Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga

The tape is thankfully short on new agey-ness and simply presents a straight forward workout. The poses provide some toning, but basically provide for some really good stretching. There is even a short 'guided relaxation' at the end which is sure to cure the worst insomnia.
Highly recommended.


Ahhhh!   October 21, 2001
34 out of 35 found this review helpful

Even without much previous yoga experience, I found this tape easy to follow. There are three instructors - one for each trimester of pregnancy - so I felt comfortable during both my second and third trimesters.

I was pleasantly surprised at the immediate relief of my back pain during my second trimester. The exercises are not extreme, and are well within the abilities of a pregnant woman (even this "old" 37-year-old first-time mom!). In my third trimester, I am most grateful for the gentle stretching of the poses - which eases the general aches caused by my ever-expanding uterus.

I anticipate that I'll continue to use this video during my post-partum period, as well.


A must-have for pregnancy   October 5, 2004
B. DeMoss (USA)
34 out of 35 found this review helpful

I love this video!!! I never did yoga before my pregnancy; was mainly a step aerobics/cross-training person. I bought this video from Amazon based on others' reviews. This is a GREAT video.

I have an hour-long commute in the mornings, and I'm on my feet a lot at work, so I have been experiencing a lot of back and leg pain during pregnancy. This video rids me of that pain, and helps to get rid of my slight ankle swelling.

As a cross-training-type person, I thought that anything that didn't make me break into a vigorous sweat couldn't be beneficial. This video has broken this belief for me. I have really gained a lot of strength and flexibility from this video.

First off, Shiva Rea's voice is so incredibly soothing, she makes you feel like you're getting a massage. The music and set are peaceful and calming. The overall production is relaxing.

The mood is set with mediation and warm-ups. Then there's standing work, floor work, stretch, and guided relaxation. Kegels are worked into various sections. Each section is subdivided, so you can do only part of each if you like.

Traditional poses are covered, such as planks, downward dogs, triangle pose, etc. (I don't know much about yoga.) Instruction is clear and understandable. Breathing is always kept at the forefront, with Shiva's never forgetting to tell you when to inhale and exhale.

There's one person representing each trimester, demonstrating the recommended modifications for each trimester. As I've found as I've gone along, these variations are very helpful.

This is a great video. Do not do pregnancy without it. Start lightly and build up if you need to, but you have to get this video for prenatal exercise. It helps me with my pains, and makes me feel relaxed. I really feel like I have gotten a massage after I finish this video.

The last thing I'll say is that there are little moves in the video that I've been able to do at work to alleviate some of my aches. I highly recommend this DVD, even if only for Shiva's voice and the soothing music that accompany it.




A Better Buy!   March 14, 2003
32 out of 32 found this review helpful

Before I got this video, I bought "The Method" prenatal yoga DVD and was very disappointed in it. That video was a different type of yoga practice than this and was not what I was accustomed to. The instructor of "The Method" was much more verbal and focused on free movement rather than structured poses and breathing. I have done yoga in the past and have really enjoyed the poses that use gentle stretching and breathing, so I was happy to see downward facing dog and some of the oldies but goodies on Yoga Journal's video. This video is wonderful! The instructor uses simple terms and doesn't talk too much and the poses are modified for whichever trimester you are in. I am in my 28th week and feel that this workout is perfect for my stage and certainly any stage beforehand or after. I did find that I got my heart rate up and increased my breathing after doing the video and feel it is a worthwhile workout for any pregnant person, regardless of her previous yoga experience. I even plan on doing this postpartum- if I have the time and energy! Good luck with your pregnancies to everyone!


Great Video for all Stages of Pregnancy   February 3, 2001
27 out of 29 found this review helpful

This video was great. It is broken up into small segments of 15 minutes each. Also, there is a women demonstrating the poses from all three trimesters. The video really taught me ways to modify poses for when I am in non prenatal yoga classes. I would highly recommend this video.