There are many Prenatal Yoga Videos available online and one of the most popular of theses is Gaiam Prenatal Yoga DVD by Shiva Rea. Shiva Rea is a high profile yoga instructor who has graced the pages of many yoga magazines.
Structure of the Gaiam Prenatal Yoga DVD.
The Gaiam Prenatal Yoga DVD is structured for each of the three trimesters of pregnancy with modifications made for each trimester. The video features three women, each of them in different stages of pregnancy or different trimester being the first, second and third trimester.
The lovely expectant mothers lead you through a series of poses and postures intended to increase flexibility, strengthen and support you through every stage of pregnancy. Even to the point when you deliver your bundle of joy.
Rea herself leads the first trimester poses. It is all done with beautiful alignment and shows you the type of poses and posture you should be aiming for. The first trimester is a 50 minute session. The modification made for the second and third trimesters incorporate the use of balancing aids such as a chair which is considered to be a must for the third trimester of pregnancy.
The first section of the Prenatal Yoga DVD focuses on meditation and pranayama. Right through there are excellent explanations of the benefits of each pose. Rea also leads a series of Kegel exercises, which are excellent during pregnancy. This is followed by a series of standing poses focusing on hip openers, upper body twists, balances, and hamstring stretches.
The floor work section (getting on the floor preferably with a yoga mat) incorporates many plank poses, which are wonderful in assisting you to maintain your upper body strength during pregnancy. This is an area which is can be neglected in prenatal classes. Finally, Rea leads you through a relaxation at the end of the session.
Use of Balancing Aids.
Experienced yoginis (a lot of experience in the practice of yoga) with regular prenatal yoga practices may find the chair assists for balancing are unnecessary until the last few weeks of pregnancy. Those that are not experienced in the practice of yoga should use a balancing aid as needed and specifically for the whole of the third trimester.
Prenatal Yoga Videos – Ideal for Practice at home.
This DVD, is a great option for pregnant women who can see themselves practicing yoga at home. Although the techniques are appropriate for beginners, the instruction in this DVD is best suited to those already familiar with yoga and it would be optimal to be used along with professionally instructed prenatal yoga classes.
Yoga and Pilates Tips hope you have enjoyed our article about Prenatal Yoga
In my day job I am an energy therapy specialist and so I can say with some authority that Yoga is highly beneficial. Both the mother-to-be and the baby must benefit greatly from the mum doing Yoga. And now you offer DVD’s with Yoga exercises designed specifically for pregnancy. A must have for every mum-to-be, in my opinion.
Wal Heinrich´s last [type] ..Cheapest Granny Flats In Australia
Hi Wal,
Thanks for your comment. I agree, Yoga when practiced correctly can be of great benefit to both mother and unborn baby. As yoga becomes more popular in the Western World more and more people are getting involved. Yoga has an incredibly calming influence, keeps the body flexible and also helps mothers prepare for the birth in a positive way.