fave prenatal exercise methods/DVDs?

[oyinmama]

what are your favorite ways to stay/get fit during pregnancy? DVD recommendations? anyone running? swimming? taking local group classes?

i just found a fabulous prenatal exercise video - playful, accessible, and best of all for those of us who are already into fitness/dance/etc, it doesn't treat you like you're a delicate flower who can only do modified yoga poses or you (or baby) will break.

the instructor is a beautifully, bountifully pregnant woman and the entire 40 minute workout takes place in a living room with no props other than a chair, a couch, a coffee table, and a towel. there's also a 20 minute partner workout which i haven't looked at yet - i just finished the main workout and wouldn't wait to share.

it's called erin o'brien's prenatal fitness fix, and it's available on amazon.com for purchase, or for rental via netflix.

[c'est moi]

i like to keep up with my running.
i also like this DVD: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pregna...4561271&sr=8-3

while trying to find the link to the yoga dvd i have (can't remember the name), i came across this hotly reviewed pilates one and bought it. i hope i like it as much as everyone else! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_os_product

[neonalee]

I discovered the problem with having a summer baby (I'm 32 weeks). 1st trimester I was exhausted. 2nd trimester when I got my energy back I was already solidly into the winter slump with a complete lack of exercise. I didn't try to start up again until 20something weeks, right before I became exhausted again (apparently from low iron).

Anyway - if that is not you (lucky!) I highly recommend the DVD http://www.preggibellies.com.au/home.php apparently it's really big in Australia. Search around for the DVD, it's expensive, but can be gotten cheaper. I wish I'd started it in my 2nd tri. I never got past the warmup due to being so out of shape already.

Being exhausted all the time, I find the Neena/Veena prental bellydance DVD perfect for me (way too easy if you are in any shape at all).

From what I hear walking is GREAT prenatal exercise. I was also using our elliptical a bit, which works great for easy or harder workouts.

[momasana]

Originally Posted by oyinmama

it's called erin o'brien's prenatal fitness fix, and it's available on amazon.com for purchase, or for rental via netflix.

I'll have to check it out. I've been looking for a good DVD.

I am a runner in my "regular" life, but pregnancy makes me feel like I'm wearing lead shoes and my heart rate skyrockets when I try to run. It makes me sad a little bit but I just listen to my body.

This is my second summer pregnancy and I love swimming and taking water aerobics classes with the grannies . The water workout feels great, it's just enough to get my heart rate up a bit, but not too much to feel worn out, plus I'm not worried about wearing a swimsuit in front of a bunch of old ladies (not that I SHOULD care, but it is easier than say, hanging out poolside in Las Vegas or something...)

I also enjoy long, long walks and prenatal yoga.