Prenatal workout DVDs

About a month ago, I convinced David to purchase some prenatal workout DVDs for me.  At the time, I was dealing with major fatigue, so it has taken me a while to regain my energy enough to actually put them to use.  At the suggestion of my friend, Myrrh, I have decided to review these DVDs. :)

Body by Trimester
This is a 3 DVD set, and as you could have guessed, is broken down by trimester.  Each DVD has a warm-up segment, 2 full 30 minute workouts, and an express 15 minute workout.  You can also choose to do the abs only segment. The workouts themselves are challenging, but not too challenging.  You definitely feel like you are working, but not to the point where it is too difficult or you get discouraged.  Joy is just that...a joy!  She is perky and encouraging (but not in an obnoxious way).  She just has a really great energy that makes you want to get up and workout!  I really enjoy these DVDs, and I am even considering buying her postnatal workout to help me get back in shape after Madelyn arrives.

Perfect Pregnancy Workout Vol.1
This 43 minute video is broken down into a 5 minute warm-up, a 33 minute workout, and a 5 minute cool down.  It is a great workout, and in my opinion, the most challenging of all of the DVDs that I bought.  You are definitely going to feel more toned once you have finished.  I like that all of the exercises have an Advanced and Beginner option, and some have an Intermediate option too.  Some exercises I was able to do Advanced, while others I could only do Beginner.  It was really nice to be able to choose which was right for my own personal, fitness/comfort level.  This is actually my least favorite of all of the DVDs.  One big drawback is that Karyne looks like she's enjoying the workout a little too much...if you know what I mean!  All joking aside, it is a little on the boring side.  Boring or not, it will leave you feeling fitter, and that's really what is important.

Long & Lean Prenatal Workout
I'll be honest, I thought this would be my least favorite of all of the DVDs.  With it's basis in yoga and pilates, I expected it to be boring and too easy...boy was I wrong!  Within a few minutes, I was starting to sweat and feeling the burn!  The standing and floor segments were very challenging; I really felt like I was getting an awesome workout!  After working my muscles, I absolutely LOVED the stretch segment...probably the best stretches I've ever done in my life.  Then comes my favorite part, the relaxation segment.  After working so hard and having such an amazing stretch, you REALLY feel relaxed as you sit and breath and listen to the music. I don't think I've ever felt so relaxed in my life!  I'm a little embarrassed to say, but during the relaxation portion, I felt so overcome with this peaceful feeling that I cried a little...it was just this totally amazing emotional release!  I seriously want to do this workout every day as a stress reliever!  Needless to say, this was my absolute favorite of all of the DVDs!

All in all, I think these are all great prenatal workout DVDs.  I think they can all help moms-to-be maintain their physique and fitness level during their pregnancies!