Search - ZenMama with Rainbeau Mars: Prenatal Yoga Workout on DVD

Good if you're used to yoga

Mommy B | Santa Rosa, CA United States | 12/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really like this DVD. For once, it's a prenatal yoga workout that doesn't seem like I'm watching that old Sit To Be Fit TV workout with the old woman in the plain leotard and monotone studio droning out the exercises.It's more like being in a yoga studio. Rainbeau Mars is instructive without being overbearing, soothing and spiritual without being hokey. It's like she's a friend in the room with you, not too formal.There is also a menu selection so you can do the workout with music and no talking once you get the routine down, or if you want to modify the routine.The problem with the DVD is that sometimes Rainbeau Mars is a bit confusing or doesn't describe things as best as I think she could. If you don't normally do yoga, it might be difficult to understand some of the form, although, you could still find value in it and figure it out by watching the DVD a time or two before participating. I actually had a breakthrough in improving my form from something she said. I also wish that she had an additional workout, maybe a second stretching workout or additional poses you could opt into with the menu before starting the workout.The progressions are simple, but if you have been practicing yoga for a long time, you will still find that you can make them challenging. She also leads you through Kegel exercises better than any other DVD I've seen. She does the Kegels just long enough to understand why they are in the context of the DVD without overkill(afterall, how much of a DVD do you need devoted to something you can do anywhere).Of the prenatal yoga DVDs available, I think this is the best option, and a pretty good one at that."

Great prenatal yoga video for all levels

Brooke | Santa Barbara, California | 07/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ZenMama is a terrific prenatal yoga workout. I originally bought Yoga Mama by Crunch because of its rave reviews and also the recommendation from Fit Pregnancy magazine. I was highly disappointed due to the feeling of being rushed through the workout, not getting an adequate stretch. I felt unsatisfied after every workout and decided to purchase ZenMama.



I consider myself at an intermediate level of yoga. My personal preference of yoga video before pregnancy was Baron Baptiste's Power Yoga, level II. I say this only because everyone has a varied preference in style.



ZenMama provides great stretching, has helped me with digestion, and also keeps you in tune with your baby throughout pregnancy. It's gentle and easy to follow for beginners (with a couple of exceptions in her wording), but definately a thorough workout for all levels. Rainbow Mars has a bubbly personality that is refreshing. Those who are annoyed by it can choose to play only music throughout the workout. I've been enjoying the video 4-5 days a week for 4 months now and haven't gotten tired of it. That combined with a mile walk every day (which is really not that much) has kept my weight gain steady and minimal. I highly recommend this video to anyone who is pregnant- it will truly help you through your 9 months.



*I delivered 5 months ago, had a very easy labor, and weigh less than my pre-pregnancy weight. I owe a lot to this yoga video. The breathing really helped me through labor, the kegel excersizes really helped me recover quickly down there, and because it helped me keep in shape throughout my pregnancy, I had no problem shedding the extra pounds after giving birth. In fact, I kind of miss doing the video!"

Buy this Program!

A. Yaggi | Guilford, CT United States | 11/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great yoga session, sometimes annoying instruction

Margaret C. Short | 03/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."