Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates - Four DVD Pregnancy Series (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates Four DVD Pregnancy Series is meant to take women from conception all the way through pregnancy and delivery. The DVDs can be purchased individually or as a set:
DVD 1: Triple Threat: Get in Shape Before Your Pregnancy
DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: Maintain strength and prepare for birth
DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: Get your pre-pregnant body back
DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: Bond with your newborn and stay in shape
Jennifer's impressive resume includes distinctions such as Certified Pilates Instructor, Master Trainer, Labor and Post-Partum Support Doula, ACE and PMA, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis & Yoga certified. Her expertise, passion and compassion come through on all four DVDs.
DVD 1: Triple Threat is a fantastic workout for all women, not just those wanting to get pregnant. Combining the elements of Kickboxing and Pilates together, I sometimes forgot that this was supposed to be "Pilates" as for the majority of the workout I was standing and not lying. There is a concentrated abdominal portion of the video that takes some very advanced exercises, and my abs felt sufficiently worked at the end, as did my arms, legs, and back. I felt absolutely wonderful.
DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: shows a very pregnant Jennifer leading a class with two other women, one who is demonstrating 1st and 2nd Trimester Modifications with Jennifer and the other model demonstrating 3rd Trimester. As neither model seemed to be pregnant, the modifications for each trimester could have been better demonstrated if each woman was working with one trimester. Because the second trimester involves so much transition, a first time mother might not realize that at times it would actually be more appropriate to follow the 3rd Trimester ladies rather than the 1st. That said, she does a great job of repeatedly reminding the mother to listen to her body, and take appropriate modifications.
DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: An adorable post-pregnancy Jennifer demonstrates a fantastic workout for brand new mothers who have the luxury of taking time away from their baby. Before she gets into the workout though, Jennifer, 3 days post-partum and still in the hospital, gives new moms an idea of what they are in for, and some tips for recovery steps that can be taken while still in the hospital.
DVD 4: Exercises with Baby: is an incredibly challenging abdominal workout with baby. Jennifer demonstrates the whole workout with her 4 month old daughter, who is a full participant in the workout, occasionally trying to roll away as we all know our babies will do as soon as we put the DVD in.
Overall, this series is fantastic for new and expectant mothers. The only criticism I have is that, if I were to purchase this while pregnant, it wouldn't occur to me to watch the Post-pregnancy DVD until after the baby was born, and I would have missed out on the great "while in hospital" advice from Jennifer. I also think the triple threat workout could be used for anyone, pregnant or not, male or female. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, or know someone who is, the boxed set is a great bargain and, even if it's too late to get the "Triple Threat" in before pregnancy, it will be a great video for years to come.

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Everything You Need- Before, During and After PregnancyFOUR AMAZING DVD'S WITH EVERYTHING YOUR BODY NEEDS TO PREPARE, MAINTAIN AND RECOVER FROM PREGNANCY!The Fusion Pilates Pregnancy Series is best thing you can do for yourself and you baby.These four videos by leading pregnancy exercise expert Jennifer Gianni provide you with everything your body needs to prepare, maintain and recover from the traumatic effects of pregnancy. DVD ONE:FUSION PILATES TRIPLE THREAT: A dynamic combination of low impact cardio, Pilates toning and balance work. The three disciplines are intertwined in an intense workout that keeps the body guessing- and working.An informative introduction teaches the foundations of the Fusion Pilates basics so you get the most out of the Main Workout.This workout will get your body ready for pregnancy and is a great overall workout to keep anyone in top shape.DVD TWO:FUSION PILATES FOR PREGNANCY: Discover how yoga infused Pilates can keep you in shape during and after your pregnancy. Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy is the first Pilates based workout designed to give pregnant women a challenging workout, without compromising safety. DVD THREE:FUSION PILATES FOR POST PREGNANCY AND C—SECTION RECOVERY: A MUST for getting back your pre-pregnant body.Includes real footage of Jennifer immediately after her C-Section offering tips on what to expect and how to care for yourself during your hospital stay.Also includes a SAFE First Six Weeks Exercise Plan, which will gently prepare you for Jennifer’s Main Post Pregnancy Workout.DVD FOUR:FUSION PILATES – EXERCISING WITH BABY: Get in shape, have fun and spend quality time with your baby.Fusion Pilates Exercise with Baby is a fun and varied program that lets your baby take part in this quick head to toe workout that’s great for busy moms.

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10 Minute Solution: Prenatal Pilates Review

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(More customer reviews)After a shaky first trimester, my doctor gave me the ok to exercise again. I started shopping for a good, fun workout DVD. I tried the "Buff Moms-to-be" workout - don't bother with that one. Way to wimpy. Next, I got the "The Perfect Pregnancy Workout" DVD. I love that workout. By far my favorite. However, there isn't much core work involved, so I thought I'll get a pilates DVD, so I can alternate workouts. So, I ordered "Pilates during Pregnancy." That workout is way too brutal. It made me hurt all over, and not in a good way. Finally, I ordered the "10-Minute Solution Prenatal Pilates" DVD. Oh, how I love this workout. The whole body gets a workout. Every muscle in your body is working. The workout is just right - not too wimpy and not too hard. Very doable. You'll feel great afterwards. The instructor is very pleasant, and the background is very inviting. The music is there, but not overpowering. There are five 10 minute sections: Standing Pilates, Core Pilates, Pilates for Buns & Thighs, Total Body Pilates, and Pilates for Flexibility (my favorite). You can select the "Play All" feature, or you can create your own workout by selecting only the sections you want to do. I recently started some physical therapy for my sciatica, and the therapist commented on how great my muscle tone is, especially in my core. I told her about this DVD, and she told me to keep it up, since it seems to work well. I'm now 34 weeks pregnant, and I will continue to use this DVD and "The Perfect Pregnancy Workout" as long as I can.
A number of people have raised some concerns about some of the exercises on this DVD that are done laying on your back. First of all, the amount of time you spend on your back is extremely short. A couple of minutes at the most. I spend more time laying on my back during ultrasounds. Also, the physical therapist gave me some exercises to do at home for my sciatica, and those exercises have me laying flat on my back for 3-5 minutes, so it can't be that bad. Also, while you are laying on your back, during this workout, you are moving around, so I could imagine that prevents blockage of blood flow. But, you need to do what you feel comfortable with. I would definitely recommend this DVD for a great pre-natal workout.

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No Time To Exercise? We have the solution for you – the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed 5 dynamic workouts that are just 10 minutes each. The workouts were designed to help you stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy. These compact workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for one amazing, prenatal Pilates workout! Highlighted in the August 16th, 2007 issue of The New York Times, this DVD will allow you to modify your workouts to your pregnant body.Pilates For Buns & Thighs: Get ready to strengthen your lower body and get toned, firm thighs and buns – even as your belly continues to get bigger.Standing Pilates: For this segment, instructor Lizbeth Garcia reworked traditional mat work into standing exercises that help improve strength, balance and coordination – things needed throughout pregnancy, especially needed in the third trimester.Core Pilates: This workout focuses on strengthening your core muscles to help you bounce back from delivery and may even help to reduce lower back pain during pregnancy.Pilates For Flexibility: Allow your body and mind to relax while you focus on releasing tight muscles through fluid exercises that will increase your flexibility and overall sense of well-being.Total Body Pilates: Designed to develop overall muscle strength and flexibility, this segment will help you firm and tone your body. It may also make delivery easier by teaching you how to breathe deeply and evenly while tightening the muscles of your pelvic floor.POSTNATAL BONUS WORKOUT: FLAT BELLY FAST As a special bonus to use after your pregnancy, this core-focused segment created by instructor Suzanne Bowen zeros in on the deepest abdominal muscles with a singular goal: to flatten your belly fast. A set of 2- 3 pound dumbbells and 1-2 pillows are recommended for this workout.

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Erin O'Brien's Prenatal Fitness Fix (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I did the 40 minute routine for the 1st time yesterday. I am only 8 weeks pregnant and found this DVD to be somewhat challenging. I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who is further along. I would recommend this workout for someone that is already a seasoned exerciser. It's fast paced, so I would not recommend this DVD for a beginner. I am an avid runner (average 8-15 miles/week) and regular gym visitor (4 days/week using an elliptical and bike), a yoga student (1-2 days/week) and a former step aerobic student. What I didn't like about this routine was that I had to re-arrange my furniture in order to do some of the exercises in Segment 1 (the 40 minutes is divided into 4 segments.) I wished the DVD had prepared me for what was needed as far as "equipment." I had to keep running around the living room/dining room to "find" and "arrange" the needed equipment. So those of you that wish to purchase this DVD, you will need a sturdy coffee table, the edge of your couch, a flat wall, a dining room chair, a living room cushioned chair (I don't have one of these and used the loveseat) and an exercise mat. The other thing I didn't like about the DVD were some of the crazy camera angles and the fact that Erin doesn't always countdown the number of reps. For some of the floor exercises, you are supposed to keep a long neck (looking down while on all fours), however Erin wasn't giving instructions and I had to keep looking up at the TV to figure out what I supposed to be doing. Overall, I did have a pretty good workout. It got my heart rate up and I did sweat a little. I'm sure I will get better at keeping up with the routine.

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"Erin’s a pro at fitness, she’s a pro at pregnancy, and she fuses these together for two perfect prenatal workouts. I highly recommend this fitness program." —Ellen Barrett, M.S., bestselling exercise video star and author of Weights for Weight Loss Staying fit and energized throughout your pregnancy just got easier. Custom-created by Hollywood trainer and Hollywood Mom ERIN O’BRIEN, Prenatal Fitness Fix is a unique program that quickly and effectively conditions your growing body. Modified Pilates, kegels, sports conditioning, and true-blue body sculpting seamlessly blend together in Erin’s two workouts. You’ll get it all: fat-burning cardio, muscle toning, strength training, and tension-relieving stretches. The first workout—40 minutes long—is like an exercise class in the comfort of your own home. No special equipment needed, just clear some space in your living room. Erin’s a genius at keeping your mind focused, your body invigorated, and your spirits up. The second workout—20 minutes long—is for you and a partner. Erin and her husband, actor JAMES DENTON (Desperate Housewives, The Pretender), take you through a circuit-training partner series. It’s the perfect way to include others in your pregnancy journey! ERIN O’BRIEN has 10 years of experience as a pre/postnatal exercise specialist working in elite fitness clubs in both New York City and Los Angeles. She holds several certifications, including one in pre/postnatal training from the Esquerre Fitness Group.

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