Customer Reviews

Prenatal Yoga Complete

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was looking for a beginning prenatal yoga tape, to help with relaxation and stretching, and I was very excited when my husband purchased this DVD for me as a gift. At first glance this DVD looked great, with so many options directed at specific issues (like morning sickness, rejuvination, etc...). However, when I tried a few of the routines I quickly became frustrated. They required multiple rolled blankets, pillows, mats, chairs, wall surfaces etc... and even once I had the set-up complete, the exercise only lasted 3 minutes before another, completely different set-up, using different props, was required. Because I am new to yoga, perhaps my expectations were off - but every yoga class I've been to required minimal equipment, which is one of the reasons I liked it. I would not recommend this DVD unless you have a dedicated exercise space, as well as the right equipment and a strong previous knowledge of yoga.

FIVE STARS: What I really like about this prenatal DVD is that it contains lots of routines for all three trimesters of pregnancy. Sequences are diverse - some are long (1 hour), others short (30 minutes), some are energizing, others are restorative. I can easily find the yoga sequence that fits my body and my mood at any particular time. (In contrast, many other DVDs and videos have only a very few sequences.) You actually hold the poses for a good time, not just see-them-and-run. This DVD even has a section on fertility issues and pre-pregnancy yoga sequences. Breathing exercises, which are really important for relaxation during pregnancy and for labor, are presented in a clear and practical manner. The instructor is very engaging and compassionate; her expert instructions are detailed but not overwhelming. I'm convinced that yoga, both the physical poses and the breathing, really help me and my baby grow in a healthy, safe and beautiful way. A terrific product to share with others.

I take a prenatal yoga class and bought this tape to supplement my weekly class. I find the tape very hard to follow and there are too many props (pillows, etc.) I would not recommend it especailly if you are not familiar with yoga.

I have been practicing yoga for several years and never in my life (pregnant or not) have I ever spent so much time with set up. There was no flow to this program, every position required folded blankets, bolsters, straps and no sooner was I in the position then the screen faded and moved to the next position with a chair placed over a sticky mat with two bolsters on it. My husband was scrambling to help me place the props and finally I was so fed up that I couldn't continue it! I have ordered a different prenatal DVD and hopefully I will have an easier time of it.

This is the only pre-natal video I can confidently recommend to my pre-natal yoga students. The instruction is very clear and detailed, and great care has been taken to ensure that the poses and sequencing are healthy and safe for pregnant women.

I find that many students, even once they are pregnant, think that they have to have a fast and intense "work-out" in order to accomplish goals of health and fitness. They have trouble slowing down to a reasonable pace. This video allows women to practice opening up and preparing for labor, delivery and motherhood.

Once you practice the poses once or twice, you will easily get the hang of using the props -- if you are new to supported poses, you will love them!

The sequences in the DVD can be sequenced easily depending on the kind of practice you are looking for and how far aong you are in your pregnancy.

Remember that you must have a balanced practice -- building strength for carrying that baby around and also opening up to your changing body (and your baby). This dvd allows time for quiet reflection -- a key component of effective mothering.

Buy it!

I love using this DVD, it makes me feel safe doing yoga while I am pregnant.

Mary's instruction is clear and precise, and she goes into detail on how to make sure you are positioned properly for each exercise. (There are even cut aways on alternate ways and positions to make sure you feel the most comfortable). To me this is so worth, even if you have to pause a second until you get used to what is coming. If you do not need assistance with some props, you do not have to use them, but I prefer to be cautious myself.

There is an extensive variety of exercises for each Trimester, and I love the fact that they are tailored for each trimester, there is even an introduction to each trimester so you know how you are changing and how the exercises are designed for you.

If you are adverse to using or considering props, or are looking for something that is aerobic/"workout", then I would say you should probaby not buy this DVD

If you are looking for something that will help make you feel better and is done in a safe and detailed manner, buy this DVD.

Up to you and what you are looking for.

I LOVED this DVD. I used this DVD for my whole pregnancy and I loved how it made me feel. The instructor was sensitive to the limitations of pregnancy and prepared her sequences and timing accordingly. I felt comfortable performing my yoga poses even when I was in my third trimester! There is an excellent variety of sequences to choose from for each trimester as well as sequences for specific pregnancy symptoms. I loved the morning sickness sequence it really helped me. This DVD allowed me to continue to enjoy my yoga practice during my pregnancy. I keep recommending it to all my pregnant friends who wants to practice yoga.

My yoga teacher suggested I get this DVD and I like it a lot. Depending how I feel (I'm in my second trimester) I can find a work out that fits what I need. I have taken a few classes of yoga in the Iyengar style, so I am used to using props. But as the instructor said in the prop section, you can substitute props or not even use them at all - they are just suggestions and not essential, another alternative is to just fast forward through that exercise if it doesn't work for you or youdon't feel comfortable without a prop (like a blanket or a necktie).

Although I don't use props much in my regular yoga class I went to, using them when pregnant I feel REALLY helps me experience wonderful benefits and feel safe. Sometimes the props are a pain, but in the end I find it well worth it and it is not that difficult to get ready to do a routine.

This is not so much a workout DVD as it is a DVD for helping you stay healthy and feeling good through pregnancy and prepare for birth. If you are looking for a good workout DVD, I like Leisa Hart's FitMama Workout - between Leisa's and Mary's DVD you should be set.

I was disappointed when I tried using this DVD. I am Not saying that the Yoga was not effective or professional. I am saying that the numerous props (about 3-6 per pose) and the 'choppy' workouts (no transition phases between poses) were very distracting and burdensome. I normally never leave negative feedback. I decided to do so when I realized that with two children money can be limited and I wanted to save someone their money because there are alot better videos 'out there'. Good Luck.

DVD has such precise instruction and uses many props, actually caught me by surprise. Tons of programs for each trimester and I cannot say enough positive things about this DVD. For beginners it is amazing, and for the more advance I would say it is a welcome change for those who want a slower pace and as one moves into the third trimester.