Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy Win a copy of Jennifer Gianni's Pilates Fusion

Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates is a four DVD pregnancy series designed to keep women strong both before, during and after pregnancy. The DVDs combine elements of light cardio and balancing poses mixed with pilates and yoga movements. Recently I had the pleasure of being asked to view the series and give my opinion.

DVD 1 Triple Threat: Get in shape before your pregnancy

The first DVD starts off with a great 10 minute explanation on how to properly engage your core and pelvic floor muscles in order to maintain proper form. The main workout contains a standing series consisting of light cardio and balancing movements and then moves to the floor series which goes into more classic Pilates exercises such as the side leg series, planks and frogs. This hour long DVD is a complete total body workout that tones, strengthens and stretches all muscles of the body.

DVD 2: Pilates for Pregnancy: Maintain strength and prepare for birth

The second DVD is the workout used during pregnancy. You will need a few props for this one which will include a pole or dowel, chair, small ball, weights, and a towel or blanket. One thing I absolutely love about this video, is the fact that there are three women that demonstrate all the exercises ranging from the first, second and third trimesters. All movements can be modified depending on how far along you are and Jennifer is superb at cuing these options. Once again, the main workout consists of standing and floor work using small props to challenge and work all muscles.

DVD 3: Post Pregnancy & C-Section Recovery: Get your pre-pregnant body back

This post pregnancy DVD has some great tips on gentle movements that can be done so you can keep moving after delivery. Jennifer is once again extremely thorough about modifications depending on your type of delivery so women can stay safe while they recover. For the main workout you will need a dowel, stool and light weights. Like the other DVDs, the main workout starts with a standing dance warm-up and then moves to floor work for core strengthening work.

DVD 4: Exercise with Baby: Bond with your newborn and stay in shape

This final shorter fusion DVD goes into movements that are done while bonding with your child. As with the other DVDs, there is a standing series and floor work that is done with your baby.

One of the great things I love about each of these DVDs is that they are a complete and total hour long workout (with the exception of DVD 4). I would highly recommend this series to any woman looking to stay in shape before, during and after pregnancy as it is extremely thorough and well done. The combination of light cardio, pilates and yoga gives a wonderful mind body fusion workout. I believe that there is no other DVD pregnancy series out there that compares to this. This is a must have to any woman looking to stay fit and safe during pregnancy!





Win a copy of Jennifer Gianni's Pilates Fusion DVD Series for Pregnancy!!
Comment below on the importance of exercise and pregnancy in order to win!

Winner will be drawn randomly from all readers who comment on this post.
Contest ends July 11th.
Winner will be announced on the blog July 12th.
Winner must submit US shipping address to info@pilatesbarre.com.
Winner should allow 2–3 weeks for prize to arrive by USPS.
US only.
Prizes are supplied by Fusion Pilates.




CONGRATULATIONS TO KYNETIC PILATES FOR WINNING THE FUSION PILATES DVD SERIES.

Pilates with Kids by Bridget Sandorford

Whether you want the kids in your pilates class to get out of the house or to improve focus in school, pilates has as many benefits for kids as it does adults. The trick, however, is getting kids interested in pilates. Here are three tips from Kim Carruthers, head of the studio Physical Perfection and founder of Pilates in the ‘Hood program for kids from underprivileged families.

1.Make it fun

Any school teacher will tell you that the hardest part of teaching is getting—and keeping—kids’ attention. With pilates, we can do this by making pilates fun and relatable. Try naming exercises after animals. In fact, let the kids name the exercises!

2.Everyone is different

Some kids will be able to touch their toes; others will not. Some will be able to stand one leg without wavering; others will not. Allow children to learn at their own pace and encourage them with praise and tips where appropriate. Let the children teach each other—this will build social skills as well as camaraderie and self-confidence.

3.Don’t make it about weight

Some children who are exposed to weight concerns from their parents, teachers, or other children can develop more tendencies to become disordered eaters in the future. Fitness and pilates shouldn’t be just about losing weight. Emphasize the other benefits of pilates: concentration, focus, posture, alignment, flexibility, and strength. Kids want to be strong like their favorite basketball player or flexible like their favorite dancer. Teach kids to use deep breathing and concentration techniques when stressed, such as before a test.

Bio: Aside from school and working part-time as an Assistant Chef, Bridget Sandorford is the resident Culinary Schools blogger where recently she’s been researching New Orleans culinary colleges as well as culinary colleges in Washington DC. Her passion for food and has followed her research into many different areas, such as fitness, organic foods, gardening, and cooking on a budget. She lives outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

Pilates and Pregnancy by Alexis Bonari

Pilates and Pregnancy

Pilates is a great way for many women to keep in shape by staying toned and flexible. However, with all the changes of pregnancy, some pregnant women may wonder if it's a safe exercise, given their special needs. Many pilates instructors and fitness experts agree that not only is pilates safe to practice during pregnancy, but it is actually one of the best exercises for pregnant women because it is low impact and adaptable.

Some Benefits

Exercise throughout pregnancy has many benefits, which are good for both the mother and the developing baby. Many studies show that women who exercised during pregnancy gave birth to children who were more likely to be leaner and suffer fewer health problems throughout their childhood.

Here are some of the benefits of practicing pilates during pregnancy:

Increases energy
Improves muscle tone and strength, which will make labor easier and speed recovery
Improves balance and align posture
Strengthens pelvic floor
Decreases back pain
Helps regulate hormones, especially stress hormones
Stabilizes mood

Each woman will respond in different ways, but in general, practicing pilates will help improve overall well-being and fitness so that you can expect to have an easier delivery and a faster recovery after childbirth.

Modified Plan

Because of the changes that take place during pregnancy, a pilates practice will need to include some modifications to prevent the risk of injury.
Exercises that involve laying on the stomach or flat on the back should be avoided near the end of the first trimester and after. Laying on the stomach will put too much pressure on the increasing abdomen, and laying on the back can risk cutting off blood flow to the baby and the placenta. Exercises should be done seated, standing, on your knees, or lying on your side.

Avoid any jerky movements. Your body is changing and ligaments and tendons are moving, so any intense or sudden movements can cause injury or pain.

Do not do deep stretches. In pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is released which allows for muscles, tendons, and ligaments to move and grow. Therefore, it may be more difficult to assess how far your body can safely stretch as it will be able to stretch farther than it normally could. You risk overstretching or pulling a muscle.
In general, if you feel any pain, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or headache, you should stop what you're doing and rest.

Suggested Exercises

Though you should adopt a program that suits your individual needs, the following are exercises that are safe to try during pregnancy:

The Saw. Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you spread slightly apart. Hold your arms out at your sides, parallel to the floor. Twist to the right and put your left hand on your right foot. Exhale as you stretch through your chest and inhale and you sit up, pulling your abs in. Repeat on the left side.

Spine Stretch. Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you spread slightly apart. Exhale, drawing in your abs and contracting your pelvic floor, then inhale and reach forward, extending the spine. Repeat.

Side Kick. Lie on your side with your head resting on your arm. Keeping your abs tight, exhale and move your top leg forward until your knee and foot are in line with your hip. Repeat and switch sides.

Hip and Thigh Opener. Lie on your side with your head resting on your arm. Keep both legs bent in front of you. Keeping your abs tight, exhale and lift the top leg as high as you can. Focus on your core and keep your hips steady. Repeat.

Finally, before you begin any exercise program during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor to make sure the program is safe for your specific circumstances. Be sure to visit a pilates instructor who has experience with pregnant women.

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching leukemia scholarships. Whenever she gets some free time, she enjoys watching a funny movie or curling up with a good book.