Rating: 
Summary: Kathy Smith Pregnancy Workout
Review: When I wanted to lose weight after college, I turned to Kathy Smith and lost weight. When I became pregnant, I turned to Kathy again. Her pregnancy workout helped me feel energetic and shapely through three pregnancies. Pregnancy can be a difficult time for some women. This video kept my self-esteem high as my body changed. After her workout, which is easy to follow and at just the right level of exertion, I always felt great! And, her video helped me bounce right back after childbirth. I highly recommend this video.
Rating:
Summary: A great pregnancy workout
Review: A wonderful tape for pregnant women who want to stay in shape and be safe at the same time. Smith puts a heavy emphasis on safety here - heart rate checks, reminders to remain hydrated, posture checks and modifications appear throughout. As a pretty conscientious exerciser, I wondered if this workout would leave me feeling like I hadn't worked out at all. However, the level is just right and again, modifications to raise intensity are suggested if you are feeling particularly energetic. Sections before and after the workout section are informative and reassuring. I plan on using this tape after I deliver my twins to get back into shape.
Rating:
Summary: Good aerobic workout
Review: Hubby bought this for me because of course I complain that "I'm getting too fat!" It's easy enough to follow along even for someone as uncoordinated as me. I always feel better after the workout and it's motivation besides! Great stretching too!
Rating: 
Summary: It's so good, I actually do it! (and my kids do it too)
Review: I'm the kind of exerciser who usually stays in bed, thinking about what a great idea it would be to get up and exercise. When I do this workout, I feel so much better that I'm actually motivated to do it again the next day! Amazing!
I like the music and the moves (nothing too tricky). The fact that my 2-year old and 4-year old find it interesting enough to do with me makes it easy for me to do it in the middle of the day without having to neglect them while I exercise.
I usually don't do the active relaxation at the end, but I like everything else. The aerobic sections are upbeat and well-cued, get my heart rate up without wearing me out or making me lose my breath. The toning section is pretty easy for me, but I'm not trying to bulk up anyway, so I'm happy with the lower level of intensity.
I'm really glad she has the post-partum segment at the end--it's nice to know what is safe to do during the first several weeks (and I can't wait to be post-partum and try it out).
I really like Kathy--she acts like a grown-up, rather than like a spastic junior high cheerleader, the way some exercise instructors do. I would recommend this video to anyone and plan to start using some of her other videos after my baby comes.
Rating: 
Summary: Outdated style, but still a solid beginner pregnancy workout
Review: Kathy made this beginner/intermediate workout during her first pregnancy in 1988. Five other exercisers in mid-to-late pregnancy join her for a 7-minute warm-up/energizer, 20 minutes of low-impact aerobics,and 20 minutes of muscle toning (minimum muscle maintenance is more like it--this routine won't build any strength unless you have never exercised before, period). Two minutes of stretching, and a 10-minute guided relaxation segment round out the exercise portion of this tape. (More on those later) In addition, Kathy includes segments where three OB/GYN's answer FAQ's about exercising during and after pregnancy, though she wisely cautions the viewer that this is no substitute for personal medical counsel. I found the warm-up and aerobic routines fun--even on the days I had morning sickness I could get through them without getting dizzy or queasy. The music ranges from energetic light rock to jazz and "big band" swing--and motivated me to get off the couch and move even in my last trimester when I was almost too big to do so! The toning sections were another story. Kathy didn't exercise along with her troupe-she just walked around and coached everyone else ("now make sure you keep straight like Pam's doing"). I mean, (...)! It was like being in grade school where the gym teacher made you exercise, but just stood around and counted while you were out there dying on the floor. Gym-type strength training isn't exactly my idea of a fun time, but if the instructor is in there sweating it out with me, then at least my misery has company! And the routines were boring. Safe for a pregnant women--as indeed they should have been--but aren't there some exercises out there that are more interesting than squatting behind a chair, pelvic tilts, and the same old boring arm raises (weights optional)? The cool-down stretch (2 minutes) and the relaxation were OK--but Kathy's narration of the latter included terms like "cleansing breaths" and "imagine the warmth bathing your baby in a warm glowing light." If you aren't into New Age or eastern philosophy, it's a little weird. . . Those concerns aside, I can recommend this one to the newbie or intermediate woman who just found out she's pregnant but wants to keep exercising. At its release in 1988, it met the ACOG exercise guidelines, which were stricter then than they are now. While it didn't challenge me much in the early months of my pregnancy, it was just enough during the last half when I did well to get my feet into my aerobic shoes! Grade: A-
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Summary: Spring Back!
Review: I was loaned this video during my first pregnancy. I used it almost everyday. When I shared it with a friend she thought it was too hard, after seing the video she usually worked out to, (a meer 20 min.)I could see I was definately benefitting more from Kathy's workout! I gained 64 pounds, but felt great, had an uncomplicated, 4 hour labor, and felt good afterwards. I had to give the video back after the birth, but I think it would have really helped get back to pre-preggers weight. I really wish I had this video for my next two blessings, but I plan to have it for the fourth!! Nothing compares!!!! Kathy isn't cheesy, fake, or patronizing. Have a fun, safe, healthy, term!
Rating:
Summary: good workout!
Review: If you can get past the "mushy" teddy bear theme, which can get annoying, this really is a decent workout. I am an avid exerciser and in pretty decent shape, and this tape makes me feel like I'm still working out while pregnant. I also use Buns of Steel pregnancy workout and it's pretty good as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring!
Review: So sorry folks but I have to disagree with the majority here. I found this tape to be low energy, non-motivating and plain boring! Perhaps it was because all I really wanted to do when I was pregnant was eat and sleep.... but this is how I felt about this tape. Guess I needed more inspiring music (Rocky theme would have worked), high-energy, fun and funky moves to make me forget how tired and sick I felt! This tape just didn't do that!
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Summary: Great workout with lots of information & helpful tips
Review: This was recommended to me and I'm glad I invested in it. Kathy is not at all irritating and even though it was made years ago - the video is timeless. She provide doctor information, helpful tips, and a energizer that you can do alone without the full workout. The only part I smirked at was the cheesey rap in the middle of the tape - but she explains why she did it. She even provides a helpful chart on checking your breathing! I am not much into aerobics so I loved she put in an arms, legs, and abdominal routines in. There is even a great cool down/relaxation time. I found that this tape can be used at any stage, she even provided routines for after birth for both you and baby!
Rating:
Summary: Kathy Smith Review
Review: I was in okay shape before I got pregnant, but fell behind due to three and a half months of nausea. I began this workout around five months into my pregnancy and have found it to be fairly helpful. The rap part is really annoying and the music leaves a bit to be desired, but overall it is worth it. It is a little long, but easy and not too tiring. (Just ignore the fact that Kathy Smith does not look very pregnant like most of us and focus on the other, normal women on the video to keep your self-esteem from crashing!)
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