Subjects:  1. Active childbirth    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Childbirth    4. Exercise for women    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Pregnancy & Childbirth    7. Birthing methods    8. Health & Fitness / Pregnancy & Childbirth    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (1)

Amazingly Helpful
The knowledge that this author has is unprecedented. Wonderful book for pre and postnatal mothers, or those in the field of helping them.A very easy read, and well worth it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy    2. Anatomy and histology    3. Childbirth    4. Exercise    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise    9. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    10. Health/Fitness    11. Muscles    12. Musculoskeletal system    13. Pelvis    14. Perineum    15. Pregnancy    16. Pregnancy & Childbirth    17. Women's Health   

Reviews (5)

Not for teachers
This is a handbook designed for students.I bought it to build my prenatal teaching library and am disappointed.The pictures are dated but the poses are classic.There are also poses for postnatal.

good source of info
This book was helpful in letting me know which poses were still ok for me to do.It gave me options when my instructor was doing things that I could not do. What is with the updated front cover but the 80's photos on the inside?

Great book for expectant mommies
I like the organization of the book. I compared to others and I like this one better because it is clear and has good pictures. I am looking forward the post-partum exercises with the baby, the pictures look so fun and amazing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise for pregnant women    4. Hatha yoga    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pregnancy    8. Pregnancy & Childbirth    9. Yoga    10. Health & Fitness / Pregnancy & Childbirth    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care    12. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (14)

Worth the time to read
After reading some of the negative reviews, I felt compelled to write my own.In my first pregnancy, I did find the book hard to follow in some places (and yes it could be organized better), and I did not use it. Now in my second preganacy, and in hindsight I greatly regret not taking the time to actually read it and use it. I have searched for other books, and have found some that seem better organized, however, all of the other books seem based on MS Noble's but less complete, and do not really promote exercises which will not increase pelvic floor problems. This book is designed to protect the pelvic floor, and repair it (instead of surgery). So no, do not expect to break a sweat or find and intense work out (of which high body temp is bady for baby's brain anyway). If you are looking for something with a 5 second simple sound byte for instructions, this is not the book for you.Such as in life, some of the really good things require thorough explanantion and a bit of your time. Ms. Noble's book was one of the first like it, is still the base reference for most others, and will truly teach you how to protect your abdomen and pelvic floor safely. Unlike some other books, which have exercises that will actuallyincrease abdominal recti seams. So, if after pregancny you do not want a saggy abdomen, a uterus hanging down, and not to pee when you sneeze- this is the book for you.

Essential Exercises For The Childbearing Year
I wish that I had found and read this book before both of my pregnancies, especially since I now have a severe uterine prolapse shortly after my second! (I never even knew this could happen in someone my age- 36!) I will now try to repair some of the damage pregnancy and delivery has wrought on my body by using the exercises in this book, and fully recommend other women do the same to avoid the awful problems I am having!

Probably not for women who are already exercisers
Although this book has some really interesting points on abdominal exercises (although the other reviewers are right about the poor organization; and, there are typos and visually the pages are very cluttered), it absolutely does not offer an overall fitness program.It's much more like a physical therapy program focussed on abs and pelvic floor.So, if what you're looking for is supplemental exercises to add, it may be fine for you, but I'm going back to the drawing board to find a more all-purpose pregnancy exercise book.Plus, I think I can handle more than three or four crunches (I think she says you can do "up to five").Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise for women    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Health and hygiene    5. Health/Fitness    6. Pregnancy & Childbirth    7. Pregnant women    8. Prenatal care    9. Diets & dieting   

Reviews (2)

Inspiration for runners
This is a fun book that details briefly the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy and focuses on the runners body. The author had first hand experience of running throughout her pregnancy. The factual data is supported by 2 page case studies of women runners who had children. Some of them ran all the way through, some switched to cross training and some had to stop. There is a whole spectrum of experiences.
A good reference
I found this book to be easy to read and full of advice based on the latest studies. I enjoyed the book because it is the most comprehensive reference on current information about running and pregnancy I have found. Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise for pregnant women    4. Pregnancy & Childbirth    5. Running & Jogging    6. Running for women    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Track & field sports, athletics    10. Women's health   

Reviews (28)

Great book
This is a really great book, but probably only if you are scientific-minded and want some detail on the author's studies of exercise during pregnancy. There are no specific recommendations for exercises - that is not the point of this book. Another book, "Walking Through Pregnancy and Beyond", will provide that (although maybe not for competitive athletes). "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" has a lot of important information. The author's study showed that while exercising during pregnancy provides multiple benefits to both mother and baby before and after birth, STOPPING exercise during pregnancy can actually cause more problems and heavier babies than if you had not exercised at all during pregnancy. On days that I don't feel like working out, this single piece of information motivates me to do at least 30 minutes. You've got to keep it up! Also, he challenges the standard recommendation that a pregnant woman not exceed a heart rate above 140, as genetic factors, age, and other things can affect a person's normal resting heart rate, making 140 pretty arbitrary. He outlines other ways of ensuring that you don't overexert yourself and your baby. Dr. Clapp also has sections on exercise as it relates to fertility, early pregnancy, new exercisers, lactation, and the postpartum period. There are tables and graphs of his results, in case that turns you off (but they are illustrative, not technical). Check it out at the library first if you're not sure.

Ah, I'd rather read something else
I feel as though I was looking for a book to confirm the fact that you can do more exercise during pregnancy. I am having my first baby in February and was very active before but have taken it a notch or two down because of all of the precautions out there. This book started out slow and it was painful to read at first but I do have to say that it made me a little more at ease about exercising but listening to your body is key. I think that is what it all comes down to and that is the rule I go by each day when i go to the gym.

the only exercise book that really had answers
I work out 5-6 days a week, 1 to 2 hours a day. I weight train, do cardio of all sorts, and do power yoga. After I got pregnant I looked everywhere for a book on exercising while pregnant that spoke to my situation. All I could find was extremely conservative advice(such as walking 5 days a week for 20 minutes...) and in some places a vague hint that if one had been exercising before the pregnancy it was perhaps o.k. to continue with a similar routine. None of this advice came with any real data to back it up. Frustrating.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Exercise    3. Exercise for pregnant women    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. General    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Parenting - General    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Health & Fitness / Pregnancy & Childbirth   

Reviews (11)

Buy if you have your own chef
I purchased this book before it even hit the shelves because of how easy the preparation of the meals was supposed to be. The day before I was induced with my second child, I spent 3 and a half hours at the grocery store (with my 16 month old) trying to find all of the ingredients necessary for the plan. Over $300 later, I thought I had everything. Not so! On the very first day there were items on the menu that were not part of the shopping list. And meal preparation?! Not as easy as described for a new mom with a newborn. I needed a personal chef to get everything done for me. No wonder celebrities rave about this plan...they have money and chefs!

If you've had a baby and are ready to shed by 'baby weight', BODY AFTER BABY is for you
If you've had a baby and are ready to shed by 'baby weight', BODY AFTER BABY is for you: it comes from a celebrity nutrition and health coach and founder of NutriFit and provides her 30-day nutrition and workout program designed to help lose weight quickly. Easily-prepared meal plans, natural targeted exercises, and a structured workout routine are only a few of the tips and ideas here.
sounds good...if you have a personal chef!
I was very excited to find this book, I first saw it on TV being advertised. So after baby #3 the weight didn't just "fall off" as it did with my first 2! I was gung ho, starting it when my son was 4 months old. My mother helped me with the first few days, (it DID work) cooking, but when she left...I fell off the wagon!For a couple of different reasons:For one, I have 3 children!!!I cannot cook every meal, including some of the snacks!My 3 hooligans keep me so busy (you would think I wouldn't have time to eat). I gave up one night as I was trying to prepare the next day's meals the night before and only got 2 of them done.The exercise part of it is pointless for me, I vigorously exercise on my own a few times a week, that is not a problem.And for another thing, I agree with another reviewer...there is so much waste!I ate the same lunch for a week!I was cooking 2 meals because my children don't like certain things.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Nutrition    6. Nutritional aspects    7. Postnatal care    8. Pregnancy & Childbirth    9. Puerperium    10. Weight loss    11. Diets & dieting    12. Health & Fitness / Exercise    13. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Pre and Post natal Fitness Book
This book is a must have!Every pregnant or post natal lady should have one.Its extremely simple to follow and has fabulous accompanying photos for you to view.From beginner to advanced, strenght training, core stability etc.From a woman with a child, I found this book a must have!Convenient for those busy moms, easy exercises to do at home.If you haven't purchased one nows the time!

outstanding prenatal and postpartum fitness guide
This book covers it all; prenatal and postpartum, beginner to advanced, cardio, strength training, core stability, as well as explaining all of the normal physiologic changes in a woman's body throughout pregnancy. Very concise andeasy to read with lots of accompanying photograghs. Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Physical fitness for pregnant    6. Physical fitness for pregnant women    7. Postnatal care    8. Pregnancy    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Women's Health - General   

Reviews (13)

Better than the other pregnancy fitness books out there!
Scientifically reasoned, detailed explanations of the why and how of exercises for strengthening abdominals and pelvic muscles for pregnancy and after.This author clearly has had experience coaching women to do these exercises - I like the instructions of how to avoid common mistakes in these exercises, and also the interesting abdominal exercises (Tupler method) for reducing abdominal diastasis.This book looks like an excellent guide for those who want a specific training program to prepare for pregnancy and a faster recovery.
It really works!The best pregnancy fitness book
This book is wonderful for several reasons.
Bought this book instead of pregnancy yoga books
I bought this book during my first trimester instead of the "pregnancy yoga" books I was considering. I'd been doing yoga for several years prior to my pregnancy but felt that my normal classes lacked the additional information I needed about how to effectively use my body during pregnancy and labor and how to apply everything I've learned from yoga to labor. Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise for pregnant women    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical Fitness    8. Pregnancy    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Women's Health - General    11. Family & Relationships / Child Care    12. Gynaecology & obstetrics    13. Reproductive medicine   

Reviews (10)

Excellent for new mothers and yogis
This books is a great complement to the yoga pregnancy books. Once you have had your baby you can get back to your practice or start a new yoga practice. The book presents 4 classes for different stages of the baby's growth or mother's ability to move. In general, it is also a good introduction to yoga with basic introductory chapters. I am an expectant mother and yoga teacher trainee. I am planning on using this material as soon as I get certified and start teaching my prenatal and postnatal classes.

Good book for mom
I loved this book for postpartum yoga - it has a special section for cesarean moms, which was the reason I bought it.It has series of gradually increasing challenge, which I also like.However, I found it WAY too hard to incorporate my baby at first.Having a c section, it was hard enough to get in and out of the poses.Also, my newbron needs lots of attention and its hard to relax and focus on myself.Maybe this will change with time.Also, in terms of the baby interactions segments of each series, Baby Om was a little demanding of its babies - these sections included a full body massage and several exercise movements all in one sequence, and encouraged the mom to "keep trying" when baby resisted - my baby did not like this.I prefer Itsy Bitsy Yoga for baby yoga, as it gives very useful tips (such as going slow, stopping if baby is unhappy, etc) and offers different poses based on small developmental steps.A great book for moms, especially c section moms, but not the best for baby in my opinion.

Very Complete
I found this book to be very complete, with details on body positioning/benefits/etc. for each pose/exercise for you and your baby as well as many variations to make it work for you and your baby.They also included some information on baby massage and a special workout for c-section recovery.Its worth reading a few times before you dive into a workout to choose what you want to do and how you want to do it, rather than read while doing the workout and getting bogged down in all the options. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Exercise for women    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Hatha yoga    7. Hatha yoga for infants    8. Health and hygiene    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    10. Mothers    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Parenting - General    13. Yoga    14. Pregnancy, birth & baby care    15. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (4)

Much different than other exercise books, a must-have
This is a gentle, flexible exercise routine that begins with exercise routines suitable 24 hours after birth that start off with 5 minutes of floor exercises (with no balance ball or other equipment at this point) and 5 minutes of walking. Recommended for young mothers who may feel overwhelmed
Bounce Back Into Shape After Baby by physical therapist and exercise specialist Caroline C. Creager (Founder and CEO, Executive Physical Therapy, Inc., Berthoud, Colorado) is an energetic, authoritative health and workout guide designed specifically for new mothers. Individual chapters address exercise guidelines for mothers recovering from vaginal delivery, Cesarean delivery recovery, techniques for managing Cesarean scar tissue, ways to strengthen weakened abdominal muscles, balancing exercise with breast feeding, the value of working out on a ball, fitting exercise into a busy schedule and much more. Bounce Back Into Shape After Baby is a superbly presented and "user friendly" health and exercise guidebook and especially recommended for young mothers who may feel overwhelmed but don't want to neglect their physical well-being.

Therapeutic, as well as fun for everyone!
I highly recommend this book! As a middle-aged grandma, I was initially interested in this book for myself, as I will soon have an abdominal hysterectomy, and will be needing some gentle, yet effective post-op abdominal exercises. I am also an RN/certified fitness trainer, so I have used Caroline Creager's books in the past. I am finding this book to be an excellent source for my clients, especially new moms, and people like myself, needing strengthening after surgery. The section on diaphragmatic breathing is essential for the post-op period. Although this is a postpartum program, most exercises could apply to anyone, as they emphasize strengthening the core, which is fundamental in beginning an exercise program. The exercises and stretches using the Swiss ball would benefit anyone, young and old, as they are safe, functional, and help to improve posture and balance.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Women's Health - General    8. Exercise & workout books    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (2)

So helpful
I wish I would have discovered this book with my previous two pregnancies.I found the information helpful regarding childbirth and pain management.I got great relief from back pain (I had physical therapy that didn't workthe first two pregnancies) and relaxation through the yoga practice.Iwould recommend this book to any pregnant woman. It has made my pregnancymuch more enjoyable.

Recommended!
From about the 5th month of my pregnancy until I delivered my son I did yoga, using this book, 4-5 times a week.I loved it!I was able to relieve virtually all the aches and pains that crop up during pregnancywith one posture or another.And beginners can use this book - I had neverdone yoga before my pregnancy and this was easy to follow.I recommendfollowing the author's suggestion to first read the book, then read theinstructions for each posture you want to do into a tape recorder and thenplay the tape back as you do the exercise.The exercises strengthen youfor delivery and also give you some quiet time to stay in touch with (andappreciate) all that's going on with your body. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Pregnancy, birth & baby care    3. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (6)

not great
i don't think that this book is anything special. if you're already fit and are looking for ways to change your fitness routine during pregnancy, this book isn't all that helpful. if you're new to working out, it may benefit you more.

If you are pregnant, you need this book!
I have been an avid gym goer for most of my adult life. However, I had questions about what I could continue once I found out I was pregnant; everyone has differing opinions, and I was getting caught in the middle!
clear and concise
This book has plenty of stretching and exercise information to follow.The pictures are excellent and the information is solid.There is only need of a few inexpensive and useful [even after baby] workout materials.Very well done. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise for pregnant women    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health and hygiene    6. Healthy Living    7. Mothers    8. Physical fitness for women    9. Pregnancy    10. Pregnancy & Childbirth    11. Prenatal care    12. Family & Relationships / Pregnancy & Childbirth   

Reviews (4)

Like Sushi
This book is is wonderfully presented with great informations, but a can leave you a bit hungry. It's a great bargin and a nice quick referance for teachers.I have found many points that have not been addressed in thicker and more expensive books.The exercises they have chosen to illustrate are well thought out because they offer idea's on how to modify similar exercises.A great workbook for current students and instructors.

there has to be a better pregnancy pilates workout
I have been doing Pilates matwork for three years.when I became pregnant, I still wanted to continue with the workout but knew I needed to make some modifications.I found that this book was not very informative or helpful.The exercises were limited and several of them were perfomed while you're on your back.There are better exercise books that also work your core.

Great for those new to or experienced with Pilates
I did pilates for 3 months before I became pregnant and for the first 3 months of my pregnancy, until it became clear that neither of my two teachers knew how to adapt the exercises for a pregnant woman. This book is excellent: well written, with many good photos accompanied by clear instruction. The exercises are modified for each of the 3 trimesters and for 3 levels of experience with Pilates, from beginner to experienced.There is a complete section on postnatal conditioning as well. There are sufficient exercises for a good program, neither too long nor too short. The exercises are designed with extensive consideration for avoiding long- and short-term pregnancy and postnatal damage. This book DOES lay flat and will be appreciated by those who don't always want to work out in front of a video or as a more complete adjunct to a video. I do not know, however, whether a beginner can learn Pilates only from a book, without the feedback from an instructor. Women should also not expect an aerobic workout from Pilates; instead, you will strengthen and condition your core more in the style of yoga, tai chi, or weight training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise for pregnant women    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pilates method    8. Postnatal care    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Prenatal care    11. Women's Health - General   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Book
This book should be handed out in hospitals for women who have had a c-section. For a woman with no knowledge on what to expect before, during, and after a c-section, this book contains all the information that I needed to know. The book is very easy to read, every page is in glossy color with many pictures on what to expect and how to do the recovery exercises. The section on breastfeeding is very helpful as well. The book is divided into sections for each part of recovery, from 1-3 days, 4-7, weeks 2-12, 12-24, etc. I started reading this from my library on week 11 and started from the beginning exercises (from day 1) and feel GREAT after doing them. I was unsure what exercises I could do besides keigals and walking, this answered everything for me.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Pregnancy & Childbirth    6. Women's Health - General    7. Cesarean section - Popular works    8. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    9. Mothers - Health and Hygiene   

Reviews (4)

Great for teachers
This is a great book for teachers.It has wonderful meditations, beautiful flow seriesand good medical info too.It is a well rounded book and a great addition to my prenatal library.

Covers prenatal yoga and provides lots of general info, too!
As a prenatal yoga instructor, I find this book to be very user-friendly, full of photos and illustrations, some original stuff that you won't find in every book on yoga for pregnancy.It contains not only programs suitable for the three trimesters, but also yogic breathing practices, simple ways to incorporate kegels, pelvic floor visualizations, a guided relaxation, very basic info on the chakras, nutritional information, tips for relieving backache and performing daily activities with optimal alignment.The Teasdill book is very pleasing to the eye, enjoyable and easy to read.I just love the "Salute to the earth - growing into gravity" series of poses.This series alone contains some positions useful during labor and delivery as well as in preparation for the big day.There is also a page of positions specifically useful for labor.There are other visualizations and meditation techniques suggested for use leading up to and during the birthing process, general info on the stages of labor and reminders of what may serve you during each stage.There is also a chapter on life after birth which includes yoga postures for recovery as well as general info on breastfeeding, nutrition, what to expect emotionally.This book does include a bit of yoga philosophy.The last lines of the book state, "Yoga is not just a system of stretching and meditation:yoga is awareness, yoga is living in the present, yoga is union, synthesis and integrity.Yoga is life."Preparing for birth requires more than just physical preparation.A lot of birthing is mental, being able to stay present for each contraction and rest between rather than creating more tension and pain in the body in anticipation of what may come, "complaining mind."The mindfulness and awareness of body and mind that come from the meditative aspects of performing the poses or sitting in meditation are valuable beyond the physical preparation.If natural birth interests you, you might want to check out Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Natural Childbirth.Another good book on prenatal yoga is Janet Balaskas' Preparing for Birth with Yoga.Wendy Teasdill's book has a more informal, conversational feel to it than the Balaskas book, if that is of interest.Makes is very easy and fun to read!

Well-organized, useful text ... a must for pregnant practice
Even as a yoga instructor, I found myself at a loss when trying to structure pregnancy practices.I picked up this book and found that it is very well put-together.It describes poses well and tells you when it is appropriate to do them, trimester-wise.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise for pregnant women    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Hatha yoga    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pregnancy & Childbirth    8. Prenatal care    9. Yoga    10. Health & Fitness / Yoga    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care    12. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (6)

Helpful
The book gave very good tips on where to find different activities to do while pregnant.It also includes help for those who haven't worked out before.Not as much help for someone who was very athletic prior to becoming pregnant.It is really for those who have no or limited knowledge of working out.

Awesome Resource
As a fitness enthusiast and mother of three, I loved the peace of mind I got from reading this book.I've been exercising all my life and didn't want to stop when I got pregnant.Cram and Drenth offer a no-nonsense approach to staying fit and healthy from the first trimester to the last.I highly recommend this book.
Accurate and accessible
Finally...a fitness guide which accurately covers topics for those women anticipating pregnancy, or who are currently pregnant or post-partum. Too often, pregnancy guides tend towards a patronizing tone and as a physical therapist I find them hard to recommend. This thorough text encourages a woman to trust in herself while giving pointers for seeking professional guidance when necessary. The uplifting tone elevates women thereby encouraging them to begin orcontinue an active pregnancy both for the benefit of themselves and their babies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Physical Fitness    6. Physical fitness for pregnant    7. Physical fitness for pregnant women    8. Pregnancy    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous fitness fun!!
This is a great book.It is practical in its instruction and easy to follow.I highly recommend it for getting rid of that post-partum extra jiggle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise For Women    4. Exercise for children    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    8. Parenting - General    9. Physical Fitness    10. Pilates method    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Editorial Review

Pilates is an exceptional exercise technique for core strengthening, flexibility, and developing a lean, strong physique. But is it right for pregnancy? Yes, says Pilates trainer-to-the-stars Mari Winsor. Pilates is a safe way to reduce stress and increase comfort and balance during pregnancy. Additionally, Pilates will make your pregnancy and delivery easier, your recovery quicker, and it will benefit your baby by keeping blood circulating to the abdominal area, says obstetrician Uzzi Reiss, M.D., in the foreword.Read more

Reviews (6)

I enjoy this book
I just bought this book a couple of weeks ago and have really been enjoying it.I feel like my posture is great after a single workout and feel very strong in my core.I always look forward to my Pilates workout.
I use this every day
I really like this book. I had been doing Pilates matwork for about 18 months when I became pregnant. I didn't start using the book's routines until I was about 16 weeks pregnant, because before that time my regular Stott Intermediate Matwork video routine seemed fine. I really like the second trimester routine Mari has outlined -- although I don't do the entire routine because of time -- I skip some of the side-lying work and the rowing moves. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and still doing the second trimester routine because it still feels good (although last week I dropped a couple of the moves that were beginning to get uncomfortable). I have no problems exercising while on my back -- and I have been told that as long as I don't feel dizzy or nauseated, that exercising on my back is fine. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to try Pilates during pregnancy, especially those women who already have at least a basic understanding of the moves.

Not realistic
I am long-time Pilates practitioner and bought the book out of curiousity when I became pregnant to see if there were any different ways of doing the traditional exercises. Windsor keeps the method "traditional" to a fault. There are not enough modifications shown. Also, too many of the exercises are done lying on one's back. This is just not realistic after a certain point in pregnancy. I felt lightheaded and dizzy from lack of oxygen lying down! I would have liked to see more sidelying exercises, magic circle routines or standing exercises. The forward of the book if well written and there is no doubt that Pilates can relieve many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. It really can keep you in shape and help you regain your body after a baby. However, this book is only suitable for an experienced practitioner who knows how to safely modify the exercises. I would never recommend it to a novice. Rather I would steer them in the direction of a good yoga for pregnancy book or video. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Physical fitness    7. Pilates method    8. Pregnancy    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Women    11. Health/Health Care   

Reviews (15)

Fear not,help is on the way with this book. Stay active!
For years I have been active and have lost lots of weight and of course one of my biggest was becoming inactive,lasy and unfit when becoming pregnant! This book was easy to read and very informativ,realistisk and inspiering.

This Book Helped Me!
This book helped me with specific movements to get strength and stay limber during and after pregnancy.I'm now 2 lbs lighter than before I got pregnant and getting my figure back was mostly due to this book.I highly recommend it!!

I wish I could give it zero stars.
The advice for exercising and breastfeeding is wrong. It says breastfeeding hurts. It is out of date. It quotes that study that purported to show that exercise made milk taste bad/be less good for babies, and then recommends a complicated regimen not feeding that milk to your baby. It treats formula feeding as a reasonable strategy, despite how dangerous formula is for babies. It urges very tight, compressive, supportive exercise bras for breastfeeding mamas, and does not allow for the probability that might lead to plugged ducts/mastitis in many women.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise for pregnant women    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health and hygiene    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical fitness for women    8. Pregnancy & Childbirth    9. Pregnant women    10. Women's Health - General    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Family & Relationships / Pregnancy & Childbirth    13. Popular medicine    14. Pregnancy, birth & baby care