quality pregnancy yoga practice

During my second pregnancy I often used Yoga Zone's Postures for Pregnancy. It certainly helped alleviate aches, pains, and I believe helped me during labor. Since that time (6 yrs ago), I have become more active in yoga - usually practicing 20 minutes/day at least 5 times a week. But this is not to say that I'm an advanced yogi (I'm not Madonna nor Sting!). Over the years, I've benefited greatly from yoga: becoming more aware of my body and its needs, becoming more flexible (physically and mentally), been able to alleviate some physical issues (plantar faciitis and a bum knee) and improve my care for myself in order to lose 60 lbs. But I'm far from the "pretzel" stage.

So when I found out recently I was pregnant again, I knew I wanted to continue yoga. I also knew I would need another prenatal yoga DVD. I bore easily and the Yoga Zone video, while YZ is my favorite practice, is a little longer than what I have time for most days. I had just discovered Crunch videos about 2 months prior to finding out I was pregnant. I have really enjoyed them, so I thought I would try out Crunch Mama.

While this practice is not a lot shorter than the Yoga Zone video, I do enjoy it as an alternative. It is a relaxing but good stretching yoga practice. As stated in other reviews, it is not too spiritual, but that can be implemented if you so chose. The practice moves smoothly. There are other prenatal yoga videos that stop to explain everything about the postures (why and how) or the spiritual aspects. While this can be helpful for the first time through - it is annoying once you know why you are doing it all and just want to do it. Crunch Mama just flows. The instructor is knowledgeable and pleasant. Although she tells you to say "hi to the baby" too much for my taste (I'm not a goo-goo over baby type, I enjoy toddlers much more). The postures in Crunch Mama are not too complex for the beginner, but not too simple for a practicing yogi. It's not a sweaty yoga practice, but I already implied that.

As mentioned by another reviewer, it is nice to see all the various women in the workout. They are of various shapes, sizes and stages of pregnancy. You can tell some of them have never done yoga before pregnancy and some have practiced for years. I especially appreciated that some of the most flexible were not the skinnest, buffest women. It just proves yoga is for everyone. More non-prenatal yoga videos should be like this (thus why I like Yoga Zone videos FYI - they focus on form, not flexibility).

If you are looking for something to help you alleviate some of the woes of pregnancy, help you maintain your fitness level or just to relax you - I would recommend this video.