Fit Pregnancy for Dummies
August 16, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
“…this comprehensive book is for you…all aspects of exercise in pregnancy are covered…” (Health & Fitness, October 2004)
“…practical advice on all aspects of pregnancy…” (Yoga & Health, September 2004)
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Good book for beginners.
I think this book is good for people who are new to exercising. I know it’s a “Dummies” book, but it had too much basic information for me. I ended up returning it.
I am looking for a book that will modify my current workout, and include some new exercises to keep me fit during my pregnancy. If you have a recommendation, please contact me. Thanks
4 Stars Helpful
The book gave very good tips on where to find different activities to do while pregnant. It also includes help for those who haven’t worked out before. Not as much help for someone who was very athletic prior to becoming pregnant. It is really for those who have no or limited knowledge of working out.
5 Stars Awesome Resource
As a fitness enthusiast and mother of three, I loved the peace of mind I got from reading this book. I’ve been exercising all my life and didn’t want to stop when I got pregnant. Cram and Drenth offer a no-nonsense approach to staying fit and healthy from the first trimester to the last. I highly recommend this book.
Anne Connor
Fitness writer and Editor of ANEW Magazine
Middleton, Wisconsin
5 Stars Accurate and accessible
Finally…a fitness guide which accurately covers topics for those women anticipating pregnancy, or who are currently pregnant or post-partum. Too often, pregnancy guides tend towards a patronizing tone and as a physical therapist I find them hard to recommend. This thorough text encourages a woman to trust in herself while giving pointers for seeking professional guidance when necessary. The uplifting tone elevates women thereby encouraging them to begin or continue an active pregnancy both for the benefit of themselves and their babies.
5 Stars An essential for any pregnant exerciser.
Even today many doctors are uneducated and uninformed about exercise and pregnancy. Fit Pregnancy for Dummies is an invaluable resource that can alleviate anxiety one might have about exercising during pregnancy. Expert Catherine Cram provides a wealth of information based on the latest research, numerous ideas and examples for, and motivation, for helping one make healthy decisions about exercising during pregnancy. As a fitness professional and a new mom I have a special appreciation for this work.
Ellen Karpay-Brody
Fitness Consultant and Author of The Everything Total Fitness Book
Tantric Yoga for Blissful Pregnancy
June 26, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
Tantric Yoga for Blissful Pregnancy
Usha Devi has devised an easy sequence of gentle asanas (physical postures), breathing techniques and a guided relaxation and visualization technique called Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra has a deeply profound effect on the pregnant mother and developing fetus. The traditional practices of tantric yoga on this DVD are to be used throughout the pregnancy and is easy even for the uninitiated who have never practiced yoga before. These practices are deeply rooted in the ancient tantric techniques of the East and are perfectly relevant for the mom-to-be. It will help to integrate the mental, physical and spiritual development of both the mother and the child.
Simple Yoga For Pregnancy
June 6, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
The yoga in this video is suitable for pregnant women from the 14th week until the end of pregnancy. The clearly described yoga is demonstrated by pregnant women and is easy to follow if you are new to yoga. The presenters are ERYL HOLT from the BBC’s Fast Show, and MARION SYMES who was a midwife for 12 years and now teaches yoga and birth preparation. Both are qualified yoga teachers and therapists who studied under pregnancy expert, Francoise Barbira Freedman.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars gentle yet effective
This is very gentle yoga that anyone can do during the pregnancy. It gives me a better posture, uplifts my mood and relaxes me. You will probably hate it if you like working hard, sweating or having sore muscles the day after. But if you are looking for relief in your pregnant body, you will love it.
5 Stars Great DVD!
I DONT EXERCISE ALL THAT MUCH. just the ocassional walk. but i knew that my labor would be easier if i did. so i thought i’d try this. and i love it! it really stretches and works out my muscles (though it doesnt seem so at the time).also i’m usually a very light sleeper, but after i started using this i noticed i slept better and deeper. i highly recommend “Simple Yoga For Pregnancy” for anyone who, like me, doesnt exercise much or who has never really done yoga.
4 Stars Great DVD!
I’m so glad I got this DVD for my wife. It has helped here in so many ways. I’m not sure what the other reviewer was talking about, but it definitely has been good for her. I’d highly recommend it to anyone on bedrest or not. I’ve bought quite a few DVDs from this company and have been satisfied with everyone. They have really good instructional dvds. Thanks!
1 Star A bit too simple!
If you have ever done yoga before, this DVD is not for you. The poses are very simple and will definitely not raise your heart rate. It may be good for those women who are on bedrest.
With the exception of the relaxation portion of the program, there was very little to no background music.
Yoga for Pregnancy Labor and Birth
May 28, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
Yoga for Pregnancy Labor and Birth
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Gentle yet firm prenatal yoga
I have a few prenatal videos, and found this one to be a good addition. The gentle stretching has been great in my later pregnancy, with just enough strength building to help me get some needed exercise. I really like the specific suggestions for postures to do for helping the baby to be in the best position for delivery, such as postures for a baby who is still breech or occiput posterior.
3 Stars Not bad
This was recommended to me by someone. I find the positions are not held long enough, and it’s not as effective as taking a yoga class (no one to correct you if you are doing a position wrong). However, it has some good positions.
3 Stars Not my favorite
This video is not the best that I own. It has you hold the positions for too long, and it was very boring for me. I am not a pro by any means, but this video actually made me feel worse when I was done. A few of the positions actually made me laugh, and at one point they have you “roar like a lion.” It was a very weird experience. The one good thing is that she points out some positions that are good for getting the baby off your spine or attempting to get a breech baby to turn, but these are only useful if you have these issues. In these cases, this video might be good. I’m not sure if the positions do what she says they should though.
At the end it shows the narrator doing different positions with the other women in the video and she does not explain what she is doing or how to do it, but it seems that she is OK with the viewer performing these things. That just seems dangerous. Instead of this video, I would recommend Shiva Rea’s video, as it has REALLY helped me out a lot!
5 Stars excellent!
I’m signed in as my husband so a man isn’t actually writing this. 
I just got this have only done it once but I thought it was great! I feel like this was the first time doing yoga that I actually “got it”. I’ve taken a few classes here and there and done other home workouts. I’ve never too had much trouble with the poses, found the stretching good and enjoyed it alright, but I never felt that in-tune with my body thing that yoga is supposed to provide. I never have felt like I got the breathing rhythm down either.
I’m not sure if it was the instructor on this dvd or just being more in-tune with my body now that I’m pregnant, but I really felt like I was getting it. The way she described breathing made way more sense to me, and I loved how she says to follow your own breath instead of always saying exactly when you should be breathing in and out.
I also loved that the instructor really focused on how certain positions will help during labor or will help relieve pregnancy strains. I feel that this is a great resource that I will be able to use during labor. I was definitely able to relax and get inside myself, which is very important during labor. One of my favorite parts was a humming exercise. I can totally see myself humming during labor to stay focused.
I also appreciated that the students on the video were totally normal looking girls. They were quite large and pregnant and not tiny little things with just basketball bellies. It shows that you can do this stuff right up to the end.
5 Stars The BEST pregnancy yoga video!
I have tried several pregnancy yoga videos and this is the best by far! I have been studying Iyengar yoga for several years and have taken a pregnancy yoga class with a well respected instructor. This video is the closest to a traditional Iyengar class. I find that a lot of the other yoga video incorporate a lot of fluff. Collette’s voice is very soothing and the instruction is good. I would recommend having some experience in yoga first - some of the moves such as Warrier 2 need more instruction as I don’t think she approaches these from a beginner’s perspective. There is a good combination of breathing, stretching & more challenging moves and they cool down at then (legs up the wall) really helps with swelling.
Yoga Journal Yoga for Your Pregnancy
May 17, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
Yoga Journal Yoga for Your Pregnancy
A regular prenatal yoga practice as taught in Yoga for Your Pregnancy can give you the energy to enjoy your pregnancy, the serenity to build a deeper intimacy with your body, and the ability to be present for the miracle of birth. Prenatal yoga can ease the discomforts of pregnancy, such as moodiness, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, nausea, indigestion and insomnia; and help you prepare for the rigors and mysteries of labor. On each video:
PART 1: ENERGIZING & STRENGTHENING (30 minutes) Gentle flowing practice to build strength and stamina for the demands of labor-and alleviate the discomforts caused by your ever-changing body.
PART 2: RELAXING & REJUVENATING (15 minutes) Learn breathing exercises to help you manage contractions-plus meditation techniques to help you relax and concentrate during delivery. Lamaze Interview-with expert Carol Penn Erskine
Exclusively on DVD:
Pranayama for Pregnancy: 3 simple breathing techniques to calm your nervous system
Meditation for Pregnancy: Guided meditation to help foster inner focus and awareness
Birthing Room Yoga: Simple yoga techniques to encourage a peaceful mind and body during delivery
Postnatal Yoga Practice: Gentle practice to help you regain strength and flexibility 6 weeks after delivery
Articles from Yoga Journal and Lamaze Parents magazine on yoga and pregnancy on a special DVD-Rom section
This video show you how to modify some poses using yoga props. Depending on your flexibility or stage of pregnancy, you may need a chair, two large pillows, a blanket, or sofa cushions. The use of a yoga mat is recommended.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars good pregnancy dvd
I really like this yoga DVD. I was told that yoga was one of the best exercises for pregnancy by my OB. It was the first thing she mentioned when I asked about working out. I had been doing Tae Bo up until I got pregnant, and with my coordination being not so good I decided to try this and I am so glad I did. It is very gentle and shows modifications for all trimesters and I like the postpartum workouts (watched not tried yet).
5 Stars Perfect!
Excellent video, even for first timers at yoga. I’m used to doing high impact excercises until I found out I was pregnant and didn’t know what to do anymore. This video explains everything thoroughly and at just the right pace. There are different types of yoga practices to do,energizing (when you wake up), relaxing (before bedtime) just to name a few. They’re not too long (max half hour) but I always feel 100% better throughout the day once I do one. Totally worth it!
4 Stars Energizing
A very easy yet energizing workout. The breathing techniques are great and relaxing and have taken the place of my afternoon nap.
5 Stars My Fav DVD during my pregnancy
During my pregnancy I sometimes would have a lot of lower back aches and pains. I ordered a couple of pregnancy workout dvds but none of them came close to this one. It helped alleviate my aches and pains. I did the workout in the morning and the relaxing work out in the evenings before bed. As I got bigger in my third trimester I just did the relaxing work out before bed. It was fine for all stages of my pregnancy and made me feel energized or relaxed depending on my workout. Also the teacher is not annoying which is something that is important to me. I sent my copy to my newly pregnant girlfriend when I had my baby in January, but I will defiantly get another copy for my next pregnancy.
4 Stars Pleasant yoga practice
I enjoyed this work out, it seems to aim to prepare your body for labor. There are also lots of extras on the DVD that I haven’t gotten around to trying yet, such as breathing exercises for labor and a post-natal workout. Best of all, the work out portion lasts about 45 minutes, so it is do-able on work day.
Yoga Journal and Lamaze present Yoga for your pregnancy
April 28, 2009 by Healthy Woman Now · Leave a Comment
Yoga Journal and Lamaze present Yoga for your pregnancy
Product Description A regular prenatal yoga practice as taught in Yoga for Your Pregnancy can give you the energy to enjoy your pregnancy, the serenity to build a deeper intimacy with your body, and the ability to be present for the miracle of birth. Prenatal yoga can ease the discomforts of pregnancy, such as moodiness, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, nausea, indigestion and insomnia; and help you prepare for the rigors and mysteries of labor. On each video:
PART 1: ENERGIZING & STRENGTHENING (30 minutes) Gentle flowing practice to build strength and stamina for the demands of labor-and alleviate the discomforts caused by your ever-changing body.
PART 2: RELAXING & REJUVENATING (15 minutes) Learn breathing exercises to help you manage contractions-plus meditation techniques to help you relax and concentrate during delivery. Lamaze Interview-with expert Carol Penn Erskine
Exclusively on DVD: Pranayama for Pregnancy: 3 simple breathing techniques to calm your nervous system Meditation for Pregnancy: Guided meditation to help foster inner focus and awareness Birthing Room Yoga: Simple yoga techniques to encourage a peaceful mind and body during delivery Postnatal Yoga Practice: Gentle practice to help you regain strength and flexibility 6 weeks after delivery Articles from Yoga Journal and Lamaze Parents magazine on yoga and pregnancy on a special DVD-Rom section
This video show you how to modify some poses using yoga props. Depending on your flexibility or stage of pregnancy, you may need a chair, two large pillows, a blanket, or sofa cushions. The use of a yoga mat is recommended.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars good pregnancy dvd
I really like this yoga DVD. I was told that yoga was one of the best exercises for pregnancy by my OB. It was the first thing she mentioned when I asked about working out. I had been doing Tae Bo up until I got pregnant, and with my coordination being not so good I decided to try this and I am so glad I did. It is very gentle and shows modifications for all trimesters and I like the postpartum workouts (watched not tried yet).
5 Stars Perfect!
Excellent video, even for first timers at yoga. I’m used to doing high impact excercises until I found out I was pregnant and didn’t know what to do anymore. This video explains everything thoroughly and at just the right pace. There are different types of yoga practices to do,energizing (when you wake up), relaxing (before bedtime) just to name a few. They’re not too long (max half hour) but I always feel 100% better throughout the day once I do one. Totally worth it!
4 Stars Energizing
A very easy yet energizing workout. The breathing techniques are great and relaxing and have taken the place of my afternoon nap.
5 Stars My Fav DVD during my pregnancy
During my pregnancy I sometimes would have a lot of lower back aches and pains. I ordered a couple of pregnancy workout dvds but none of them came close to this one. It helped alleviate my aches and pains. I did the workout in the morning and the relaxing work out in the evenings before bed. As I got bigger in my third trimester I just did the relaxing work out before bed. It was fine for all stages of my pregnancy and made me feel energized or relaxed depending on my workout. Also the teacher is not annoying which is something that is important to me. I sent my copy to my newly pregnant girlfriend when I had my baby in January, but I will defiantly get another copy for my next pregnancy.
4 Stars Pleasant yoga practice
I enjoyed this work out, it seems to aim to prepare your body for labor. There are also lots of extras on the DVD that I haven’t gotten around to trying yet, such as breathing exercises for labor and a post-natal workout. Best of all, the work out portion lasts about 45 minutes, so it is do-able on work day.
