion come through on all four DVDs.

DVD 1: Triple Threat is a fantastic workout for all women, not just those wanting to get pregnant.Combining the elements of Kickboxing and Pilates together, I sometimes forgot that this was supposed to be "Pilates" as for the majority of the workout I was standing and not lying.There is a concentrated abdominal portion of the video that takes some very advanced exercises, and my abs felt sufficiently worked at the end, as did my arms, legs, and back.I felt absolutely wonderful.

DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: shows a very pregnant Jennifer leading a class with two other women, one who is demonstrating 1st and 2nd Trimester Modifications with Jennifer and the other model demonstrating 3rd Trimester.As neither model seemed to be pregnant, the modifications for each trimester could have been better demonstrated if each woman was working with one trimester.Because the second trimester involves so much transition, a first time mother might not realize that at times it would actually be more appropriate to follow the 3rd Trimester ladies rather than the 1st. That said, she does a great job of repeatedly reminding the mother to listen to her body, and take appropriate modifications.

DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: An adorable post-pregnancy Jennifer demonstrates a fantastic workout for brand new mothers who have the luxury of taking time away from their baby.Before she gets into the workout though, Jennifer, 3 days post-partum and still in the hospital, gives new moms an idea of what they are in for, and some tips for recovery steps that can be taken while still in the hospital.

DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: is an incredibly challenging abdominal workout with baby.Jennifer demonstrates the whole workout with her 4 month old daughter, who is a full participant in the workout, occasionally trying to roll away as we all know our babies will do as soon as we put the DVD in.

Overall, this series is fantastic for new and expectant mothers.The only criticism I have is that, if I were to purchase this while pregnant, it wouldn't occur to me to watch the Post-pregnancy DVD until after the baby was born, and I would have missed out on the great "while in hospital" advice from Jennifer.I also think the triple threat workout could be used for anyone, pregnant or not, male or female.If you are thinking about getting pregnant, or know someone who is, the boxed set is a great bargain and, even if it's too late to get the "Triple Threat" in before pregnancy, it will be a great video for years to come.

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Product Description:
Everything You Need- Before, During and After Pregnancy
FOUR AMAZING DVD'S WITH EVERYTHING YOUR BODY NEEDS TO PREPARE, MAINTAIN AND RECOVER FROM PREGNANCY!
The Fusion Pilates Pregnancy Series is best thing you can do for yourself and you baby.These four videos by leading pregnancy exercise expert Jennifer Gianni provide you with everything your body needs to prepare, maintain and recover from the traumatic effects of pregnancy.
DVD ONE:FUSION PILATES TRIPLE THREAT: A dynamic combination of low impact cardio, Pilates toning and balance work. The three disciplines are intertwined in an intense workout that keeps the body guessing- and working.An informative introduction teaches the foundations of the Fusion Pilates basics so you get the most out of the Main Workout.This workout will get your body ready for pregnancy and is a great overall workout to keep anyone in top shape.
DVD TWO:FUSION PILATES FOR PREGNANCY: Discover how yoga infused Pilates can keep you in shape during and after your pregnancy. Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy is the first Pilates based workout designed to give pregnant women a challenging workout, without compromising safety.
DVD THREE:FUSION PILATES FOR POST PREGNANCY AND C-SECTION RECOVERY: A MUST for getting back your pre-pregnant body.Includes real footage of Jennifer immediately after her C-Section offering tips on what to expect and how to care for yourself during your hospital stay.Also includes a SAFE First Six Weeks Exercise Plan, which will gently prepare you for Jennifer's Main Post Pregnancy Workout.
DVD FOUR:FUSION PILATES - EXERCISING WITH BABY: Get in shape, have fun and spend quality time with your baby.Fusion Pilates Exercise with Baby is a fun and varied program that lets your baby take part in this quick head to toe workout that's great for busy moms.

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10 Minute Solution: Prenatal Pilates Review

Okay, I bought this workout video for the Pilates for Flexibility section, as I wanted a nice stretchy type workout to do before I go to bed.This fits that bill.I have however, previewed the other segments and would like to address concerns about working out while lying on your back.

First, this video is NOT endorsed by the ACOG because you DO some parts of some workouts on your back (hey, it's Pilates).However, the time is limited that you are on your back, and for each exercise that you do on your back, you're moving around--up, down, side-to-side.The whole reason for the "don't lie on your back after 20-weeks" rule is that the growing uterus can exert pressure on the inferior vena cava (a major vein which returns blood from your lower body to your heart)--which can result in dizziness, low blood pressure, and a possible reduction in blood flow to the uterus and, therefore, baby.So, in my non-professional opinion (although, this is my second pregnancy, so I'm not a complete newbie), as long as you're not on your back for too long, and especially if you're moving around stretching and exercising, it's not a big deal.

If you're still concerned, I'll break it down by section.
Two sections--Standing Pilates and Total Body Pilates have no portion where you are on your back.
Core Pilates obviously has you on your back, but it's on an incline, so that eliminates/reduces the pressure on the inferior vena cava.
Pilates for Buns and Thighs has you lay flat, mostly to lift your pelvis for bridges and the like.Again, movement is going to reduce the pressure, and it's only for about 3 minutes of the segment.
Pilates for Flexibility has me on my back for about 2 minutes total, and for most of that time I'm rolling from side-to-side stretching.

I hope that answers people's concerns about this video.

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Product Description:
No Time To Exercise? We have the solution for you - the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we've developed 5 dynamic workouts that are just 10 minutes each. The workouts were designed to help you stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy. These compact workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for one amazing, prenatal Pilates workout! Highlighted in the August 16th, 2007 issue of The New York Times, this DVD will allow you to modify your workouts to your pregnant body.
Pilates For Buns & Thighs: Get ready to strengthen your lower body and get toned, firm thighs and buns - even as your belly continues to get bigger.
Standing Pilates: For this segment, instructor Lizbeth Garcia reworked traditional mat work into standing exercises that help improve strength, balance and coordination - things needed throughout pregnancy, especially needed in the third trimester.
Core Pilates: This workout focuses on strengthening your core muscles to help you bounce back from delivery and may even help to reduce lower back pain during pregnancy.
Pilates For Flexibility: Allow your body and mind to relax while you focus on releasing tight muscles through fluid exercises that will increase your flexibility and overall sense of well-being.
Total Body Pilates: Designed to develop overall muscle strength and flexibility, this segment will help you firm and tone your body. It may also make delivery easier by teaching you how to breathe deeply and evenly while tightening the muscles of your pelvic floor.
POSTNATAL BONUS WORKOUT: FLAT BELLY FAST As a special bonus to use after your pregnancy, this core-focused segment created by instructor Suzanne Bowen zeros in on the deepest abdominal muscles with a singular goal: to flatten your belly fast. A set of 2- 3 pound dumbbells and 1-2 pillows are recommended for this workout.

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