Looking for an exercise program while you're pregnant can be somewhat like choosing chocolates in a candy store. You don't know if you're going to like it once you buy it or if it's going to satisfy your very individual needs and tastes. Pregnant women who are addicted to their weekly Pilates workouts don't need to give them up, they just need to find a workout that takes their new status as a pregnant woman into consideration.

For the sake of convenience, many pregnant women choose to do their workouts at home with one of the many videos or books available on the subject. The question is which one? It's important to choose a workout that will keep you in shape and yet not compromise the pregnancy when choosing Pilates videos for pregnancy. Remember to get a go ahead from your health care provider before beginning any workout program, even if you are used to physical exercise.

Pilates has become really very popular over the last 10 years and due to the fact that certain techniques are safe during pregnancy it is not surprising that many people are looking for the perfect Pilates videos for pregnancy to enable them to use this wonderful form of exercise in their own homes.

Pilates is often seen as a one size fits all program. Pilates takes the core strengthening, stomach flattening, muscle lengthening exercises that Joseph Pilates invented and group them together to target specific needs or are modified so that people who previously thought they couldn't do Pilates can benefit from Joseph Pilates brilliant method.

Many women find Pilates to be one of best exercises to do, both during and after their pregancy. One the top reasons Pilates and pregnancy go together so well is that Pilates is great at building core strength. If your abdominals, back, and pelvic floor/Kegel muscles are toned, they will support a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. Pilates is also famous for helping new moms get their figures back after baby is born!

When buying Pilates videos for pregnancy, first make sure that the instructor on the tape is an expert in the field. Also look for a section or introduction that addresses safety and posture. Posture is a constant challenge throughout pregnancy. Good posture and alignment can help pregnant women avoid the usual aches and pains. And, like any exercise program, enjoyment is a large part of wanting to work out regularly.

Lindsey Jackson's Video 'PILATES IN PREGNANCY'

This video claims that by doing these exercises women will gain more balance, control of their bodies, energy, self awareness, better posture, strength and flexibility and be able to relax. To a large extent this is true, if done regularly (2-3 times a week) and the workout would take about 30 minutes.

What Others Have to Say

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health said "This video is endorsed by, and was produced in consultation with the Association . . . we were impressed at how thorough Lindsey was in making adaptations, based on the advice given by women's health physiotherapists . . ."

"The video has helped me with a number of things. It has helped my back, which was a problem and has also helped me avoid the slight inconstancy I suffered following the birth of my first baby. I also regained the shape of my stomach far quicker following the birth of this child, than following the birth of my first child when I was not practicing Pilates" Susan Kinderlane

"seeing the effect I could have on my tummy muscles whilst pregnant was incredibly empowering." Kirsty Maddocks

"Clear and correct instructions . . . appropriate modifications .. well selected exercises . . . well produced and well instructed" Lisa Westlake Australian Physio Association

"I would highly recommend this video to all pregnant/post-partum clients, especially those who are experiencing pelvic ring dysfunction. The instructor is knowledgeable, and the quality of the exercise routine is among the best I have seen for this patient population" Lauren Potach, PT Women's Health Coordinator Rehab Partners- Methodist Hospital, Nebraska