Shiva Rea Prenatal Yoga

The Bottom Line

Prenatal yoga is an excellent way to stay fit, flexible and stress-free during pregnancy. In this DVD, renowned instructor Shiva Rea creates a calming routine appropriate for women even into their third trimesters. The workout isn't strenuous, instead focusing on stretching, breathing and flexibility.

Trainer

Calm and relaxing, with unparalleled expertise. Shiva Rea is one of the best-known yoga instructors in the country, and her videos consistently earn high praise from users and professionals. As with all of her yoga DVDs, Rea demonstrates a strong knowledge and respect for the practice. Keeping in mind that poses must be adapted for the second and third trimesters, pregnant assistants demonstrate the modifications while she performs poses for viewers in the first trimester. Rea creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere and is very likable. In addition, this workout is slightly less spiritual than her other top-rated yoga DVDs.

Workout

Not particularly challenging, but solid. Shiva Rea Prenatal Yoga is a 50-minute session of Vinyasa Flow, which is applicable to any stage of pregnancy. Viewers like that modifications are clearly demonstrated, although some require props such as a chair, blanket, yoga block or yoga strap. The video focuses on gentle stretching and standing poses, and concludes with a short, guided meditation.

Users say the video helps them feel relaxed and centered, and some even report it alleviates minor aches and pains associated with pregnancy. However, experienced yogis say Shiva Rea Prenatal Yoga isn't challenging enough. For non-pregnant women, reviewers recommend Shiva Rea Daily Energy (*Est. $16) , a more vigorous routine designed for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Materials

Top-notch quality. As with all of Rea's yoga DVDs, the quality of this one is excellent. The atmosphere is calm, and models provide exemplary demonstrations of how each pose should be completed. This workout requires equipment such as a chair and blanket, and a yoga block or strap for certain modifications.