Crunch Yoga Mama - Prenatal Yoga

Sue Elkind
Year Released: 2004

Categories: Pregnancy/Postpartum


i have never been really into yoga, but this was just what the dr ordered when my belly started getting in the way of doing seated hamstring stretches. the first time i did the workout, i felt a huge difference in my hamstrings, low back, and even across my top/upper back. i didn't even know my upper back had gotten tight till i had finished the workout and had so much tension released. i love it.

there have been a couple mornings where i have had such low back pain that it hurts to move(this pregnancy--3rd--& the last one are boys, where i tend to carry very low, so i get a lot of low back pressure). after doing just the downward dog segment (one of my favorites) the pain is magically gone in less than 5 minutes.

my other favorite part is the hip openers--when i do that part at least 3x's per week i notice my knee isn't so high above the opposite foot. if i don't have time for the whole workout, i'll sometimes skip the breathing section and the relaxation at the end and i'm done within 25 minutes.

she mentions just going to the point where you are comfortable and on some of the poses to only go deeper "if there's room for your baby". the cueing is great too, making it easy for me to follow only by her voice instead of watching the tv screen the whole time. she always reminds you to turn your tailbone under or take arch out of your back just as i notice that my body is doing those things.

at nearly 27 weeks along, i am surprised i can still have some flexibility and not super tight hamstrings. last night i was able to touch my toes on both feet without any strain. glad i got this workout and that it doesn't take any equipment (just a folded blanket--i use a pillow), definitely a keeper, even after the baby's born.

here's a time breakdown of the different segments:

1. breathing (6:39)
2. downward facing dog (5:07)
3. half sun salutes (4:37)
4. standing poses (5:43)
5. squats & kegels (10:52)
6. twists(1:38) and final resting pose(3:22)

Instructor Comments:
the instructor is great, very calming and non-judgmental(ie. no holier than thou attitude or look how much more i can get into the stretch than you).

Ivysmom

11/17/2006