ZenMama: Prenatal Yoga Workout with Rainbeau Mars

Rating:
Summary: Great yoga session, sometimes annoying instruction
Review: If you haven't done yoga before, this might be a tough workout - it's not too strenuous, but her instruction can be confusing (eg. "Move your shoulders up... down towards your back") and she doesn't explain the poses in-depth. Still, it's not watered-down and has more "true" yoga poses, unlike some of the other options.
I do this video as part of my fitness routine, but each time I cringe at some of the more annoying chatter - problems with grammar like "the femur bones is the bone," or telling us that chest stretches along with a good oil are great for preventing stretch marks (to which my dr. said she sounds like an enthusiastic, first-time mom.) The good news, if you have the DVD, is that if you're distracted by her instruction but want the thorough workout, you can select the video with music only.

Rating:
Summary: Great yoga session, sometimes annoying instruction
Review: If you haven't done yoga before, this might be a tough workout - it's not too strenuous, but her instruction can be confusing (eg. "Move your shoulders up... down towards your back") and she doesn't explain the poses in-depth. Still, it's not watered-down and has more "true" yoga poses, unlike some of the other options.
I do this video as part of my fitness routine, but each time I cringe at some of the more annoying chatter - problems with grammar like "the femur bones is the bone," or telling us that chest stretches along with a good oil are great for preventing stretch marks (to which my dr. said she sounds like an enthusiastic, first-time mom.) The good news, if you have the DVD, is that if you're distracted by her instruction but want the thorough workout, you can select the video with music only.

Rating:
Summary: It's About Time ...
Review: It's about time a yogi commited to providing prental yoga that's hip to what's taught at the higher end prenatal classes in 2003! If you can't afford prenatal yoga at a yoga studio either because of cost or time or need to complement the classes you take with at-home yoga, this is it. The instructor, Rainbeau Mars, offers an inviting and hip style sorely lacking in the competition. The movements she flows through provide the much needed yoga benefits offered in a great prenatal yoga studio--strengthening asanas, relief of physical and emotional tension and stress, and a feeling of inner oneness. The workout is so effective at offering a yoga workout that a vibrant pregnancy needs. Possibly the next great prenatal yogi will fill the need for a release of at least 2-3 workouts in a series so if one can't complement the home yoga workout with studio classes, the series could provide coverage of all of the prenatal asanas!

Rating:
Summary: Love this video!
Review: Rainbeau Mars is an excellent instructor. Following this tape/DVD is similar to attending an actual yoga class. She conveys warmth, and knowledge with her instructions. I think women of any fitness level, and at any stage in their pregnancy will benefit by practicing this workout.

Rating:
Summary: Buy this Program!
Review: Really wonderful program by the ever powerful Natual Journeys! I was so very pleased with this yoga series. Great and challenging poses with modifications offered. I felt energized and refreshed. I also felt like all the right muscles were streched and worked. What a difference from any other prenatal DVD I have done. Love this session/workout. Realistic, challenging and really enjoyable. I wish I found it earlier in my pregnancy and vow to use it through the rest.

Rating:
Summary: hard to follow
Review: This DVD is very hard to follow because it is lack of flow. Not recommended if you have some experience doing yoga before getting pregnant.

Rating:
Summary: not a favorite
Review: This video falls into the category of: seems like they did it in one take. The main problem is the instructor. She makes numerous grammatical mistakes, doesn't explain certain things well, and makes "off-the-cuff" remarks that seem staged. I don't know if there are better yoga videos out there (I bought this one since its reviews were better than most), but this is NOT something I happily reach for. One caveat: this may be the snobbery of someone with several yoga studios within walking distance. If your fitness access is limited and you're not picky, it is certainly better than no yoga.

Rating:
Summary: the BEST prenatal yoga video!
Review: This video far surpasses others I have tried (crunch and rocki's prenatal video). The instructor is wonderful - it felt like I was in a real class. The moves are not watered down or too easy, yet they are doable. I felt fantastic after doing this. She also does a great foot massage (as you stretch) and her relaxation at the end is superior to most yoga videos. I would highly recommend this to anyone, though it may be better for those who have done some yoga before. I will be buying every dvd of hers that I can get my hands on - once I deliver my baby.

Rating:
Summary: Very Basic Video
Review: This video is probably good for those who want a nice relaxing stretch. However, if you are looking for more of a workout going through a number of postures, this video is not for you. I got bored about halfway through and turned it off in the end. Did not provide me with a workout at all, just a good stretch.

Rating:
Summary: what a dissapointment
Review: this video was such a disappointment. rainbeau was not a very good instructor - her instructions were so vague and she didn't give very good breathing techniques. if you've never taken yoga, don't buy this dvd. the poses were very hard to follow especially when you're head is not facing the tv screen. also, it got to be boring toward the middle of the video. i recommend getting "fitmama with leisa hart" - it has a 20 min. salsa/cardio section & 20 min. fat-burn yoga section, it is more fun and motivating.