Editorial Reviews:
Synopsis
Learn poses for each trimester. Relieve aching back, legs & feet. Look & feel fit, make labor easier.
PREGNANCY IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING—AND CHALLENGING—EXPERIENCES A WOMAN FACES
As your baby grows, your body changes, creating different needs throughout your pregnancy. Prenatal Yoga, guided by longtime yoga instructor Shiva Rea, addresses those needs with safe, effective stretches and exercises you can modify for each trimester so you reap the greatest benefits.
Focused on helping you feel comfortable, relaxed and fit during pregnancy, this workout will increase your energy and stamina, and build strength, flexibility and balance. The emphasis on proper technique and deep breathing improves focus and concentration, which can help ease labor and delivery. The gentle stretches help reduce fatigue, tension and tightness, while promoting relaxation and improved circulation.
DVD includes:
• Calming meditation and deep breathing
• Gentle workout with seated poses, standing poses and floor work
• Guided relaxation
Amazon.com
The best thing about this prenatal yoga program is that there is a model for each trimester. Instructor Shiva Rea demonstrates each of the stretches and exercises for the first trimester, and two pregnant women show modifications for the second and third trimesters (they're even dressed in different colors for easy reference). This removes the self-doubt home-exercisers often have about the safety of certain moves--especially in that cumbersome final stage of pregnancy. Using gentle voice-over instruction, Rea and her assistants take viewers through a half hour of meditational stretches using blocks and chairs for support. She follows that up with 16 minutes of floor work: lunge pose, bridge pose, child's pose, plank pose--all with the necessary adjustments. She winds things up with a four-minute guided relaxation on her back--the traditional position--with the second-trimester woman on her side and the third on her side with one leg up on a chair. By including the different adaptations, Rea has made a program with the flexibility to carry an expectant mom through her entire pregnancy--and beyond, if she wishes. --Kimberly Heinrichs
