Suzanne Bowen's Slim & Toned Prenatal Barre Workout (2012)

I found reviews really helpful when selecting an exercise DVD while pregnant. Now that I'm 11 weeks post c-section I thought I would share my thoughts. This review is coming from a non runner and a non gym member. I would do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred or some cardio kettlebell a few times a week prior to pregnancy.SUZANNE BOWEN'S SLIM & TONED - This was my favorite of the DVDs I bought. I didn't really feel like it was difficult until around 28 weeks but I think it did a good job keeping me toned and strong. The first section of lower body I usually skipped because it didn't feel like it was doing much but the other sections were great. Suzanne is a good instructor and not overly peppy or irritating. I would suggest skipping the plank portion of the arm/upper body workout after 25 weeks or so if you're worried about diastasis recti (I was). It has been a great postpartum workout and I think it will help me transition back to the harder DVDs I was doing pre pregnancy.PRENATAL FITNESS FIX - All the reviews are right, the production quality of this DVD is amateur. However, it does kind of give an intimate, non intimidating approach to working out. Sometimes it nice when you're pregnant and feeling a little lumpy in your workout gear to look at another woman who is very pregnant and not looking glamourous. She is also very funny in a goofy way which is good when you're not in the mood to workout. She gets you going even if you are laughing through it. I had trouble with the squat portions when she does them very quickly. It would make my knees sore the next day. Besides that it was a good, quick workout.JENNIFER WOLFE'S PRENATAL VINYASA YOGA: SHORT FORMS - I HATED this DVD. I wish I wouldn't have bought it. Again, the production quality is bad. Maybe I'm too used to the GAIAM yoga DVDS but this was terrible. The instructor reminded me of a new age librarian and the Shavasana was impossible to do with the grating acoustic guitar. The main reason I bought a yoga DVD was to relax and stretch during pregnancy and this was a mega fail. Also, it heavily features downward dog, which if you're worried about diastasis recti then you won't want to do this DVD.EXPECTING MORE: SARA HALEY - I wish I would have found this DVD earlier in my pregnancy. I didn't buy it until week 33. It has a plan included to help you make the most of the different sections at different stages of your pregnancy. I didn't get to explore the other sections as much as I would have if I started this earlier. Some routines require more space than I had in my living room to move around and some would be great while your belly is smaller but in later stages of your pregnancy it might not be a great idea. She does do some kinda cheesy things like naming moves after baby things and stressing how sexy she wants you to feel in pregnancy. The cardio was great though and the best you'll find in a prenatal DVD. The hip hop dance was too stupid for me to spend time on but if you like dance maybe you'll like it. Now that I'm postpartum I may try portions of this DVD again.

I knew I'd have to adjust my fitness routine when I got pregnant, and was bummed to give up the high-intensity, high-impact Jillian Michaels-style interval workouts I was used to. I stopped running at about 4 months, when it started to feel weird and uncomfortable, and I continued to do some of my old workouts (with modifications) through the 5th or 6th month. I bought several prenatal workout DVDs (this one, Sara Haley's Expecting More and Erin O'Brien's Prenatal Fitness Fix), and this has turned out to be my favorite.These workouts are great. There may not be jump squats involved, but my muscles are fully spent and I feel satisfied each time. They're short, sweet and to the point; challenging yet easy to follow. The moves are pretty basic, but they allow room to challenge yourself to go a little deeper each time and really perfect your form (all the while knowing you're being safe for the bebe).The 20-minute cardio will get your heart rate up, but is very leg-heavy -- definitely more of a strength-plus-cardio rather than a cardio workout. I do the cardio sculpt 3 times a week, followed by either the lower body segment or upper body segment for a 40-minute workout. The back-to-back legs is killer, but I love it. On the days between, I do some cardio from Sara Haley's DVD (which is great for that).OK, the really awesome part? The RESULTS! I started incorporating these when I was about 16 weeks, and now at 33 weeks, I swear my body is more toned than it was before ... slim and toned! My glutes are like razorblades that my husband pretends to cut himself on whenever he brushes up against them. My thighs look great, my arms are svelte and strong, and even my calves are more defined. In fact, not gonna lie, I feel downright hot ... which is a great way to feel when you're knocked up!Finally, Suzanne is a great instructor. Her cuing is excellent, and she gives good information without being annoying. She seems to know just what you need to hear and when you need to hear it.I probably wouldn't have tried something like this if not for pregnancy, but I think this DVD will forever change my workout preferences. I'll definitely be ordering some of Suzanne's non-prenatal DVDs for post-baby.Ladies, you won't regret this purchase!

I'm a soccer player who, prior to getting pregnant, did a variety of strength and cardio workouts five days a week. I started Slim & Toned in my second trimester, having continued my regular workouts throughout my first trimester. I honestly thought this would be boring and easy but was pleasantly surprised to find my legs burning and my breathing quickening after the first workout in the cardio series. I did this workout 2 - 3 days per week throughout the rest of my pregnancy (into my 41st week!).I was really skeptical about a workout that you can do at 10 weeks and 35 weeks - I mean, either at 10 weeks it's too easy or at 35 weeks it's too hard, right? Nope. She provides options to make it more or less challenging. She also has an assistant who, at the time of taping, is 35 weeks along so that as you get bigger, you know what your form should look like. Speaking of form, this is very important to Suzanne. She's great about reminding you not to arch your back or lean forward and to focus on your pelvic wall. Oh yes, that pelvic wall: In my first trimester I read about how important it is to strengthen your pelvic wall, especially for after you give birth (I mean, horror stories of peeing your pants, unknowingly, the first time you attempt to jog). I was told to do kiegels every single day, for at least 10 minutes a day! What's great about this video is that every single motion in this exercise requires you to life and strengthen that pelvic wall. It's been a few months since I gave birth, I have resumed soccer and have not peed my pants yet!Highly recommend this for your full pregnancy. In fact, I actually did this workout this morning because I wanted something low impact (injured my neck in soccer) and was very satisfied!

I find this rougher tough and I'm quite a fit person and only in my first trimester. If you're after a challenge this is for you! I do this DVD roughly 3 times a week. I also do yoga in between to help ease aching muscles and de stress

Exercise included in the videos is pretty good if you want to practise on your own. However the video is of very low quality and the packaging as well. Looks like a pirate copy..

I really recommend this dvd who wants to keep fit during pregnancy.

Great workout with different sections. Can go at your own pace, which the instructor encourages you to do.

So good, Sooo recommended. Bought when pregnant but have continued to use when not pregnant and is one of my go-to fitness DVDs that I never get bored of. Tried (unsuccessfully) to get husband to try it too, because am convinced it is not just pregnant ladies who need a strong core.