Pilates Pregnancy Guide: Optimum Health and Fitness for Every Stage of Your Pregnancy Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a Pilates teacher who recently has three pregnant students. I reviewed many books from my library system and found this one of the absolute best value and advice. Be careful what you read can be extremely contradictory with pilates(which works the abdominal muscels) and pregnancy. This book is sensible and safe. You will certainly get your moneys worth. It is a great reference book for teacher. Have it in your studios.

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Body Control Pilates for the full nine months of pregnancy and beyond.

Pilates specializes in building core muscles to create a "girdle of strength." This is crucially important in pregnancy, when the body is under tremendous stress and strain by the added weight and changes in posture. Pilates Pregnancy Guide features a series of exercises tailored to condition these core muscles for a more comfortable pregnancy, an easier labor and a faster recovery.

Suitable for women at all fitness levels -- with or without Pilates experience -- this book provides a comprehensive program during the entire period of pregnancy, with exercises specific to each trimester. Features include:

Preparing for pregnancy
The benefits of Pilates during pregnancy
The basics of Body Control Pilates
A program for the first six weeks after the birth
A continuing program for staying in shape.

Workout menus designed for each stage of the pregnancy offer recommended exercises complete with guidelines and warnings. Illustrated with color photographs, each exercise sequence is outlined in specific stages: Aim, Starting Position, Action, and Watchpoints. This exercise program ensures controlled and safe routines throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

Thorough and encouraging, with reliable general information about pregnancy, Pilates Pregnancy Guide will be a natural first choice for any expectant mother.
(200609)

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Megayoga Review

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(More customer reviews)For too long yoga instruction has ignored the needs of larger woman. I have been in yoga classes where the question "what do I do with my boobs?" was greeted with a puzzled look from my teacher.
Last year, I once again embarked on a yoga journey with the Just My Size Yoga DVD. I love it! Now, the instructor of that DVD has a book that builds on the poses and workouts highlighted in the DVD.
If you have ever been in a yoga class and felt out of place because of you size, this book is for you. If you want to enjoy the benefits of yoga, but learn adaptations for your curvy figure, this book is for you. If you want to feel good, and feel better about yourself, this book is for you!
MegaYoga stresses the benefits of yoga. Yoga improves health, releases stress, and builds self-esteem. MegaYoga does not, however, emphasize weight loss. Rather than setting a goal for someone you CAN BE, MegaYoga helps you love the person you ARE. It teaches the reader to love her body the way it is, and to not compare herself to others who are "thinner" or "more beautiful."
The book starts out with the journey of Megan Garcia, a beautiful plus size woman and yoga teacher. Next, the reader is introduced to "MegaYoga." MegaYoga teaches the traditional Hetha Yoga, but it acknowledges the special needs of the larger student. Posture, practice, props, and "moving the flesh" are all covered with a gentle, compassionate spirit.
The workout is broken down into "warm-up," "standing poses," "wall poses and inversions," "cleansing poses," and "quiet poses." While learning the poses, the book also provides a plan to help the learner grow with yoga. There are three workouts provide in the book, a 30 minute work out for the first 6 months, 60 minute workout for 6 - 18 months, and a 90 minute workout to go beyond 18 months.
I highly recommend this book for all the big, beautiful woman out there who want to reap the benefits of yoga.

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This unique and inspiring program is designed specifically for larger women whose needs have not been met by mainstream yoga instructors. Now there's a class just for them, complete with specialized poses, simple props, and the encouragement of a plus-sized yogi who knows from her own experience how to bring both the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga to every woman, regardless of her size or level of fitness.

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Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a fitness instructor and I bought this book so I could be well versed on giving modifications to pregnant women that come to my classes. I found the book to be informative and contain a good amount of information beyond the typical "don't lay on your back" type of thing. The book addresses the pregnant athlete, eating well, posture, meditiation, stretching, getting in exercise while doing activities around the house, your skin, hormones, discomforts, etc. The book has some basic sketches/drawings in it which I thought were value added but this is not a picture book.
I found the book to be a great guide and it is recommended by the American Council on Exercise, which is who I have my group exercise certification through and how I originally found out about the book. I look forward to using the information for myself one day. In the meantime, I'm loaning it to one of my trusted newly pregnant students so she can keep fit while pregnant. I highly recommend this one especially if you're only buying one fitness book for pregnancy.

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Be strong, comfortable, healthy, and active throughout your pregnancy with Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan. Considered by health professionals as the gold standard of maternity exercise, Motherwell's medically proven program is designed specifically to meet the needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy.

For maximum comfort and mobility through each trimester, the program includes breathing, core conditioning, flexibility, strengthening, motivation, relaxation, and nutritional advice to meet the needs of mother and baby. Choose among many fitness options such as walking, swimming, water walking, stretching, yoga, and meditation to be as active and healthy as possible up to and after delivery.

Take care of your baby and your body with the program that is featured at more than 100 hospitals throughout the United States and is the international certifying standard for health professionals.

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The Pregnant Couple's Guide to Working Out Together Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I started using this book last week. It's full of great information and lots of pictures. My wife was feeling really fat with all the baby weight adn she really wanted to work out a little bit. Not really to get buffed, but to just get her blood flowing and increase her heart rate. We told this to our doctor and she suggested this book. My favorite part of this book is all the workouts are geared to the "couple" and this makes it fun.

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Easy Exercises for Pregnancy Review

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(More customer reviews)During the last trimester when I was more uncomfortable, the exercises I did from this book helped me to relax. Since I was walking, sitting and sleeping differently (than before getting pregnant), the exercises in this book helped me to stretch muscles safely and also to meditate/relax tight muscles. This was extremely helpful during the last week of my pregnancy, since my baby was pinching my psiatic nerve in my lower back. A few exercises helped my body to better deal with this type of discomfort.

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A guide for every woman who wishes to approach the birth of her baby feeling fit, relaxed and confident: it offers a simple, safe and reliable programme of exercises which, followed throughout pregnancy, should reduce stress and fatigue and increase fitness and suppleness.

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Fit to Deliver: An Innovative Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Program: Safe and Fun Exercises Tailored by Professionals to Benefit Both You and Your Baby Review

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(More customer reviews)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 and easy to read with lots of accompanying photograghs.
I am a family physician that does a lot of prenatal and postpartum care in a very fit community---this book is indispensible in my practice!

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Relieving Pelvic Pain During and After Pregnancy: How Women Can Heal Chronic Pelvic Instability Review

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(More customer reviews)Having suffered with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (a.k.a. SPD, Diastis Symphysis Pubis, pelvic girdle pain, and pregnancy-related pelvic pain) for most of two pregnancies now, I was very intrigued by this book that my sister gave me for Christmas. It was written by a physical therapist from the Netherlands who has had pelvic problems during her own pregnancies, and developed exercises to reduce the pain of SPD.
One of the most interesting things about this book is that it goes counter to what I've often read (mostly on the Internet, since this is the first book I've ever come across that discussed this issue). Most advice runs along the lines of "keep your knees together ALL THE TIME." Rolling over, getting out of the car, when seated, etc. The author of this book says that this only exacerbates the problem (which is caused by misalignment in the sacro-iliac joint) and that symmetrical and stabilized movement is most important. Many of the exercises involve a knees-apart posture (which I would have thought would be excruciating to me, but I've found they actually help!), stretching and strengthening the muscles around the hips to help stabilize them.
I like the author's methodology (large-scale research, well documented) and personal approach. I do have some beefs with the book, including a less-than-ideal layout (illustrations for exercises on different pages than the explanations) and some vagueness in the directions for the exercises (how long do I hold it? how many repetitions? how far away from me should my feet be? should I hold my back flat to the floor? Etc.) Overall, however, I felt the book was both a good overview of the causes of pregnancy-related pelvic pain that included an in-depth look of how it affects the lives of those who live with it. It has sections for both the layperson/patient and for physical therapists (I'm taking it with me the next time I go to PT). It's a good resource for those of us who have SPD and don't want to end up in a wheelchair or on crutches by the end of our pregnancies.
I've tried the basic Symmetry and Stabilization exercises, and found them to be very helpful in relieving pain when I feel "out of whack." Also, as a result of the section on how SPD affects lifestyle, I have tried not to limit my range of motion while limiting the stress that I put on my pelvis. (One of the effects that SPD often has is to make you feel as if you will really hurt yourself if you go beyond a very limited range of motion, which is why I would have appreciated more explicit directions for the exercises.) Some of the basic "body mechanics" techniques I have found particularly helpful, especially the "how to roll over in bed" maneuver. I can now roll in bed relatively pain free (!) - which was impossible without outside assistance in my last pregnancy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has had pelvic pain during or after pregnancy - I wish I'd had it with my first pregnancy.

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Pregnancy weakens the ligaments that keep the pelvic bones together. If those weakened ligaments become overloaded or injured, it results in pelvic instability - pain around the joints that can be brief or last for years after the birth. In 1996, Cecile Röst, who suffered from this condition herself, devised a treatment program that is simple, home based, and proven to work. Her book, with over 100 illustrations and detailed testimonials, is divided into two parts. The first part shows simple exercises for symmetry and stabilization, and the proper way to lie, sit, and get out of a car in order to prevent pelvic instability during pregnancy. Patients can practice these exercises and positions with or without a care provider's help. Part two, aimed at care providers, shows the results of a survey carried out among 200 women suffering from pelvic complaints. Here the author also presents a theoretical treatise of pelvic pain, the protocol of the first consult, and the contents of the therapy, including a sports program.

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The Fitball Workout: The Easy Way to a Toned, Flexible Body Review

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(More customer reviews)LOTS of photos. Probably one of the best basic books. Most of the exercises can be found elsewhere, but the photos make it very clear what to do. I prefer this over the more wordy and significant books. If you want a lot of theory, this isn't your book. If you just want good clear instructions on what you can do (and the expected results), then this book is perfect.
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The Fitball is a large air-filled ball used for exercising at home or at the gym. It's fun to use, versatile, amazingly effective, and facilitates an enjoyable workout. Even people who are normally reluctant to exercise will become hooked on this comfortable way to achieve great results. In "The Fitball Workout" Jan Endacott shows readers how the Fitball can be used in an extraordinary range of exercises that are suitable for all levels of fitness. She explans how exercise intensity can be increased or decreased simply by adjusting the exercise position slightly. The ball can be used while lying or sitting on it, lying on the floor, standing, or even leaning on the ball against the wall. The cushioning support provided by the ball enables exercisers to perform exercise variations that they may not have been able to attempt due to discomfort or underlying weekness. The "Fitball Workout" assures readers that whatever their age or current level of fitness, using the ball can help them feel fit, healthy, poised and confident. Working with the ball allows exercisers to concentrate on every muscle group. They can target specific areas for firming and shaping, all the shile improving posture and strengthening their abdominal and back muscles. The fitness training benefits of using the ball also include increased flexibility, improved balance, and enhanced coordination. The workout in this book will provide readers with a choice of enjoyable non-impact exercis4es that will have them literally floating on air!

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Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year: A Guide to Health and Comfort Before and After Your Baby Is Born Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a physical therapist who has used this book as a basis for my "Prenatal exercise and Body Mechanics" Class. I have recommended it to my patients and to other professionals who teach prenatal classes. The author adds a unique perspective by inviting women to "think outside of the box" and take responsibility for their bodies before, during and after their pregnancy. The partner exercises are very well received by my patients (our hospital averages 300 births per month). I am also the mother of 21 month old triplets and I used the book as a personal reference and guide throughout my pregnancy. The book helped me to understand and appreciate just how fortunate we are as women to be able to bear children. The author's detailed description about the pelvic floor and the emphasis on the importance of the exercises is information that should be shared with young women BEFORE their pregnancy. I have been surprised by the number of my patients who have never heard of Kegel exercises or who have no idea they have a pelvic floor! A great book to pass along to all women!

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A book to help women understand the biomechanics of the entire maternity cycle and the rationale for and against certain exercises. Noble shows how to recognize and remedy weakness and dysfunction that often plagues the average, sedentary woman during her childbearing year. As well as chapters explaining role of the key muscles (abdominal and pelvic floor) during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, there are chapters on the principles of exercise, posture, comfort, bed rest, and Cesarean rehabilitation.Hands-on techniques for relieving some of the common joint discomforts are listed in the appendix and there are summarytear-sheets at the back of the bookfor the prenatal, postpartum and Cesarean recovery programs.

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Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is easy to read and after doing the exercises for two months, I feel soooo much better. I really have to do the exercises every day to make a difference. This is the only book that teaches safe abdominals to do during pregnancy. It teaches you exactly how to do them correctly. I am a Personal Fitness Trainer working in NYC for 15 years and this is The book on how to exercise correctly during pregnancy. Julie Tupler knows so much about the changes your body goes through and how to cope with it all. This is a MUST for not just surviving pregnancy, but thriving while pregnanr!

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Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor! If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor. Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively. While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

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Yoga for Pregnancy: Ninety-Two Safe, Gentle Stretches Appropriate for Pregnant Women & New Mothers Review

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(More customer reviews)As a prenatal yoga instructor I found this book very helpful in getting ideas for my classes. I love the fact that there is the symbols in the corner to show which positions are good for what trimester. This makes it easy for anyone to regulate which positions should be done. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out in yoga or who wants to stay fit and flexible throughout their pregnancy.

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Sandra Jordan offers yoga as a way of developing self-reliance and calmness of mind during pregancy.Practicing yoga poses with quiet mindfulness developmes a strong, supple body and the ability to breathe deeply and relax completely.Yoga for Pregnancy provides ninety-two lyngar poses carefully chosen for their safety and effectiveness during and after pregnancy.Each pose is explained concisely, illustrated with a photograph, and clearly marked with a code that tells which postures are advised for each trimester.This is a supportive guide to safe, gentle stretches that can help pregnancy women adjust to the phsycial and mental demands of labor birth, and motherhood.

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Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a pre-natal yoga teacher, and I have many books on pregnancy yoga. This one is by far my favorite. The pictures are very detailed and well-done. Each pose is broken down step-by-step and has a photo to demonstrate the move. I also like that it is divided by early, mid, and late pregnancy. There is also a section on doing yoga with your baby after the birth.
This book will be the one I recommend to my students because it's simple, safe, and well-illustrated without being too Eastern in it's approach. It will suit the average American reader, while still staying true to the heart of yoga.

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With step-by-step photos of classic yoga postures especially adapted for each trimester, this book demonstrates how the regular practice of yoga provides many physical and emotional benefits that can enhance the whole experience of parenting. Featuring a unique section of special yoga and relaxation exercises to do with or without the baby up to 16 weeks after birth, Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond is the only book that identifies the real benefits of yoga for both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and beyond.

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Super Fit Mama: Stay Fit During Pregnancy and Get Your Body Back after Baby Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book that covers everything from exercises, health tips, recipes and inspiration. The book is broken down by trimester, postpartum and post baby phase 1 and phase 2 and includes concerns, exercises and helpful hints for each. I love that she included exercises for common pregnancy problems like round ligament pain, leg cramps and carpal tunnel. There is a stroller workout and a diaper bag workout including some great exercises to do with the baby. Personally, I loved the chapters on healthy eating/nutrition during pregnancy and after pregnancy which includes a great meal plan that doesn't require calorie counting. The recipes are quick & delicious including items such as an apple & date breakfast bread pudding, a very tasty and quick pesto pizza and a great black bean, sweet potato and turkey chili.
The book includes stories of real women who have completed Tracey's plan. I am one of her success stories. I started her plan when my son was 9 months old so I lost the pregnancy weight prior to starting her plan but my body shape was different and it was tough fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothes. I was so out of shape and have never enjoyed exercise but her plan was very easy to follow. I quickly lost 12 pounds and toned up and all of my friends and family were so impressed! I was at the weight I was more than 10 years ago!! I am now pregnant with our second baby so I bought this book along with Tracey's Pregnancy System workout DVD (which I am really enjoying!!). It was so nice to start my pregnancy 12 pounds lighter than my previous pregnancy and I know I'll lose it all again. Thanks Tracey!!

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If you're concerned about the best way to keep your body and baby healthy during pregnancy—or how you'll ever lose the excess weight afterward—you're not alone. Fitness expert Tracey Mallett faced those same challenges when she gained 55 pounds that didn't melt right off after her daughter's birth. But gone were the days where she had endless hours and energy to exercise. So she created workouts that take only a few minutes a day—after all, busy moms are short on time! Super Fit Mama shares Tracey's secrets for safely getting in shape and back to your pre-baby weight. Her medically-sound program features a blend of strength training, Pilates, yoga, and cardio. Inside you'll find: •Expert advice on staying fit and eating right during each pregnancy trimester •Fun, fast, and safe exercises for the first weeks and months postpartum •Easy-to-follow meal plans and delicious recipes •Tips for strengthening your pelvic floor, easing back pain, and losing belly fat Stay inspired along the way with Team Mallett, real moms who have successfully used Tracey's plan. Whether you start the program during pregnancy or after baby, Super Fit Mama will help you get your confidence back—along with a body that's even better than before!

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The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier YOU Review

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(More customer reviews)Very comprehensive overview of hundreds of exercises that can be done using gym equipment, home equipment (stability balls, dumbbells, etc.), and/or no equipment. The photos detailing each exercise are in full color and the accompanying explanations are detailed, specific, and easy to follow.
The book is broken down into chapters dedicated to body parts: Chest, Back, Shoulders, Arms, Quadriceps & Calves, Glutes & Hamstrings, Core, as well as chapters for Total Body and Warmup Exercises. There is also a chapter on how to put various exercises together for specific-goal workouts (e.g. "The Get Your Body Back Workout", "The Skinny Jeans Workout", "The Bikini-Ready Workout", "The Best Sports Workout", "The Best Three-Exercise Workouts"). In addition, there are chapters dedicated to Nutrition, Cardio Workouts, the importance of Weights, etc.
All in all, this is an extremely comprehensive book that is not at all about gimmicks or shortcuts but is simply well researched and well presented. It will literally replace several books I've bought on this subject in past years. I'm not easily impressed by books on this subject and yet I'm extremely impressed by this compilation. Well done Adam Campbell and contributors!

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The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises is the essential workout guide for anyone who wants a better body. As the most comprehensive collection of exercises ever created, this makeover manual is a body-shaping power tool for both beginners and longtime fitness buffs alike. From start to finish, this 480-page makeover manual bulges with hundreds of useful tips, the latest findings in exercise science, and cutting-edge workouts from the world's top trainers.

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