This workout is similar to Lindsay Brin’s Moms Into Fitness series in that it alternates cardio and sculpting. There are two separate workouts (one for 1st and 2nd trimester, one for 3rd trimester) that each include three 6-minute circuits. Each workout also has a 3-minute warm-up, so you’re basically completely done in 21 minutes.

I’ll eliminate some of the suspense now and say that the workouts for the trimesters are the same, meaning she incorporates the same moves (e.g. tricep kickbacks with lunge). The only difference is that for the third tri, she sometimes uses a chair for balance, and does just one side then the other, which makes the third trimester workout move along a bit more slowly.

Tracey appears in both workouts. In the 1st and 2nd tri circuit, she is accompanied by Hillary, who does the 2nd tri version of each exerciser. The other exerciser in the third tri circuit is Jenna, who Tracey says is in her 3rd trimester. Tracey suggests 3-5 lb. weights for the workout. I did the circuits while approximately 30 and 32 weeks pregnant and used 5 lbs. throughout.

MENU:
Introduction
First and Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Core Conditioning/Butt Blasters
Total Body Flexibility
Bonus: Core Foundation
Workout Segments

WARMUP:
Both workouts use the same low-impact warm-up with about a minute of side steps, stretches for the hip flexors, upper back, and hamstrings. Then you walk up and back a few times, and do some pelvic tilts with Kegels while in a plie position.

CIRCUIT A:
Static lunge with tricep kickbacks, lateral shoulder raise with attitude leg lift (leg is slightly bent and in front of you, lift to side). 1 minute cardio – side step, lift knees. Plie position pelvic tilts with lab pulls, squat with lat rows. 1 minute cardio – tap foot back and lift up.

CIRCUIT B:
Plie with bicep curl and later shoulder raise, rear delt fly. Cardio – two side steps, then to other side. Tricep kickbacks with side leg lift, bent arm side lateral raise and bicep curl.

CIRCUIT C:
No weights needed. Plie with calf raise, pulsing plie with arm circles (hold arms up and out to sides, move in small circles). Cardio – hamstring curls. Reverse curtsy lunch, v-press (stand, leaning slightly forward, lift arms overhead in a v) for upper back.

CORE CONDITIONING:
On hands and knees, rotate pelvis around. Wag the tail – move hips to right, curl pelvis, then to left and curl. Put small ball between knees, squeeze ball, tilt pelvis, release. Lie on side and do clams (both legs folded with knees bent, lift and lower top leg). Do other side, then back to first side for leg lifts, then back to second side. Lying on your back (1st tri), on pillows (2nd tri) or sitting on a chair (3rd tri, I sat on a stability ball), lower feet to floor, touching lightly to work abs. Get on hands and knees and do Supermans (AKA bird dog, with one leg extended straight back, opposite arm extended forward). Side plank (t-stand) on hand and knee.

TOTAL BODY FLEXIBILITY:
8 minute stretch. Third trimester modifier uses a chair. This workout includes several short stretches and a few strengthening exercises. A sample: squat, tree post, hamstring stretch, sitting side stretch, hip flexor stretches. A band is used for the last minute to stretch the chest; you could easily substitute a towel.

CORE FOUNDATION:
Postnatal ab workout, which I didn’t try.

The workout is done in a white room with a sofa and wall hanging, so overall kind of a plain, uninteresting set. The music is similarly unremarkable. I liked that the circuit workouts incorporated cardio because I love the idea of getting through a prenatal workout in half an hour or less. However, I was completely disappointed that the third trimester workout wasn’t unique. The Core Conditioning and flexibility segments are great add-ons, and of course you could also do just one or both of those if you’re tired or pressed for time.

Overall, a decent buy as long as you realize you’re not getting two different circuit workouts. Like the other prenatal workouts I’m doing in these last few weeks of my pregnancy, I know I would have found this one too easy earlier on, but now it’s exactly what I need. The chapter menu makes it easy to mix and match segments, and even now, nearing the end of my pregnancy, I can do these workouts without modifying.

Instructor Comments:
Tracey is mild, pleasant, and encouraging. She gives some pointers and mentions Kegels, but doesn’t go in-depth into explanations of pregnancy-related modifications. I think I prefer working out with a pregnancy instructor (as in Bar Method Pregnancy) but am glad Tracey has at least been pregnant and therefore does understand what a woman doing the workout might feel.

Pratima