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Pilates During Pregnancy Vol 1

Pilates During Pregnancy with Niece Pecenka - An inpiring Pilates based routine adapted for busy women in all trimesters who want to feel fit, healthy, and fabulous.

Pilates requires you to move consciously - using the breath to revitalize and energize - something you will need to depend on during and after childbirth. Every movement in Pilates emanates from the “center” - helping you focus on those muscles necessary for labor and delivery.

This routine is comprised of two distinct sections to make the most of you time.

Section I - abdominal and breath work = 15 minutes

Section II - side leg series, lower body work = 30 minutes

Sections I and II can be combined for a longer workout depending upon your time and energy level.

You will need a minimum of three blankets, folded and stacked. So Let’s Move!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars An awsome workout!
This was a very pleasant and yet challenging Workout. The Breathing and Core excercises were perfect for me and I am 5 months pregnant. The legs exercise was really good. If you are wanting to tone and target your leg and butt area this is a really good excercise program. You will feel it…I did ! Also Niece is really pleasant but not cheezy at all like some workout videos I have seen. Hope You enjoy as much as I do.

4 Stars Pilates for Pregnancy
I have really enjoyed this video. The intructor is pleasant to listen to and seems to move at an almost perfect pace. I enjoy the moves very much, even though the leg work tends to hurt and really work, but that’s what I wanted! I would recommend this video to any pregnant woman!

3 Stars Less than I expected
The video is good, but it lacks guidance and explanations or modifications for different trimesters, especially the third one. Also the background is very dark, and if you were to watch it on a computer, like I do, the details are hard to distinguish, such as the proper leg positioning etc.

In terms of difficulty, I have done Pilates before and did not think it was difficult.

Another concern is the stretches which are almost none for legs.

In terms of recommending, I would say buy it if you don’t find anything better. Otherwise, buy something else.

5 Stars Love it. Buy it. You won’t be sorry.
I’m 22 weeks along and I’m THRILLED to have found a pregnancy pilates video that isn’t terrible. In fact, I was surprised with how much I liked it!

Before getting pregnant I went to a regular class on the pilates beds, so doing mat work isn’t my favorite - but the DVD is great. I appreciate that it’s still somewhat challenging, yet enjoyable AND that the instructor is pregnant, as well. You can do as much (or as little) as what’s comfortable.

Do note that the two sections: abs/lower body do not include any arm/upper body works. That’s my ONLY complaint. But, I’d buy this DVD again if given the choice.

5 Stars Great Workout for the lower body
I love this workout! For those who would like a break down of the pros and cons, here they are.

Pros:

-The instructor is pleasant but doesn’t talk too much

-breathing is explained and easy to follow

-well organized, good length

-Can be broken up into two smaller workouts if you are feeling tired

-Will definitely tone the lower body

Cons:

-While I do not find the moves difficult, this DVD is not for the newbie to pilates. The moves are not broken down as they would need to be for a beginner. Also, technique is not given in detail. It seems that it is expected you are familiar with pilates.

-Took a LONG time to get to me. This is a popular DVD and was hard to get my hands on. From the time I ordered it from Amazon it took almost 3 months to get to me….ORDER EARLY!

I will definitely be adding this to my pregnancy workout routine (and postnatal!). For those who are worried about reviews that say you are on your back too long, this is not the case. The ab work is done while being propped up (the instructor uses blankets, I like to use pillows) and at no point are you flat on your back. Aside from feeling I nice burn in my bum during the leg work, I was comfortable throughout the whole workout.

I will definitely be recommending this DVD to anyone who asks for pregnancy workout tips.

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Quick Fix Pre Natal Workout

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Excellent strength workout
I am 37 years old and 5 months pregnant with my 3rd child. I have exercised all my life though not always consistently. I just started this workout and completed all 3 workouts in one session and felt great afterwards. I have only been walking 3 to 4 times a week prior to receiving this DVD. My arms and legs were sore the next day but not too sore to move. I used 4lb weights in place of the water bottles she uses and had no problems finishing each exercise. The workout is lead by Nancy Popp who if any of you are Weight Watchers alumni… she leads the 3 pack of Weight Watcher DVD workouts. Obviously she is pregnant in this DVD and is clear and concise with directions as in her other videos. I don’t find her annoying like Denise Austin or some of the others. I will continue to workout to this DVD along with the Erin O’Brien Prenatal fitness fix. You can see my review for that DVD as well. I am happy with both purchases. They were both worth the money spent. I will be in better shape for labor and will hopefully fend off gaining a lot of weight this pregnancy!

3 Stars It’s OK
I bought this and used it only maybe twice. The work out is good, if you can follow it. The music is cheesy and outdated.

3 Stars Better than nothing, but…
Let me start by saying that I absolutely hate to exercise and accept it only as one of those neccessary evils of pregnancy. I started exercising a bit before getting pregnant and found the QuickFix series and Leslie Sansone’s walking DVDs best suited for my level of “excitement” and schedule.

Good thing about this DVD is that, like all other QuickFix DVDs, it’s divided into 3 10-minute sections with a clock counting down minutes till the end of torture. Also exercise doesn’t really require any special equipment (such as belts, balls, etc.) and is suitable for the beginners and pregnant women in third trimester.

But here are the bad things. Nancy Popp takes way too long to explain some movements and not long enough for others. (This is actually a problem with all of her QuickFix segments.) Out of 10 minutes there is really 8 minutes of exercise. Sometimes you get stuck in some awkward pose for much too long. There should’ve been a separate section on DVD with all the explanations and then a pure workout section. At the same time, Nancy hardly ever mentions proper breathing and very poorly cueues, especially when exercise involves taking your eyes off the screen.

First section involves arm and leg movements and squats. It’s probably perfect for women in 3rd trimester, but at the end of 2nd I find it a bit slow and boring (and, mind you, I’m not a fit person). Second workout is mostly for arms and here, on the other hand, I felt that some movements were unnecessarily strenous for the upper back. (Although I did use 3 lb weights instead of water bottles.)

Third workout (abdominals) was of most interest to me, since late in pregnancy we can’t do any exercise laying down on the back. The workout starts sitting on the floor with legs crossed in front - for some reason this pose just makes my back hurt instantly, even though I usually don’t have any problems with it. About 5 min. out of 10 are Kegels and breathing in and out. Other 2 min. are needed just to re-position yourself between the movements.

Also what’s up with the Nancy’s two companions? Their smiles look so artificial, it’s painful to watch - poor ladies. And I just couldn’t take my eyes of the black nail polish on one of the ladies.

Overall it’s better than doing nothing, but I’m sure there’s something beter there. Early in pregnancy I wouldn’t even bother with this DVD.

5 Stars All Time Favorite
This was my all time favorite pregnancy workout DVD. You can select from 3 ten minute workouts or do all three, it all depends upon what type of energy level you are feeling that day. And I started this mid-to late pregnancy and it is totally safe and make me feel really good after a long day at work. Highly recommend this one!!!!

4 Stars Not bad at all
I have been taking prenatal yoga classes and this dvd is a exactly what it’s titled - it’s a quick fix of prenatal yoga classes. I wish that it came with the necessary yoga equipment but this plus a mat and ball would make an excellent pregnancy gift for expectant mothers!

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Leisa Hart Fitmama Prenatal and Postnatal Pregnancy Workout 2 DVD Set

An exclusive 2-pack offering both of Leisa Hart’s FitMama DVDs - the Post-Natal DVD is ONLY available in this specially-priced 2-pack. Pre-Natal DVD: Leisa Hart helps you to stay fit throughout each stage of your pregnancy with four distinct sections: Salsa Dance gives you a dance workout in the prenatal fat burning zone; Yoga Fat Burn offers flowing poses to maintain fat burning and strengthen legs; the Labor & Delivery Prep section will strengthen abdominals & pelvic floor; Prenatal Stretch & Relax will help you to ease back pain, learn breathing techniques and connect with your little miracle. Post-Natal DVD: Designed in easy to follow 10 minute segments - perfect for busy moms! Four separate segments designed to help you return to form in the difficult post-natal period. Funky Fat Burn offers two 10 minute easy to follow aerobic dance combos; FitMama Yoga will help to shed inches from your hips and thighs; Power Pilates will get your belly and buns back in shape and includes variations for c-section and abdominal separation; Postnatal Stretch & Relax delivers gentle stretching and positive visualization to help ease tension and cope with the endless duties of being a mom. Leisa Hart continues to create dynamic programs that are safe, fun and highly effective to get you the results you deserve. Her warm, approachable personality and impeccable cuing has motivated millions to embrace fitness.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Boring
If you like doing the same moves over and over then this is the DVD for you. I got bored and only did the workout a couple of times.

5 Stars Worth every penny!
I was already 5 months pregnant when I bought this video and it sat on my desk for another month before I actually used it, so I thought that I may be too out of shape to jump into it. However, it was a pleasant surprise to find that I was able to get through both exercise sections. The DVD is split into two sections, so if you’re a beginner you can just start with the first part and then gradually work in the second one. It was difficult enough to work up a sweat, but simple enough that you didn’t feel like you were hurting your baby. They also have stretching sections and a section to prepare you for labor. I try to do these everyday as they are pretty short and make you feel really good. I only do the actual exercise portions 3-4 times as week as the video suggests. I also love the fact that the women in the video are actually pregnant including Leisa and they offer slight variations on the exercises depeding on which trimester you are in. Leisa is a good motivator and not cheesy at all. I recommend this for all pregnant women wanting to stay in shape!

5 Stars fun to do!
I’ve never been much of a video workout person, but this one I actually enjoyed and looked forward to doing! If you are really fit this video is probably not for you, but if like me your pre-pregnancy work out consisted of mostly walking or light cardio you should find this just right. I got this video in my first trimester and found it a little easy at that time as I was not really showing yet. In my second trimester it was just right using the second trimester variations Lisa provides. My heart rate was up and I was breathing hard, but the workout lasted just long enough that I didn’t get too overheated. Then the last portion of the video is great for relaxing and stretching those sore muscles. The leg stretch for a pinched sciatic nerve came in very handy when I was awakened at night with sciatic pain. I am now in the later portion of my last trimester and do not use the work out portion of the video as often as I should, but still love the stretching and delivery portion.

5 Stars Great prenatal video
I have only done 3 of the 4 sections so far - the yoga, the stretching and labor and delivery section… but I have really enjoyed them. It was easy to follow and feels like a great workout!

5 Stars A nice prenatal workout
I really like the prenatal workout in this package. I haven’t tried the postnatal workout yet. The prenatal workout is just challenging enough and offers some modifications depending on which trimester you are in. The salsa dancing is a good way to make the cardio component enjoyable. The yoga portion is a nice way to stretch out the muscles that need it most. You have the option of doing a long workout for more “advanced” exercisers or a short workout for “beginner” exercisers. I bought a few prenatal workout videos and this is my favorite. I am more of a beginner at this point because I had been on bed rest and I am perfectly able to do the workout.

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Pilates During Pregnancy Vol 1

Pilates During Pregnancy with Niece Pecenka - An inpiring Pilates based routine adapted for busy women in all trimesters who want to feel fit, healthy, and fabulous.

Pilates requires you to move consciously - using the breath to revitalize and energize - something you will need to depend on during and after childbirth. Every movement in Pilates emanates from the “center” - helping you focus on those muscles necessary for labor and delivery.

This routine is comprised of two distinct sections to make the most of you time.

Section I - abdominal and breath work = 15 minutes

Section II - side leg series, lower body work = 30 minutes

Sections I and II can be combined for a longer workout depending upon your time and energy level.

You will need a minimum of three blankets, folded and stacked. So Let’s Move!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars An awsome workout!
This was a very pleasant and yet challenging Workout. The Breathing and Core excercises were perfect for me and I am 5 months pregnant. The legs exercise was really good. If you are wanting to tone and target your leg and butt area this is a really good excercise program. You will feel it…I did ! Also Niece is really pleasant but not cheezy at all like some workout videos I have seen. Hope You enjoy as much as I do.

5 Stars Love it. Buy it. You won’t be sorry.
I’m 22 weeks along and I’m THRILLED to have found a pregnancy pilates video that isn’t terrible. In fact, I was surprised with how much I liked it!

Before getting pregnant I went to a regular class on the pilates beds, so doing mat work isn’t my favorite - but the DVD is great. I appreciate that it’s still somewhat challenging, yet enjoyable AND that the instructor is pregnant, as well. You can do as much (or as little) as what’s comfortable.

Do note that the two sections: abs/lower body do not include any arm/upper body works. That’s my ONLY complaint. But, I’d buy this DVD again if given the choice.

4 Stars Pilates for Pregnancy
I have really enjoyed this video. The intructor is pleasant to listen to and seems to move at an almost perfect pace. I enjoy the moves very much, even though the leg work tends to hurt and really work, but that’s what I wanted! I would recommend this video to any pregnant woman!

3 Stars Less than I expected
The video is good, but it lacks guidance and explanations or modifications for different trimesters, especially the third one. Also the background is very dark, and if you were to watch it on a computer, like I do, the details are hard to distinguish, such as the proper leg positioning etc.

In terms of difficulty, I have done Pilates before and did not think it was difficult.

Another concern is the stretches which are almost none for legs.

In terms of recommending, I would say buy it if you don’t find anything better. Otherwise, buy something else.

5 Stars Great Workout for the lower body
I love this workout! For those who would like a break down of the pros and cons, here they are.

Pros:

-The instructor is pleasant but doesn’t talk too much

-breathing is explained and easy to follow

-well organized, good length

-Can be broken up into two smaller workouts if you are feeling tired

-Will definitely tone the lower body

Cons:

-While I do not find the moves difficult, this DVD is not for the newbie to pilates. The moves are not broken down as they would need to be for a beginner. Also, technique is not given in detail. It seems that it is expected you are familiar with pilates.

-Took a LONG time to get to me. This is a popular DVD and was hard to get my hands on. From the time I ordered it from Amazon it took almost 3 months to get to me….ORDER EARLY!

I will definitely be adding this to my pregnancy workout routine (and postnatal!). For those who are worried about reviews that say you are on your back too long, this is not the case. The ab work is done while being propped up (the instructor uses blankets, I like to use pillows) and at no point are you flat on your back. Aside from feeling I nice burn in my bum during the leg work, I was comfortable throughout the whole workout.

I will definitely be recommending this DVD to anyone who asks for pregnancy workout tips.

Buy/More Info