Customer Reviews

The Perfect Pregnancy Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(299)
4 star:		(104)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

I purchased and tried 3 prenatal fitness DVDs around the same time:

* Perfect Pregnancy Workout
* Prenatal Yoga
* Leisa Hart's Fit Mama Prenatal Workout

Here's how I thought they compared. (Note that I do yoga and walk regularly; while I enjoy dancing, I do not dance regularly. I'm not overweight.)

* Perfect Pregnancy Workout - 5 stars. Designed and narrated by a Cirque du Soleil acrobat (faint French accent), this video is my favorite of the three. The woman demonstrating the workout is about 8 months pregnant and in amazing athletic shape (visible muscle definition). The theme of this video seems to be preparing for birth and staying strong and fit. It has two sections: (a) workout and (b) instructions.

(a) After a mercifully brief cheesy earth-mother introduction, the yoga-based workout is vigorous yet flowing and straightforward, building incredible muscle strength, flexibility, and stamina. It includes squats, lunges, lots of ab work, lots of great hip stretches, kegels, lots of different arm strengtheners. At the end I am sweating, breathing harder, relaxed, and satisfied. The next day my muscles are sore (in a good way) and feel stronger. The music is world-beat without vocals, easy to exercise to.

(b) The instructions section is excellent as well. Animated anatomical graphics clearly illustrate diastasis, how to check yourself for it, and how to modify your workout to avoid further muscle separation, as well as exactly what kegels are. This part also explains in depth how to do the moves in the workout.

* Prenatal Yoga - 4 stars. Designed and narrated by a UCLA-graduated yogi, this video is my second favorite. Shiva is under 3 months' pregnant in the demonstration but has women behind her in second and third trimesters. The theme of this video seems to be relaxing and preparing for motherhood. It has three sections: (a) workout, (b) massage, and (c) interview.

(a) The workout is much less vigorous than Perfect Pregnancy, but includes squats, lunges, many spinal twists, kegels (no deep explanation, just metaphor), lots of different stretches. At the end I am sweating a bit, relaxed, and satisfied. The music is new-age without vocals. For some reason, Shiva does not pronounce the "h" in "exhale" which can be distracting. Also the narration gets slightly out of sync with the demonstration in a few places, which can be confusing.

(b) The massage section is fabulous if you have a partner willing to watch it and give you one! Great techniques for feet, legs, back, and neck.

(c) Shiva explains her story in the interview, how her father named her after an Indian god, how she took up yoga in college, etc.

* Leisa Hart's FitMama - 2 stars. I bought this on Amazon's recommendation and I'm sorry I did. My biggest gripe is that this video doesn't focus on smooth continuous deep breathing, unlike the other two DVDs. Leisa is a perky actress who does infomercials. She is 8 months pregnant in this but her body looks very different (thin, wiry) compared to the woman's in Perfect Pregnancy (athletic). The theme of this video seems to be feeling better (sexier) about oneself while pregnant. It has basically two sections: (a) workout and (b) bonus stretches.

(a) The workout is much less vigorous than Perfect Pregnancy yet goes at a faster, more erratic pace than either of the other two videos. It has four parts: salsa dance, "yoga fat burn," labor and delivery prep, and prenatal stretch and relaxation. The dancing is about 8 moves repeated, with a few squats. I feel foolish and bored doing this. The yoga fat burn is more aerobics than yoga, includes ab work, squats, no twists, never holds any pose for long, is repetitive. Labor and delivery prep includes kegels (no real explanation), many boring arm swings, ab work. Prenatal stretch and relaxation includes leg stretches, ab work, is repetitive. The music is salsa, soft rock, and world beat without vocals; very good workout music, loud in places.

(b) The bonus stretches are the best part, but are buried under Special Features (the DVD doesn't seem very well organized). These include leg, back, hip and shoulder stretches actually held for several seconds, squats, plenty of rapid boring arm swings.

All three videos show women in different trimesters doing the exercises and mention appropriate modifications. All three videos explain how to do the exercises safely and how to recognize warning signs of overdoing it.

If you're a yoga gal like me and you want to buy just one prenatal yoga video, get Perfect Pregnancy. If you want your partner to give you a great massage too, get Prenatal Yoga.

I've tried just about every pregnancy workout out there and I love yoga and pilates, but wanted something that would be a bit more traditional, yet challenging. These videos are somewhat hard to find and are generally about a decade old.

I saw this video by scrolling and going back to the last page of my search--I have no clue why this video is back that far, as it's awesome!

I just finished the workout at the beginner level (and I certainly wouldn't consider myself a beginner exerciser), and I feel as though I've just completed one of my runs (but in a good way!)

My big concern, I have to admit, was the lunges. I have bad knees (although with a wrap, I can generally run OK) and lunges can be a nightmare. I thought I'd grit my teeth and bear it. They were fine! She has the perfect amount for challenge, but changed to a different movement just when I thought I was going to need to stop.

Another awesome thing is that while it's not aerobic, but a sculpting program, I could still feel my heartrate climbing up to where I like it to be when I exercise. I'm adding this one to my favorites collection (meaning it's now on my regular rotation) and I so wish I'd found this tape earlier (this is my 3rd pregnancy).

My first pregnancy, I was a couch potato and had all sorts of drugs during labor (my attitude was "give me whatever you have") and with that came a lot of interventions as well. My second pregnancy, I remained active and was able to get through labor with no interventions and completely drug free. I'm hoping that this time around, as I'm in even better shape, that with my exercise program and hypnobirthing program I will be able to go through labor even better.

My only complaint is that this video didn't pop up on the first page of my search--it's seriously worth every penny!

This is by far the best! Honestly, do not buy any other pregnancy workout dvd. I've tried them all, this is the only one you'll need!
I LOVED doing this workout. That's a big statement to make, but I did actually look forward to doing this! It was the only video I've done, including non pregnancy geared workouts, that actually kept my full attention. I never got bored! It's just the right length and the moves aren't repetitive or boringly basic.
I do not think it is quite as challenging as others made it out to be. After a couple of months doing this, I could make it through doing all the advanced moves barely breaking a sweat.
It's nice that she gives you options. This allows you to start off doing 'beginner' moves and progress to the more challenging options.
I always felt great after completing this workout. I look forward to being pregnant again and utilizing this from the very beginning!
I highly recommend this, you won't be dissapointed!

I bought this video because I was feeling extremely fat. :( I knew that I had to do SOMETHING positive to make myself feel better- physically and mentally. I am SO HAPPY that I bought this video! Because it's a sculpting workout, I can really see a difference after having used it for three weeks. My arms and legs are definitely more defined and my body has a shape again!
I highly recommend that anyone who is pregnant also check out the Frequently Asked Questions section about pregnancy exercise on Karyne's website: www.progressiveparent.com. It answered A LOT of questions that I had about exercising safely.

Very concerned about picking the right workout, I pored over the reviews of most of the pregnancy workouts on Amazon. I chose The Perfect Pregnancy Workout as something I'd graduate to once I became more fit, and able to do more strenuous routines. But after going along with the other two dvd's I'd bought, this one is by far my favorite.
The instruction is very easy to follow, and I don't feel like I have to wait for her to explain everything again and again before we can move on with the routine. I like that this instructor doesn't try to explain everything each time I do the workout, or try to chat with me or be a cheerleader for me. She encourages at one point by suggesting making smaller movements if your legs get tired, and at another point by suggesting imagining yourself holding your baby.
The exercises themselves are challenging for me as a beginner, and after a month, I've begun moving up to the intermediate level on some moves. And I love that just when I feel like I can't do another reverse lunge, she switches to the other side, or to another move. The variety and style of the instructor make this routine a pleasure for me.
I am not a person who regularly exercises. I am 4 1/2 mos. pregnant with my 5th child. I will be 36 years old by the time this baby is born. I've always been within about 5 lbs. of my desired weight(except during pregnancy, when I gained over 50 lbs. with each, but lost it all within the first 6 mos postnatal), that is, until I hit my 30's. I started this pregnancy about 15 lbs. over my ideal weight, feeling like I already looked 5 mos. pregnant. I decided it was time to start a fitness routine.
I really thought this routine would be very difficult, and made more for the already perfectly sculpted, perfectly fit pregnant woman. I feel so proud of myself for being able to complete it and keep up with the whole routine. I have noticed definition in my arms and legs since doing this workout 3x a week for a month now. I also noticed the back and hip pain I was experiencing before I started using the workout is gone now.
I love this workout, forsaking the others I bought at the same time time, Fit Mama(ok, I actually try to do this once a week, but I don't enjoy it. The bonus stretches are very good, and the workout does get me sweating and working my muscles. It's just the conversational style of the narration that turns me off here, and the moves feel very repetitious to me.) and Crunch Yoga Mama(I discovered I'm just not a yoga mama, but it was worth a try).
With the Perfect Pregnancy Workout, I feel great about myself, and I am keeping my weight gain to a reasonable level.

This is a terrific pregnancy workout--I highly recommend any pregnant woman who has no complications get this workout!! I use this workout along with Shiva Rea's pregnancy yoga and Pregnancy Pilates by Niece Pecenka. This is the most hardcore of the three, and I have worked my way up to doing it three times a week.

-The instruction is simple to follow, with excellent transitions
-There is no BS--she gets right down to business and goes directly from one exercise into another, without rushing you
-She is not a perky cheerleader type, she just tells you what you need to know/do for the exercise
-It is a real workout--your muscles are worked from head to toe, she gets every muscle group and you definitely feel it
-She has modifications for advanced and beginner exercisers (with a couple of intermediate modifications), which allows you to do what you can, and still get a good workout
-She's about 8 months pregnant, and she is doing every single exercise with you, which makes you feel like you can do it, too--pushups and all!
-The instructional part goes over diastasis, how to detect it, and how to modify the exercises to ensure you do not make it worse.

I did not exercise at all first trimester due to crushing fatigue and nausea. Once I started exercising again, this workout was HARD for me. Now I'm 7 months pregnant and I have great muscle tone all over my body--can even see where the "six pack" muscles are over the belly, and I have, as I said earlier, worked up to three times/week with this video. I feel like it's really helped me get in excellent shape for delivery. I have her Perfect Postnatal Workout as well, have already viewed it, and will be using it as soon as possible after the birth.

Bottom line: If you want to be in great shape and want a no-nonsense workout that you can do even when very pregnant, this is it!

The reviews on this product were so overwhelmingly positive that I purchased this DVD, together with several others, which I have personally used and enjoyed more. There's nothing bad to say about the instructor or video, however a few words of caution might be valuable to some women:

1.)Despite no complaints about the instructor, I do not recommend this workout if you are struggling with nausea at all. Even if I've felt well before the workout, I inevitably get nauseous during due to the fact that there is alot of changing levels (up and down) and continued intensity.

2.) The instructor is in excellent shape (a Cirque de Soleil acrobat)--and I guess that should kind of say it all. :) No, seriously, my fitness level is moderate. If I had been in SUPERB shape I would probably give it 5 stars. My overall lifestyle is healthy; I walk several miles most days and do other prenatal Pilates/Yoga/Other workouts a couple times a week. She's ripped, flexible and oh--did I mention that she's a Cirque de Soleil acrobat doing handstands while 8-months pregnant :)?!!! (This was not part of the workout just an 'inspiring' demo at the begining.) If you're not already in great condition, you may find this a bit rigorous. (More power to you if you don't!)

Finally! This is a straight-up workout tailored for pregnant women. It's no frills- a refreshing break from videos that either have hyper pregnant women shouting about how sexy you are with pump-up music playing or that are over the top feely-good, "connect to nature" types with wind chimes in the background. While those videos have their place, this one really makes you almost feel "normal". It never lets you forget you're pregnant, though, and has different fitness levels that are very clearly demonstrated. I was in moderate shape (not a couch potato or an elite athlete) before I got pregnant and was able to do this program fairly easily on the beginner/intermediate levels. It is 40 minutes but doesn't feel that long and you can definitely tell you have worked out afterwards. It moves quickly and doesn't repeat so you won't get bored. The instructor is great- it's obvious she enjoys being pregnant but is really quite down to earth about it. The music is kind of early-techno but I really like it and it's not overpowering- it actually sounds a bit like something from Cirque du Soleil (where the instructor was a performer). All in all- this is a great video even if it has been around for a while (like a good wine- which none of us can have!). For beginners you don't need any special equipment- just a chair (without arms), mat (unless you have thick carpet), and a couple of big, wide pillows (I use the ones from my couch). For intermediate or advanced you'll need the above plus a step (she uses a common kitchen or bathroom step stool, nothing fancy) and a pair of hand-held weights. Have these ready before the video starts- there's not much time in-between exercises. Also, even though it's not really an aerobic workout and uses the mat sometimes, wear your supportive bra & tennis shoes. I always feel better after doing this video- physically and mentally. Keep in mind this is a sculpting workout but my heart rate does go up enough for some cardio benefit. I still supplement by walking on the days I don't do this video or my prenatal yoga (Dr. Christine Anderson's Dynamic Prenatal Yoga) video. I think my legs and buns are actually more toned now than before I was pregnant thanks to this video!

***UPDATED REVIEW:
I just want to mention that I still fully agree with everything I said above but that I wasn't comfortable doing this video once I hit my 7th month. Some of the exercises felt- well, I don't know how to describe it exactly- just not right for my body anymore. It felt like I was overextending and sometimes was painful. I quit as soon as it felt wrong so please listen to your body. I continued to swim, walk, and do the prenatal yoga video (listed above) with ease to stay in shape for the rest of my pregnancy and had a very healthy and active baby girl. I lost most of my pregnancy weight very quickly through nursing and walking but I think alot of it had to do with keeping up muscle tone and cardio health while pregnant. Now that I'm on my 2nd pregnancy (already!) I just chase my toddler for exercise and have actually, so far, gained less weight this time around- without any formal, structured exercise- go figure! Congratulations on all you mommies-to-be! It's an incredible experience.

I've researched a lot of pregnancy workout videos, and the outstanding comments for this one do not lie. I did the workout for the first time this morning and it was fantastic! My arms are sore and my belly/butt feel toned for the first time since I mellowed out my exercise routine after finding out I was pregnant.

This is THE video for anyone who is lamenting the fact that most pregnancy workouts are too easy. I've tried FitMama and Prenatal Pilates (with Shiva Rea). Both have their place in the world of PG videos, but neither matches The Perfect Pregnancy Workout, in terms of challenging strength training and pace (not too fast, not too slow).

This video concentrates on strength training, not so much cardio. But you can always supplement this workout with walking or swimming. There's use of light hand weights (for "advanced" exercisers), side crunches (I'd been wondering if ab training was safe), squats, leg lifts, and pushups (killer!).

The only thing you may (or may not) miss are the constant reminders to "breathe" and "check your fatigue level", like some other videos do. But hopefully that is something that you can do on your own. Don't get me wrong, the beginning of the video has all the standard safety reminders for pregnant women, but it does not feel compelled to remind you over and over throughout the workout. The narration is clear and the woman working out is in fabulous shape - a true inspiration.

One thing to be wary of for women who are slightly competitive: Sometimes, I felt like taking on the advanced moves, when really I'm just a beginner/intermed. Don't fall into this trap. Do what feels comfortable and don't hurt yourself!

Last, but not least, this workout can give you a run for your money even if you aren't pregnant!

Karyne Steben is great and has a strong, beautiful body but I think this workout is best for an athletic person who enjoys floor work, weights, and lunges. I was looking for something a little more aerobic to keep the blood flowing and prevent me from blowing up like a blimp. I'm just starting my third trimester and found this workout a little hard on my knees. I've been doing a combo of Shiva Rea's Yoga Workout, which is great for easy yoga poses and stretching and also Leisa Hart's Fit Mama workout, which is a nice overall workout that includes aerobic and yoga/stretching. Although the Fit Mama workout is a little dated and goofy I'd probably buy her DVD if I could only buy one. And although Perfect Pregnancy seems best for staying toned, floorwook bores me to tears.