Customer Reviews

Erin O'Brien's Prenatal Fitness Fix

5 star:		(81)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I did the 40 minute routine for the 1st time yesterday. I am only 8 weeks pregnant and found this DVD to be somewhat challenging. I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who is further along. I would recommend this workout for someone that is already a seasoned exerciser. It's fast paced, so I would not recommend this DVD for a beginner. I am an avid runner (average 8-15 miles/week) and regular gym visitor (4 days/week using an elliptical and bike), a yoga student (1-2 days/week) and a former step aerobic student. What I didn't like about this routine was that I had to re-arrange my furniture in order to do some of the exercises in Segment 1 (the 40 minutes is divided into 4 segments.) I wished the DVD had prepared me for what was needed as far as "equipment." I had to keep running around the living room/dining room to "find" and "arrange" the needed equipment. So those of you that wish to purchase this DVD, you will need a sturdy coffee table, the edge of your couch, a flat wall, a dining room chair, a living room cushioned chair (I don't have one of these and used the loveseat) and an exercise mat. The other thing I didn't like about the DVD were some of the crazy camera angles and the fact that Erin doesn't always countdown the number of reps. For some of the floor exercises, you are supposed to keep a long neck (looking down while on all fours), however Erin wasn't giving instructions and I had to keep looking up at the TV to figure out what I supposed to be doing. Overall, I did have a pretty good workout. It got my heart rate up and I did sweat a little. I'm sure I will get better at keeping up with the routine.

This is the first time I have ever reviewed a product, but I felt I had to say something about this DVD. I have always been a fitness enthusiast, but for the last year or so had let it slide, and then I had a high-risk first trimester and did nothing. But I've been doing the workout nearly daily for the last couple of months (I'm at 7 mos). At the beginning I did everything very gingerly until I was confident that all the moves were safe etc., and I have never had a problem. As soon as the warmup starts, it puts me in the mood to workout and the 40 minutes speed by. My belly is *huge* but I feel strong and toned everywhere else, which is nice. After the workout I often do 20-30 minutes of yoga (Sara Holliday).

Anyway, the DVD has made a difference in my pregnancy, both physically and psychologically, and I wanted to recommend it.

I bought this DVD after reading several of the reviews published on this site. I wanted a home workout DVD since winter was here and I knew I couldn't get out as much because of weather and demands of my current children.
Let me state that before I got pregnant, I was extremely physically fit and active. I exercise at a gym probably 5-6 times a week. I was able to run 4 miles a day and workout with weights. Once I got pregnant, I was able to keep up my physical activity, but once I hit 14-15 weeks pregnant, I could no longer run and I would get light headed when I was weight training, so I knew I needed to tone down the workouts. I walked outside from 16-21 weeks, but I started to get very severe round ligament pain in my abdomen as I got larger (this is my fourth pregnancy) and it would start up about 10 minutes into my walk, so walking was fast becoming a workout I could solely do for my exercise.

I searched and searched for pregnancy DVDs that would provide a workout challenge for me (so I could stay in shape), but didn't cause any pain or discomfort. Often, I would rent pregnancy workouts from mail/online DVD rental sites to test them out first. This DVD workout has become my new favorite type of exercise and so I bought the DVD since I do it several times a week. I don't get ANY round ligament pain (RL pain feels like severe cramps on the sides of your belly, but once you stop the physical activity, they go away). Erin's workout is challenging - in fact - I could not complete the whole DVD workout the first few times I did it - I could only finish 20 minutes of it or I would skip certain parts. Now, I can finish the whole thing and I don't get out of breath because she is really good at pacing and providing breaks - yet she keeps you up on your workout. You get some cardio - not a lot - but enough to get you sweating. You get a workout of squats, leg lunges, and kicks, but don't let that scare you away - they are completely doable for a pregnant woman and they make me feel really strong and able when I am done doing it. I enjoy the floor workout which consists of several Pilates-type leg lifts. There are some modified yoga stretches, but not a lot. All in all - if I do this workout 3-4 times a week, I really feel good physically because I got to workout, but I don't feel stress or strain on my body.

I will say that the video producation quality is more like a home video, but that doesn't bother me. She keeps it really simple - she herself is in a living room area of a house with the furniture cleared to the sides of the room, so it demonstrates that you don't need a lot of equipment or space to do this workout. The music is TERRIBLE so I just crank up my Ipod on my speakers and march to my own music.

The workout also contains a separate "partner" workout and she includes her hunky husband (Mike from Desperate Housewives). I just watched it for a few minutes and I found it cheesy, so I haven't actually done the workout - but it looks like a good supplement to the other workout if you want to adapt some of the moves.

Overall, this is a great home workout option - buy a separate yoga DVD for streching and stress relief, and try to get outside to walk, ride bikes, or swim and you have yourself a great balanced pregnancy workout program.

I bought this video at 5 months along, needing a good workout. Prior to becoming pregnant, I was an avid runner. Once pregnant, I turned to walking and it just wasn't giving me the heart-pumping workout I needed and got from a good run. I decided to give this video a try and LOVED it. The workout is done in her own living room, which is a welcomed change from the typical staged workout rooms. She moves quickly and doesn't spend a lot of time explaining every move, which I appreciated. You simply move from one exercise to the next, in order to keep your heart rate up. I have purchased several videos and always find myself bored with the instructor's lengthy explanations.

I recommend this video for anyone willing to accept a tough and challenging workout! You will sweat in no time and feel so much more strengthened and toned!

This video is very fast moving and really gets your heart rate up. I had to slow down many times in order to keep my heart rate at a healthy level. If you are enjoy a heavy workout you will love this dvd.

After plenty of tries, this was the one pregnancy workout video I tried that actually got my heart rate up to a reasonable level (but still safe) and might, *just might* have let me break into a slight sweat.

Erin is positive but not perky or gushy about being pregnant. She covers all the bases: arms, back, legs, butt, thighs and abs. None of the moves are complicated - some of them you'd recognize from buns of steel, some from pilates - and she switches them up during the workout so you don't get too bored doing one thing. It's designed to be done in your home, so you do need a couch, a hard chair or coffee table, and a mat on hand (or carpet). I really liked that she was no-nonsense and gives short breaks for water so you don't have to pause the DVD every time you need a drink.

I worked out about three times a week before getting pregnant, either running or doing cardio, so I was really looking for something that would make me feel like I was actually exercising. This video is not difficult, keeps your heart rate below 140, but still makes you feel like you've done something productive.

Of the prenatal workouts I've tried, this is definitely one of the better ones. I'm sure I will use it a lot during this pregnancy. Prior to my pregnancy, I worked out 6 days a week doing various activites. I have done The Firm videos mostly for the past 1-1/2 years - but I would by no means consider myself an expert user of these videos. I also actively walked and practiced yoga. Just prior to finding out I was pregnant, I had begun to dabble in beginner kickboxing & pilates. For my pregnancy, I am focused on maintaining my fitness level but I am discovering that I have to slow down a little (chalk it up to my age or that I currently chase 2 other children around).

Prenatal Fitness Fix definitely will be a great tool for this. The workout takes place in Mrs. O'Brien's living room (or a well mimiced set). She begins with an aerobic warmup and then moves into "dynamic" moves - push ups, squats, leg lifts, etc. I thought I would find this a little slow given I'm used to the Firm videos, but Mrs. O'Brien moves through them quickly so it keeps your heart rate up. It's tougher than it looks, but it was great! Plus she utilizes items you have in your living room for the exercises - like push up leaning on the couch. Great for those of us working out while our children nap or whatever. She takes a few seconds between exercises to explain what is coming next. This offers great cueing but also gives you plenty of opportunity to pause the video if needed (for a breather or bathroom break).

My only complaints about the video are the music and that she is alone for the workout. The music is modified (mostly tempo, but in some other ways) nursery songs. I feel I have to listen to nursery songs enough as it is with my children that I don't want to hear it during my time (my workouts). I quickly learned to ignore it though and just pick up on the beat. As far as her being alone for the workout - that is a personal preference of mine - I prefer an instructor interacting with other exercisers.

Overall, I would highly recommend this workout. I felt like I actually got a workout instead of a half hour of simply moving (like most prenatal videos - please note this workout is 40 mins long). I'm sure it will last with me through my second trimester at least.

I've consistently worked out for more than 10 years, including my first pregnancy. Her use of dynamic sequencing really does get you a good workout. I like how well she describes the proper form of movement. I really like the fact that the DVD provides a workout chapter menu- so you can skip whatever part of the workout to accommodate how much time you have. Great stretch at the end. My only complaint is that I wanted more upbeat music to get me going....she talks most of the way through the workout.

I absolutely love this video. I ran marathons before my pregnancy, and was looking for more of a workout that most prenatal videos provide. This was what I was looking for -- the workouts really make me sweat and have toned my body. I do the partner workout before work in the mornings (you can do it without a partner) and do the entire workout once or twice a week. I am in my third trimester and I couldn't feel better.

Great even if you are not expecting!! Good solid exercise! Erin makes it easy and fun! The Hunky desperate housewives husband is not bad to look at either. Make a new years resolution and give it a try!!
Maria
Orlando, Fla