bestexerciseduringpregnancy.com

15 to Fit Prenatal Fitness Designed for the Total Body

The 15toFit Prenatal Fitness Program DVD offers short and effective workouts that will strengthen the muscles needed to make pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery more comfortable, regardless of your current fitness level. The program contains six 15 minute workouts that combine pilates, yoga, strength training, aerobics and birth ball exercises to create a pregnancy workout that is fun, safe and effective.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good exercises
I like the exercises on this video. The lady that leads them is a little weird, though. Sometimes it sounds like she isn’t sure what she’s talking about. I would have liked to have seen ahead of time that I would need certain equipment in order to participate in all the workouts, like a strength band, a medicine ball, what size weights, etc. Over all, though, it’s a really good work out.

5 Stars Rated as a Top prental DVD for a reason
I really enjoyed this DVD. Out of all of the prenatal DVDs I have used, this one demonstrated the most thorough understanding of the physiological needs and demands of a woman in all phases of pregnancy. The exercises are challenging enough, yet I really felt safe. My highest recommendation.

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Getting Started With Prenatal Yoga

Getting Started with Prenatal Yoga includes routines from 20 to 60 minutes in length, and is the perfect yoga program to help keep you and your baby healthy, fit and feeling well throughout your pregnancy.

Whether you are new to yoga, (or just new to prenatal yoga), the Getting Started program provides expert, step-by-step instruction, to allow you to safely and comfortably experience the benefits of yoga in each trimester and as you prepare for childbirth.
Getting Started with Prenatal Yoga Highlights:

- 20 customized and target routines
- Routines designed specifically for each trimester
- A special section on yoga and fertility
- Yoga practices from 20 to 60 minutes
- Guidance and cautions specific to each trimester
- Routines to alleviate morning sickness, lower back pain, digestive issues and other common pregnancy issues

For your comfort, safety and to provide the maximum benefit, the following items may be used: Yoga mat, folding chair, blankets, pillows and a belt.

The routines on Getting Started with Prenatal Yoga were specially designed to ensure that you will be able to Get Started with prenatal yoga throughout your pregnancy.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Exactly what I needed
I am nearing the end of my second trimester and this is my second pregnancy. My first was very easy and I was happy to continue with a modified version of my fairly intense pre-pregnancy fitness program. This time around I wanted something more nurturing and something I could do at home.

My midwife suggested yoga. I had done some post-natal yoga however I would say I am a beginner. I purchased 2 DVDs and we reviewed them together. She felt both would be fine for me. I am using both of them although I find myself reaching for this one more often.

There is plenty of material on this DVD and it will take you through your pregnancy. It offers routines for each trimester and has been very helpful with dealing with not so wonderful symptoms that can come with pregnancy.

There is only one model demonstrating the routines. (A different one for each trimester). These woman seem to be very experienced and not just pregnant models. I prefer to have only one person to watch.

The instruction is very detailed but easy to follow. This isn’t a fast paced workout so you have time to follow the direction, get into the pose, adjust as needed and you won’t feel rushed to move along to the next one.

5 Stars Very safe for at home yoga
I started with Iyengar style yoga classes about 6 months before I became pregnant. It’s a type of yoga that relies a little more on props and you spend more time getting in and staying in a pose. Being not so flexible and having some back issues it was a good choice for me.

I had hoped to take pre-natal classes at the same studio, but at the beginning of my pregnancy I just wasn’t up for going after a day at work. I wish I’d have found this DVD sooner (I’m at the end of my 2nd trimester now). The ones I did get were much faster moving and didn’t use much if any props. I wasn’t comfortable with that on my own.

For any pregnant woman who is new to yoga or looking to use yoga to relieve pregnancy symptoms and be more comfortable, I think this is a good choice. There are routines for each trimester that deal with specific issues we face during those times and offer modifications that make it very safe for you and your baby.

I also appreciate that I only have one model to watch doing the routines appropriate for where I am in my pregnancy. With other DVDs I found it difficult to keep my eye on the one in the room at my stage.

5 Stars It Is Working
I picked this up to continue my yoga and hopefully help with some issues and so far it is working - the routine for morning sickness has really seemed to help the last 10 days or so and that alone makes this worthwhile to me even if I do not use anything else. I had bad morning sickness the first time I was pregnant and it was happening again.

There are sections for all trimesters (I am only using the first right now) and like Denise Austin’s video, this one seems very focused on keeping exercises safe. There is alot of good information about how to use the DVD, proper positioning of your body with support where needed, and other items.

A quick look at the later trimesters looks good and they look tailored for proper physical support, but I have not yet used them.

5 Stars Very Good
As I started my third trimester I was happy I bought this DVD even though I had some others. This one seems to really understand what I am going through as my body changes (okay, I am bigger now) and the issues in the trimesters with a selection of routines for each trimester and the changes.

Very well thought out DVD and addresses what I feel. The backache routine is helpful, and I am also really enjoying the energizer and general routine. I am actually still able to do some yoga now, it is easy and gentle.

1 Star too slow, and has no flow!
I’m no where close to a yoga expert, but I have take a few classes. That said, this dvd was very frustrating for me. They take SO much time over explaining the poses that there is no time to really relax into them. Plus, the poses do not flow together (which to me is one of the most important aspects of yoga). The whole dvd is very “stop and start” and really too easy. The modifications for the 1st trimester portion are almost completely unnecessary, as well as many in the 2nd trimester portion.

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Erin OBriens Prenatal Fitness Fix

“Erin’s a pro at fitness, she’s a pro at pregnancy, and she fuses these together for two perfect prenatal workouts. I highly recommend this fitness program.” —Ellen Barrett, M.S., bestselling exercise video star and author of Weights for Weight Loss

Staying fit and energized throughout your pregnancy just got easier. Custom-created by Hollywood trainer and Hollywood Mom ERIN O’BRIEN, Prenatal Fitness Fix is a unique program that quickly and effectively conditions your growing body. Modified Pilates, kegels, sports conditioning, and true-blue body sculpting seamlessly blend together in Erin’s two workouts. You’ll get it all: fat-burning cardio, muscle toning, strength training, and tension-relieving stretches.

The first workout—40 minutes long—is like an exercise class in the comfort of your own home. No special equipment needed, just clear some space in your living room. Erin’s a genius at keeping your mind focused, your body invigorated, and your spirits up. The second workout—20 minutes long—is for you and a partner. Erin and her husband, actor JAMES DENTON (Desperate Housewives, The Pretender), take you through a circuit-training partner series. It’s the perfect way to include others in your pregnancy journey!

ERIN O’BRIEN has 10 years of experience as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist working in elite fitness clubs in both New York City and Los Angeles. She holds several certifications, including one in pre/postnatal training from the Esquerre Fitness Group.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great all-around workout
I walked throughout my first pregnancy but was too sick at the beginning this time around, so I started at 20 weeks quite out of shape. I was surprised at how much Erin gets my heart rate up just from doing lunges, squats, etc. I feel like every exercise is really doing something to prepare me for labor and delivery, and I’ll be using it even when I’m not pregnant to keep toned. I’ve tried other pregnancy workouts like 10 minute Prenatal Pilates and Denise Austin’s Fit and Firm Pregnancy, and the others have been super modified so that my non-pregnant exercise buddies get no workout. I love that the moves Erin does are simple but work me hard enough that I’m still working up to doing all of the reps.

I can do this workout in my bedroom or living room with no props, and my two year old even likes doing it with me!

5 Stars Pleased with my purchase
Prior to pregnancy, I worked out quite a bit–but I’m no athlete. I was nervous about buying a video because I didn’t want anything too easy or too hard. This video fits the bill. It’s long enough (40 minutes) that I don’t feel like I’m cheating on excercise. It’s tough enough that I definitely break a sweat. I like that there are different sections: warm up, standing work, floor work, stretching. I read other reviews complaining about the background music and the scenery, but it doesn’t bother me–I’ll only be pregnant another 6 months, then I can go back to a different workout. Overall, I love this video, and agree with the other people that gave it 5 stars.

4 Stars Great workout
I have been working out throughout my pregnancy (I’m 23 1/2 weeks right now) and really enjoy this workout. The first time I did it, the lunges and squats were kinda tough, but since it has gotten easier. The workout is a nice pace and feels shorter than it is to me. I love that she reminds you to keep your abs engaged and I like the oblique work since you can’t lay flat it is nice to work the abs in creative ways. Some days that I do this, my lower body is more sore than when I do my non-prenatal dvd’s using weights. I think it must have to do with my form and the sequencing of the exercises and reps. I wish there was a little more upper body work but I can easily add a few exercises if needed. The tricep dips are tough and work a much needed area. All in all, I love it and will continue to do this workout as I am able.

5 Stars a great workout!
I am 30 yrs old 14 weeks into my pregnancy. 5′1 114 lbs. Before purchasing a dvd workout for my pregnancy i read the reviews on some of them, especially the higher ratings one. Regardless of the 4 stars this video recieved I purchased it. I am so immensely excited over this video. Not only does it make me feel great its easy despite what other reviewers mentioned. Before my pregnancy I excercised, typical treadmil, no marathons or climbing Mt. Everest. I was able to finish this dvd without panting or fainting! I pop this in 3-4 times a week. I highly recommend this video to keep you in shape and raise your energy levels.

4 Stars Great lower body work out, makes me feel good afterward
This DVD is a great supplement to walking or whatever else you might do to stay fit during pregnancy. There is a warm up, some dynamic movement (squats, lunges), some floor work, and a cool down. Erin has a relaxing, calming influence, which I enjoy. The only reason I gave it four stars is that I expected to sweat more and to have more aerobics in it. If you have done aerobics for a while, even in your past, you shouldn’t have trouble following the moves. I definitely feel stronger since starting this (I’m currently almost 21 weeks along). Sometimes my legs and butt are a little sore, so I know it’s working! Definitely a good choice for an at home workout. Also, comes with a Post-Natal DVD that I’m looking forward to! Haven’t tried the partner workout.

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Crunch Yoga Mama Prenatal Yoga

Welcome to CRUNCH Fitness!

Expand your mind along with your body. During pregnancy is an incredible time to practice yoga to keep your body healthy, your mind stress-free, and to connect to your growing baby. This gentle and effective program is designed to keep you toned as well as get you ready for the big day. Appropriate for any trimester, you’ll move through a series of poses that focus on breathing as well as strengthening and stretching muscles that will prepare you for the challenge of labor and birth. Yoga can also improve your circulation and digestion plus relieve common tensions related to pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time to enjoy, and yoga can help you make the most of it.

The CRUNCH Philosophy:

The CRUNCH fitness program welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size or ability. We created a workout environment that not competitive or judgmental. Enjoy these favorite classes with imaginative instructors in an atmosphere that makes working out fun.

Meet the instructor:

Sue Elkind, Los Angeles. Yoga instructor, and new mom. Fitness philosophy: live fully, laugh fully, and love fully. Pregnancy can be such an amazing time if you can slow down and enjoy the process. Favorite splurge food: vegan chocolate chips cookies when not pregnant; when pregnant… the REAL thing!!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Must have for Pregnancy
I used this DVD nearly everyday of my pregnancy(first child). It is very relaxing provides just enough of the appropriate conditioning for someone who is preparing to give birth.

The squatting pose felt a little silly to me, but I was so grateful for it during labor. My daughter was born with her hand on her head and her elbow next to her ear. I had to do some serious squatting to avoid a c-section, and I believe this DVD was essential in preparing me.

My pregnancy was great - my weight gain was text book, I never had any back pain or any swelling, I did get some leg cramps, but only if I skipped a workout - I really think this DVD played a huge roll in how comfortable I was during pregnancy.

When I was pregnant, I thought the fact that this comes from Crunch indicates it should be more challenging. Take my advice, when you’re pregnant you don’t need challenging you need relaxing. This DVD will help you maintain your physical fitness and prepare you for birth.

4 Stars not a heart pumper but a good stretch
If you are looking for a good stretch and a chance for light exertion this video is for you. There are examples of every trimester in the video with good ideas on how to modify for a less strenuous workout. In my opinion, this video could be done at all stages of pregnancy even by those totally new to yoga. It is a very easy, slow paced routine. The instructor gives useful cues and is informative.

3 Stars OK, but instructor is annoying
I wasn’t crazy about this DVD. The instructor is very annoying. She makes suggestions about pregnancy and labor-related things, and giggles as she says them, like she’s insecure about what she says so she can’t act serious about it. I appreciated the variety of body types shown and that they had a woman doing the poses in a modified manner. I found the whole atmosphere to be too “hip gym”, rather than relaxing, meditative yoga. I also found the workout to be too easy, with very little focus on the all-important Kegels. I much prefer Shiva Rea’s yoga workout.

4 Stars Great for all stages of pregnancy
I think this is a great video to follow for all stages of pregnancy. They use women who are in various trimesters and it has modified poses - very easy to follow.

3 Stars Good
It was okay but I thought the positions weren’t held for long. I like when the instructor gives detailed information and that wasn’t the case.

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Complete Pregnancy Fitness with Erin OBrien

Product Description

An efficient, supportive training program for the big day and your new life

Whether you re a regular exerciser who wants to stay fit or newly committed to exercise for your health and your baby s, Hollywood trainer Erin O Brien offers you safe and effective workouts that can take you every step of the way.

This box set includes both of these programs (also sold separately):

PRENATAL FITNESS FIX
While seven months pregnant with her second child, Erin leads you in a 40-minute blend of fat-burning cardio, muscle toning, strength training, and tension-relieving stretches. Also includes a 20-minute partner workout, which Erin demonstrates with her husband, actor James Denton (Desperate Housewives). “This is the one that will make you sweat. It’s also amusing and entertaining” Chicago Tribune.

POSTNATAL RESCUE
Ease back into exercise with Erin s 3 invigorating progressions. In just 15 minutes a day, rehabilitate your back, abdominals, buttocks, inner thighs, and hips. With a bonus section of gentle first stretches, Erin guides you from the very beginning of your recovery up to one year postpartum.

Erin O Brien has 10 years of experience as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist working in elite fitness clubs in New York City and Los Angeles. She holds several certifications, including one in pre/postnatal training from the Esquerre Fitness Group.

Consult your doctor before attempting these routines or any other fitness program.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Awesome pregnancy workout!
Excellent program for the more advanced exerciser & mom to be. Perfect combo of cardio, resistance & stretching. Love it!

3 Stars This workout should come with a little warning
This is a really thorough, challenging work out. It’s filmed in kind of a funny way, but once you figure out what’s going on, you get over that. The reason I gave it three stars is because it might not be the best PRENATAL work out. She is constantly talking about “getting your heart rate up,” when you need to be cautious about your heart rate during pregnancy. My heart rate easily got to 150 during the dynamic movement section of the video. My midwife recommends no higher than 130. If you are in really excellent shape pre-pregnancy, then you might be fine. I was in pretty good shape, but doing this video full out is too much and makes my heart rate too high. If you weren’t exercising much at all pre-pregnancy, this video is definitely not for you.

4 Stars Good, Fun workout for beginners….
I really like this workout DVD. Well worth what I paid for it. I use it almost everyday. Erin has a cute personality and makes you feel like you are in an aerobic class with an instructor. The only thing I don’t like about it is that she goes through every move and set like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it so you have to wait for her to explain the moves all over again everytime. I think it would have been better if there was an instructional section guiding you through the moves first then the actual workout so that you can quickly go through the workout rather than waiting for the explanations every single time. (Hope that makes sense) It does get annoying after you’ve done the video about 3 times. I guess the good thing is that she does take the time to explain exactly how the move is supposed to be done to avoid injury. Also, she has special training on exercise during pregnancy so I always feel better knowing that the moves are safe to do and not going to harm me or the baby.

The video is broken down into sections with the warm up being first, strength training (which includes a little cardio- just enough to get your heart rate up but not break a sweat) then the cool down. I have only had the video a little over a month but can tell a difference in my energy level as well as with my lower back pain. It really does help to move around and strengthen those muscles. It also helps me to keep my weight gain in check, which is a big issue for me.

I would say, if you are a beginner or intermediate exerciser, buy it. It’s not too difficult but gets you moving so you feel better and more energized.

Good Luck!

5 Stars the perfect prego workout
I first discovered Erin’s video at our library and found myself checking it out so much that I decided it was worth buying, so I bought the combo pack with the postnatal workout(I’ll let you know how that one is). I love that she does the workout at home with only the props we all have in our living rooms (couch, table, ect). The workout is only 40 minutes which is easy to fit in anytime. I often find myself working in the video between tending to dinner. I definitly work up a sweat, and can feel my mucsles the next day. She’s also pretty funny and the transitions are great and I like the combination of strength training, pilates, and yoga. I highly recommend this video. It’s by far my favorite, and I find myself doing actually looking forward to it!

5 Stars Great workout, no sillyness, no frills, but fun
Great workout. She’s not shrill or silly but is still fun. The partner part is really cool too.

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15 to Fit Prenatal Fitness Designed for the Total Body

The 15toFit Prenatal Fitness Program DVD offers short and effective workouts that will strengthen the muscles needed to make pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery more comfortable, regardless of your current fitness level. The program contains six 15 minute workouts that combine pilates, yoga, strength training, aerobics and birth ball exercises to create a pregnancy workout that is fun, safe and effective.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Rated as a Top prental DVD for a reason
I really enjoyed this DVD. Out of all of the prenatal DVDs I have used, this one demonstrated the most thorough understanding of the physiological needs and demands of a woman in all phases of pregnancy. The exercises are challenging enough, yet I really felt safe. My highest recommendation.

4 Stars Good exercises
I like the exercises on this video. The lady that leads them is a little weird, though. Sometimes it sounds like she isn’t sure what she’s talking about. I would have liked to have seen ahead of time that I would need certain equipment in order to participate in all the workouts, like a strength band, a medicine ball, what size weights, etc. Over all, though, it’s a really good work out.

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Bedrest Fitness

The first of its kind, Bedrest Fitness is an innovative fitness program for pregnant women on prescribed bed rest. Using a rubber exercise band for resistance, this full body exercise program can be performed entirely while resting in bed and is a simple and effective way for pregnant women to maintain muscle tone and strength. The exercises are gentle and place no stress or pressure on the pregnant abdomen or cervix

Each year approximately 700,000 pregnant women are prescribed bed rest because of the risk of premature labor and delivery (labor and delivery before 37 weeks). However, prolonged inactivity leaves women at risk for the development of blood clots in their legs, muscle wasting and markedly decreased overall strength and endurance. These effects were confirmed by NASA researchers in their research on the effects of prolonged inactivity in female astronauts. The astronauts were only inactive for 60 days. Many pregnant women are prescribed bed rest for as long as 4-5 months! When it’s time to labor and deliver, many women who have been on prescribed bed rest simply cannot muster up the strength to push their babies into this world! They are at increased risk for labor and delivery complications, cesarean section delivery and prolonged recovery time-time they’d rather be spending with their new bundles of joy.

With its full body exercise program, Bedrest Fitness helps women maintain their strength and endurance. While sitting or lying in bed, most women will be able to perform the exercises with ease and without pain or discomfort. Additionally, they’ll be helping to reduce the risks of blood clots in the legs, prolonged labors, delivery complications and prolonged recovery post partum. Bedrest Fitness is an essential tool for women with high risk pregnancies on prescribed bed rest.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Ok workout, but lots of movement
I was so eager to do this video when I ordered it at 21 weeks pregnant. I am on bedrest from a short cervix. When it did arrive I was to afraid to do most of the exercises. I am not even suppose to be sitting up and in 90% of the exercises she has you sitting up. She also has you moving/changing positions between most exercises, sometimes unnecessarily because they do a graphic between each pose before she shows you what is next.

I waited to do the video again until I reached 25 weeks and felt comfortable sitting up. I am alternating the video now with my own workout that I do laying on my side with hand and ankle weights.

She seems knowledgeable, but there is also too much chit chat in the video. This would be fine if you were doing the video one time, but if you are sentenced to 4 months of bedrest and want to do this video daily, it gets very old. The main problem is that all this talk happens between exercises so you have to wait to begin, which makes it drag on.

There is a “music only” option, which I thought would be great because it would cut out all the explaining, stories, ect, but it is the same version just without the words so you still have to constantly wait. Now I just do the exercise as it should start and find I am doubling her reps at minimum.

With all that said it is still a good alternative to my regular workout. Also, if you are unfamiliar with exercises laying down or are a beginner to exercise in general it is a good start to keep you moving.

I have never been sore in the slightest, but the point is to keep you from losing all your muscle tone, which it helps with, so although I don’t love it, I still use it and would recommend it.

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Erin OBriens Prenatal Fitness Fix

“Erin’s a pro at fitness, she’s a pro at pregnancy, and she fuses these together for two perfect prenatal workouts. I highly recommend this fitness program.” —Ellen Barrett, M.S., bestselling exercise video star and author of Weights for Weight Loss

Staying fit and energized throughout your pregnancy just got easier. Custom-created by Hollywood trainer and Hollywood Mom ERIN O’BRIEN, Prenatal Fitness Fix is a unique program that quickly and effectively conditions your growing body. Modified Pilates, kegels, sports conditioning, and true-blue body sculpting seamlessly blend together in Erin’s two workouts. You’ll get it all: fat-burning cardio, muscle toning, strength training, and tension-relieving stretches.

The first workout—40 minutes long—is like an exercise class in the comfort of your own home. No special equipment needed, just clear some space in your living room. Erin’s a genius at keeping your mind focused, your body invigorated, and your spirits up. The second workout—20 minutes long—is for you and a partner. Erin and her husband, actor JAMES DENTON (Desperate Housewives, The Pretender), take you through a circuit-training partner series. It’s the perfect way to include others in your pregnancy journey!

ERIN O’BRIEN has 10 years of experience as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist working in elite fitness clubs in both New York City and Los Angeles. She holds several certifications, including one in pre/postnatal training from the Esquerre Fitness Group.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars a great workout!
I am 30 yrs old 14 weeks into my pregnancy. 5′1 114 lbs. Before purchasing a dvd workout for my pregnancy i read the reviews on some of them, especially the higher ratings one. Regardless of the 4 stars this video recieved I purchased it. I am so immensely excited over this video. Not only does it make me feel great its easy despite what other reviewers mentioned. Before my pregnancy I excercised, typical treadmil, no marathons or climbing Mt. Everest. I was able to finish this dvd without panting or fainting! I pop this in 3-4 times a week. I highly recommend this video to keep you in shape and raise your energy levels.

4 Stars Great workout
I have been working out throughout my pregnancy (I’m 23 1/2 weeks right now) and really enjoy this workout. The first time I did it, the lunges and squats were kinda tough, but since it has gotten easier. The workout is a nice pace and feels shorter than it is to me. I love that she reminds you to keep your abs engaged and I like the oblique work since you can’t lay flat it is nice to work the abs in creative ways. Some days that I do this, my lower body is more sore than when I do my non-prenatal dvd’s using weights. I think it must have to do with my form and the sequencing of the exercises and reps. I wish there was a little more upper body work but I can easily add a few exercises if needed. The tricep dips are tough and work a much needed area. All in all, I love it and will continue to do this workout as I am able.

5 Stars Pleased with my purchase
Prior to pregnancy, I worked out quite a bit–but I’m no athlete. I was nervous about buying a video because I didn’t want anything too easy or too hard. This video fits the bill. It’s long enough (40 minutes) that I don’t feel like I’m cheating on excercise. It’s tough enough that I definitely break a sweat. I like that there are different sections: warm up, standing work, floor work, stretching. I read other reviews complaining about the background music and the scenery, but it doesn’t bother me–I’ll only be pregnant another 6 months, then I can go back to a different workout. Overall, I love this video, and agree with the other people that gave it 5 stars.

5 Stars Great all-around workout
I walked throughout my first pregnancy but was too sick at the beginning this time around, so I started at 20 weeks quite out of shape. I was surprised at how much Erin gets my heart rate up just from doing lunges, squats, etc. I feel like every exercise is really doing something to prepare me for labor and delivery, and I’ll be using it even when I’m not pregnant to keep toned. I’ve tried other pregnancy workouts like 10 minute Prenatal Pilates and Denise Austin’s Fit and Firm Pregnancy, and the others have been super modified so that my non-pregnant exercise buddies get no workout. I love that the moves Erin does are simple but work me hard enough that I’m still working up to doing all of the reps.

I can do this workout in my bedroom or living room with no props, and my two year old even likes doing it with me!

4 Stars Great lower body work out, makes me feel good afterward
This DVD is a great supplement to walking or whatever else you might do to stay fit during pregnancy. There is a warm up, some dynamic movement (squats, lunges), some floor work, and a cool down. Erin has a relaxing, calming influence, which I enjoy. The only reason I gave it four stars is that I expected to sweat more and to have more aerobics in it. If you have done aerobics for a while, even in your past, you shouldn’t have trouble following the moves. I definitely feel stronger since starting this (I’m currently almost 21 weeks along). Sometimes my legs and butt are a little sore, so I know it’s working! Definitely a good choice for an at home workout. Also, comes with a Post-Natal DVD that I’m looking forward to! Haven’t tried the partner workout.

Buy/More Info

Crunch Yoga Mama Prenatal Yoga

Welcome to CRUNCH Fitness!

Expand your mind along with your body. During pregnancy is an incredible time to practice yoga to keep your body healthy, your mind stress-free, and to connect to your growing baby. This gentle and effective program is designed to keep you toned as well as get you ready for the big day. Appropriate for any trimester, you’ll move through a series of poses that focus on breathing as well as strengthening and stretching muscles that will prepare you for the challenge of labor and birth. Yoga can also improve your circulation and digestion plus relieve common tensions related to pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time to enjoy, and yoga can help you make the most of it.

The CRUNCH Philosophy:

The CRUNCH fitness program welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size or ability. We created a workout environment that not competitive or judgmental. Enjoy these favorite classes with imaginative instructors in an atmosphere that makes working out fun.

Meet the instructor:

Sue Elkind, Los Angeles. Yoga instructor, and new mom. Fitness philosophy: live fully, laugh fully, and love fully. Pregnancy can be such an amazing time if you can slow down and enjoy the process. Favorite splurge food: vegan chocolate chips cookies when not pregnant; when pregnant… the REAL thing!!

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great for all stages of pregnancy
I think this is a great video to follow for all stages of pregnancy. They use women who are in various trimesters and it has modified poses - very easy to follow.

5 Stars Must have for Pregnancy
I used this DVD nearly everyday of my pregnancy(first child). It is very relaxing provides just enough of the appropriate conditioning for someone who is preparing to give birth.

The squatting pose felt a little silly to me, but I was so grateful for it during labor. My daughter was born with her hand on her head and her elbow next to her ear. I had to do some serious squatting to avoid a c-section, and I believe this DVD was essential in preparing me.

My pregnancy was great - my weight gain was text book, I never had any back pain or any swelling, I did get some leg cramps, but only if I skipped a workout - I really think this DVD played a huge roll in how comfortable I was during pregnancy.

When I was pregnant, I thought the fact that this comes from Crunch indicates it should be more challenging. Take my advice, when you’re pregnant you don’t need challenging you need relaxing. This DVD will help you maintain your physical fitness and prepare you for birth.

4 Stars not a heart pumper but a good stretch
If you are looking for a good stretch and a chance for light exertion this video is for you. There are examples of every trimester in the video with good ideas on how to modify for a less strenuous workout. In my opinion, this video could be done at all stages of pregnancy even by those totally new to yoga. It is a very easy, slow paced routine. The instructor gives useful cues and is informative.

3 Stars Good
It was okay but I thought the positions weren’t held for long. I like when the instructor gives detailed information and that wasn’t the case.

3 Stars OK, but instructor is annoying
I wasn’t crazy about this DVD. The instructor is very annoying. She makes suggestions about pregnancy and labor-related things, and giggles as she says them, like she’s insecure about what she says so she can’t act serious about it. I appreciated the variety of body types shown and that they had a woman doing the poses in a modified manner. I found the whole atmosphere to be too “hip gym”, rather than relaxing, meditative yoga. I also found the workout to be too easy, with very little focus on the all-important Kegels. I much prefer Shiva Rea’s yoga workout.

Buy/More Info

Complete Pregnancy Fitness with Erin OBrien

Product Description

An efficient, supportive training program for the big day and your new life

Whether you re a regular exerciser who wants to stay fit or newly committed to exercise for your health and your baby s, Hollywood trainer Erin O Brien offers you safe and effective workouts that can take you every step of the way.

This box set includes both of these programs (also sold separately):

PRENATAL FITNESS FIX
While seven months pregnant with her second child, Erin leads you in a 40-minute blend of fat-burning cardio, muscle toning, strength training, and tension-relieving stretches. Also includes a 20-minute partner workout, which Erin demonstrates with her husband, actor James Denton (Desperate Housewives). “This is the one that will make you sweat. It’s also amusing and entertaining” Chicago Tribune.

POSTNATAL RESCUE
Ease back into exercise with Erin s 3 invigorating progressions. In just 15 minutes a day, rehabilitate your back, abdominals, buttocks, inner thighs, and hips. With a bonus section of gentle first stretches, Erin guides you from the very beginning of your recovery up to one year postpartum.

Erin O Brien has 10 years of experience as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist working in elite fitness clubs in New York City and Los Angeles. She holds several certifications, including one in pre/postnatal training from the Esquerre Fitness Group.

Consult your doctor before attempting these routines or any other fitness program.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good, Fun workout for beginners….
I really like this workout DVD. Well worth what I paid for it. I use it almost everyday. Erin has a cute personality and makes you feel like you are in an aerobic class with an instructor. The only thing I don’t like about it is that she goes through every move and set like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it so you have to wait for her to explain the moves all over again everytime. I think it would have been better if there was an instructional section guiding you through the moves first then the actual workout so that you can quickly go through the workout rather than waiting for the explanations every single time. (Hope that makes sense) It does get annoying after you’ve done the video about 3 times. I guess the good thing is that she does take the time to explain exactly how the move is supposed to be done to avoid injury. Also, she has special training on exercise during pregnancy so I always feel better knowing that the moves are safe to do and not going to harm me or the baby.

The video is broken down into sections with the warm up being first, strength training (which includes a little cardio- just enough to get your heart rate up but not break a sweat) then the cool down. I have only had the video a little over a month but can tell a difference in my energy level as well as with my lower back pain. It really does help to move around and strengthen those muscles. It also helps me to keep my weight gain in check, which is a big issue for me.

I would say, if you are a beginner or intermediate exerciser, buy it. It’s not too difficult but gets you moving so you feel better and more energized.

Good Luck!

5 Stars Great workout, no sillyness, no frills, but fun
Great workout. She’s not shrill or silly but is still fun. The partner part is really cool too.

5 Stars the perfect prego workout
I first discovered Erin’s video at our library and found myself checking it out so much that I decided it was worth buying, so I bought the combo pack with the postnatal workout(I’ll let you know how that one is). I love that she does the workout at home with only the props we all have in our living rooms (couch, table, ect). The workout is only 40 minutes which is easy to fit in anytime. I often find myself working in the video between tending to dinner. I definitly work up a sweat, and can feel my mucsles the next day. She’s also pretty funny and the transitions are great and I like the combination of strength training, pilates, and yoga. I highly recommend this video. It’s by far my favorite, and I find myself doing actually looking forward to it!

5 Stars Awesome pregnancy workout!
Excellent program for the more advanced exerciser & mom to be. Perfect combo of cardio, resistance & stretching. Love it!

3 Stars This workout should come with a little warning
This is a really thorough, challenging work out. It’s filmed in kind of a funny way, but once you figure out what’s going on, you get over that. The reason I gave it three stars is because it might not be the best PRENATAL work out. She is constantly talking about “getting your heart rate up,” when you need to be cautious about your heart rate during pregnancy. My heart rate easily got to 150 during the dynamic movement section of the video. My midwife recommends no higher than 130. If you are in really excellent shape pre-pregnancy, then you might be fine. I was in pretty good shape, but doing this video full out is too much and makes my heart rate too high. If you weren’t exercising much at all pre-pregnancy, this video is definitely not for you.

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