Relaxing, strengthening, and allowing oneself to feel rather than think have long been associated with ancient yoga practice. Instructor Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa expertly ties this essential combination of physical experiences ... more »together in a gentle exercise video for pregnant women of all fitness levels. Prior to the 45-minute routine, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa discusses the role of yoga in helping with pregnancy; the calm and security that develop through guided breathing and gentle movement are transferred from the mother's body to her growing baby. The nonimpact routine itself provides ample warm-up, toning, and conditioning portions, as well as a deep, head-to-toe relaxation and visualization segment. Ten pregnant students (all pleasantly unrehearsed) stretch, bend, and learn along with the viewer, to the peaceful sounds of a live band consisting of wood flute, bass, quiet drum, and shimmering bells. Every bit as enriching for the soul as it is for the body. --Liane Thomas« less
Genres:Fitness & Yoga Sub-Genres:Yoga, Pregnancy Workouts, Stretching Studio:Peter Pan Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 09/25/2001 Release Year: 2001 Run Time: 1hr 0min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
Kristin S. from SYCAMORE, IL Reviewed on 5/11/2010...
Great for all stages of pregnancy.
Movie Reviews
Relaxing exercises with spiritual overtones
dianela@flash.net | Texas, USA | 06/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I love this video! The class of women on the tape are in all stages of pregnancy, and they are not the usual models and actresses we often see on exercise videos, but instead, real people. The female yogi(also noticeably pregnant) leads a very relaxing series of movements with some spiritual visualization and a small amount of yoga chanting--which is all nice without being too much. The accompanying music is played live in the back of the class (flutes and strings) and many of the movements are extrememly natural, not difficult at all. You can do this tape right up to labor because the movements are geared towards opening up the body and joints with torso stretching and lots of arm reaches, plus repetitive squating to train the legs and pelvis to open up easily in preparation for birth. I was completely out of shape when I started, but I could finish the video with a little bit of effort and didn't feel overwhelmed. There's also some small isometric squeezes to strengthen the legs and arms and a small amount of semi-aerobic movements that are so gentle they get your heart moving ever so easily. Plus, the yogi uses the calming sound of her voice to get you to imagine wonderful things about having your baby and calming images about the labor process. All this is done without too much syrup or new-age religious connotations, which I appreciate very much. I'd highly recommend this to any pregnant woman, especially one who can't get herself going in more traditional types of exercise and wants to do a minimalist physical program to get her body warmed and loose and feeling great."
Getting through the new age feel to the actual workout
L. Tsirgiotis | Los Angeles, CA USA | 11/15/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The first 15 minutes of the tape contains a lengthy monologue from the new-age yoga instructor. I immediately fast-forwarded the tape until I saw a bunch of pregnant women rotating their torsos in circles. The lesson begins soon after that, but the instructor keeps talking...throughout the entire tape, and 2/3rds of her monologue is pregnancy-related banter drowned in new age speak. The other third consists of chanting (which I personally declined to follow) and actual instructions. I have to admit that the workout itself was rather decent, and I could tell that it was derived from actual yoga techniques, with one exception. There was a long primal dance section in the workout that made me feel downright silly to try, so instead I watched the women in the video writhe to new age music and the instructor's commentary. Overall, I would recommend the tape for its workout, but warn others of its over-the-top new age feel. It will be a better workout once I've learned the routine and can mute the tape while playing it to my choice of music."
Good moves at a great price
dianela@flash.net | 12/31/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I read an article about the instructor that lead me to search out this yoga video. I then read reviews by other Amazon customers and found them mixed. I purchased the video and have been using it over the last five months. As a large women (before pregnancy), I found the routine easy to follow and challenging in an energizing way. Someone without any yoga experience (I had some) can join right in and reap the benefits. You don't need any special clothing or equipment, although an exercise mat is helpful. Regarding the chanting, I didn't participate in it but I didn't find it distracting. I either used the time to set up my exercise area, sit quietly thinking about the day ahead until the actual exercise started, or if my time was limited I would forward the tape to the exercise portion. I wouldn't let reviews of the chanting or the instructor's dress discourage you from buying and using this video. It does what it's advertised to do -- work you and your pregnant self out! If the type of spirituality that the instructor practices is not your bag, you can still gain flexibility and a cardio workout from this tape, leaving you to workout your spiritual matters wherever else you'd prefer. I'm still using the tape to coax my first child, who is now nearly eight days post-date (past due, if you have a negative slant), from my body. I received the post-natal version for Christmas, and should my child decide to make an appearance before s/he is 12 y.o., I plan to keep practicing yoga using this series of videos from The Method! Regards."
Spiritual, Releasing, Fufilling and MUCH LOVED!
xercise13 | Malvern, PA United States | 01/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only is this a great yoga workout it is all around fabulous! The chanting at first, (which only lasts the first 2 minutes and very little in between) can strike you funny, but can be very releasing. I tried and sure I laughed the first time but before I knew it I was chanting right along with the group. We are just not used to this in our culture. With an open mind and open spirit the chanting can be very soothing once you accept it. I found the instructor to be wonderful. I loved all the talking she does and the affirmations she has to say about pregnancy. She really made me feel very femine, in touch with my baby and in touch with my own feelings about pregnancy. Since this is my first pregnancy I found her guidance to be very helpful and loving. I actually felt great about my body as I was doing the poses. There was also a chance to release fears through breathing to a one word chant that really released me. I am also a very active person and have a hard time finding exercise video's challenging enough for me and this one was. Not difficult in the content but difficult because I am not used to stretching my hips and pelvis the way she guides you. By the way, the hip and pelvis poses took away my lower back ache. I was invigorating after this video. This video may not be for everyone because of the chanting as some reveiws before me have stated. If you have an open mind and are looking for a video that will get you in touch with your ever changing pregnant body while doing something good for it this is for you. I highly recommend it! The breathing techniques and endurance exercise she has in there I plan on taking to the delivery room with me. Please try this video even if you are skeptical. I was skeptical because of the reviews before mine and bought it anyway and I am so glad I did! This is truly a video I will treasure throughout my pregnancy. By the way, do not be intimidated by her turbon. She is a beautiful women that has her own style. There are days I would rather wear a turbon on my head instead of dealing with it. Plus it keeps me curious as to what her hair looks like under that thing. If you want to do something nice for yourself during pregnancy, wait no more and get this video! Happy chanting, posing and relaxing to all!"