How do I Choose the Best Prenatal Yoga DVD?

To choose the best prenatal yoga DVD, you will want to consider factors such as the length of the workouts, the method of instruction, and recommendations from other people who have also used the DVD. Any workout DVD can be a great way to save money and get exercise in your own home, but you will want to be sure that the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and that safety considerations are noted, particularly for a prenatal DVD. In addition, you might want to choose a prenatal yoga DVD with different workouts based on the different stages of your pregnancy.

A prenatal yoga DVD is, of course, designed to be safe for pregnant women to use, but it is still important to verify with your doctor that it is safe for you to exercise during your pregnancy. Be sure to stay hydrated while exercising as well, and to stop if you feel dizzy or out of breath at any time. When selecting a prenatal yoga DVD, first consider the amount of time per day you have available to exercise, and choose a DVD with a workout that fits into that time period. An hour's worth of yoga may be great for you, but if you can't fit it into your day, it will be pretty useless; choose a shorter 20 or 30 minute DVD instead.

You may also want to choose a DVD that includes a number of different workouts so you don't need to purchase a new DVD for each trimester. For instance, some exercises may be safe for you during your first trimester, but certain exercises, involving lying flat on the back, are no longer safe during the second or third trimester. For this reason you need to make sure that the DVD you are using is specific to your stage of pregnancy. Some prenatal yoga DVDs will include different workouts designed with this in mind so you don't get bored doing the same workout over and over. Modifications should be provided for poses that are more challenging, to make them easier for people who are less flexible or out of shape.

Another way to choose the best prenatal yoga DVD is to ask your friends for recommendations, or a doctor or midwife might have a specific recommendation as well. If you have a favorite yoga instructor, check to see whether she has put out a prenatal yoga DVD, because some of them have. Reading reviews online from consumer websites is another way to make a good selection.