What are recommendations for a pregnancy workout video?

Answer

"I have been using the Kathy Smith Pregnancy Workout video since I was 3 months and find it quite beneficial. I was never an exercise fanatic, but find doing it three times a week makes me sleep better, and I believe has curbed my weight gain (not that I'm obsessing about weight during pregnancy). Exercise is always a good thing!"

"I like the Fit For 2 video. I found it more challenging than the Kathy Smith tape, but not as strenuous as my non-pregnancy tapes. It also talks about the guidelines for exercise during pregnancy, so when I go to a class at the gym, I can modify it to make it safe for me (a great thing since the instructors at the club don't seem to know what to do with a pregnant woman!). I especially like the ab workout and the relaxation part at the end. Lisa Stone (the instructor) is so energetic and the music is very upbeat (great after a long day at work) and the choreography is straightforward and fun."

"I used Kathy Smith's pregnancy workout a few times. I checked it out from a local library. I liked it a lot - it flowed better than the Buns of Steel video, and the instructor kept me interested. Music was a bit peppier too, and choreography was more professionally done."

"The Fit for 2 Step Aerobic Workout for Pregnancy video is the best I have seen. Lisa is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive. I use it at home without a step and still get a great workout. It is nice to learn about the ACOG guidelines and realize that Lisa is following the most recent information they provide. It helped get back into shape after our son was born also."

Answer

My favorite workout video is Karyne Steben's "The Perfect Pregnancy Workout". I thought Kathy Smith's was a bit outdated, wished Shiva Rea would stop talking for just a MINUTE and couldn't stand Denise Austin's. I didn't try the step workout, so I can't say. Karyne's worried me a bit because she's from Cirque du Soleil, but when I saw her before and after pictures on her website, I couldn't resist! The workout is great- it's no-impact and works every muscle in my body. It really helped the back pain that crept in and wouldn't go away.I felt really ready when I went in to deliver. I've just started working out with her postnatal video and my daughter really likes it! It's fun because I can really play with her and forget about how hard I'm working.