During my first trimester I experienced quiet a bit of fatigue and nausea which significantly impacted my energy level. I was determined to keep working out, so I decided to pick up a few prenatal fitness DVDs to keep myself motivated and my workouts first trimester appropriate. I know that many people are able to keep up their regular workout routine right through their first trimester; however, I was not feeling up to my intense Supreme 90
I decided to check out as many DVDs as possible from my local library prior to making any purchases. The following are the DVDs that I enjoyed and am still using now in my second trimester.
Please be advised that you should consult with your doctor or midwife prior to starting any sort of exercise regimen, especially when pregnant. Studies show that working out while pregnant is beneficial for delivery, baby and post-partum recovery; however, I am not a doctor nor a licensed personal trainer. The following is simply my personal experience.
Strength Training
Lindsay Brin’s Complete Pregnancy
About: Lindsay’s prenatal package includes 4 separate workouts, one for each trimester along with a postnatal boot camp workout. So far I have done the first and second trimester workouts. I love that the workouts are short and sweet (1st trimester is 35 min and second trimester is 40 minutes) and include both strength training (medium difficulty weights at 10-15 reps) and cardio (aerobics-style, which is not my favorite).
Likes: I can definitely feel the strength-training the day after. Lindsay uses compound exercises to get your heart rate up while lifting, which increases fat burning and strengthens several large muscle groups at the same time. All large muscle groups are worked. I definitely like this DVD and reach for it often.
Dislikes: I wish that Lindsay had a separate workout that was only strength training focused, instead of putting the strength and cardio together into one short workout. I am not a fan of aerobics-style moves like step-touch and 3-step marching. I’m just not that coordinated. 🙂 However, I find that after a couple times through, I am definitely able to catch on. Lindsay has pet names for important muscle groups, like bra muscles and bun cakes, which was a little weird at first, but doesn’t bother me know. The music is all very aerobics sounding, which is fine, but not that motivating.
Glow – Prenatal Cardio Sculpt with Tonya Larson
About: The Glow DVD includes 23 minutes of aerobics-style cardio along with an 18 minute sculpt session and 8 minute cool down. I absolutely love the sculpt (strength training) portion of the DVD along with the cool down.
Likes: I love this DVD! To start off, the soundtrack to both workouts are Christian songs, which I find to be very motivating and add a positive spin to each workout. I also feel that I am very challenged in each of the strength training moves, although, the workout is based on high reps & low weight, which is very different from how I was lifting pre-baby. Although, I always feel sore from this workout the day after.
Dislikes: The strength training portion is a little short for my taste and I would prefer to have more sets with lower reps of the exercises. The cardio portion is based on aerobics moves, which as I stated above are not my favorite. There is only one workout, which is modified for each trimester, so you are left doing the exact same workout throughout your pregnancy, which could get boring.
Prenatal Yoga
About: An hour long yoga practice that is both challenging and relaxing. Shiva has a calm voice that leads you through many traditional yoga poses that open hips and melt tension. The setting and music are calm and engaging.
Likes: This is a very thorough yoga practice that leaves my entire body relaxed, yet strengthened. The next day I always feel more open and relaxed.
Dislikes: There is only one workout that is modified by trimester, which could lead to boredom later in your third trimester. I don’t always have time for an hour long workout, so this is not the yoga DVD that I reach for most often. The outfits that the women are wearing in the DVD are a little distracting at first (think full length leotards), but do allow you to really see the position that each woman’s body is in while holding poses.
About: This DVD includes a 30 minute energizing practice and a 15 minute relaxing practice geared towards first time yoga students or people wanting a simplified, traditional practice.
Likes: If I am in the mood for a brief, up-beat yoga practice I reach for this DVD. I love Krysten’s style and choice of moves for such a short practice. The music is soft yet motivating.
Dislikes: This DVD only includes one practice that is modified for each trimester. I feel that a lot of time is spent explaining moves instead of actual execution; which is helpful at first, but is not needed once you have done the practice a few times. I would have preferred an intro section that simply went over the poses in more detail.
Yoga for Pregnancy with Ann Richmond
About: A yoga DVD that includes several practices: 1st Trimester – 29 minutes, 2nd Trimester – 35 minutes., 3rd Trimester – 31 minutes, Morning Sickness – 15 minutes, Back Pain and Sciatica – 20 minutes and Before Bed – 12 minutes. I have done the first trimester, second trimester, morning sickness and back pain and sciatica practices.
Likes: This is my favorite yoga DVD. I love that Ann allows you to customize your workout based on your trimester, energy level and specific concerns. I have found the morning sickness and back pain practices very helpful.
Dislikes: All of the practices were filmed on green screen and backgrounds were added in post. Sometimes Ann is sitting in a field of animated grass and at other times there are multiple versions of a pose shown on screen. This was a little odd at first, but I hardly notice anymore. This is not a challenging workout, it is definitely meant to open and lightly tone your muscles.
Cardio
Leisa Hart’s FitMama Prenatal Workout
About: A lighthearted 47 minute workout that includes 20 minutes of salsa dancing and 20 minutes of sculpting yoga. Leisa is feisty and motivating while still providing a challenging workout.
Likes: I have been taking a Zumba class and love that I was able to dig right into the salsa-based moves because I had been practicing this workout. The yoga is challenging and more up-tempo than some of the other practices that I own. The music is fun and motivating. I like the birth prep breathing, kegels and core work included in the cool down.
Dislikes: Either workout is a little short to do one their own. I would love to have a little longer salsa dancing section that included a few more complex moves and more uptempo dancing.
What is your favorite form of prenatal exercise?
I absolutely love yoga while pregnant. I also enjoyed swimming while we were in Alabama.
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