Tracy Anderson - Pregnancy Project (Months 1-3)

I was a little hesitant to purchase pregnancy-specific workout videos, but it did not take me too long to realize that I would prefer to not have to think up "safe" variations each time I do a video.  I had seen a lot of Tracy Anderson videos online while researching barre stuff, so I thought I'd give her "Pregnancy Project" a try.

The fact that it had 9 DVDs was intriguing (although later I realized you're only supposed to do one per month, so not much variety at all), and I figured it wouldn't just be one of those too-easy videos since she seems to be known for results.

My initial impression of the cover was like O__o -- basically, WHY is she wearing only a lacy bra on the cover of a workout DVD?!  Well, you know what they say about books and their covers...

I was doing/still do some of my normal workout DVDs, skipping anything that feels odd and the ab portions.  So these videos were just part of my rotation throughout the first few months, though I admit I only worked out 4, maybe 5 days a week during that time instead of the more usual 5-7 that I've worked my way back up to now.  And usually, I didn't go much longer than 30-40 minutes versus 50 before.  Generally, these videos seem to fit in my time/energy constraints.

Here is a brief overview of the first three videos:

Month 1 - I'm not sure who knows they are pregnant in "month one," and if they do, why they would want to do something pregnancy-related already, I don't know.  I did this for the first time just after I passed the end of the second month.  It starts with stretching/arm work.  There aren't weights (even body weight) involved in the arm part here, but the arms are held up for SUCH a long time that I could not hang.  Then, there were a series of leg lifts done on all fours/on your side.  I actually found it painful to lie on my side due to my hip bones feeling the hard floor, so I'd recommend a thicker mat if you don't have carpet.  Finally, there is a weighted arm segment with the 3-pounders.  Although this was supposed to be tough since it was at the end, it was not as bad as the beginning part!

Month 2 - I did this for the first time during the third month.  Once again, it starts with stretching/arm work.  I was able to hang in there better this time, probably because it was shorter.  This was followed by arm work using the 3-lb weights.  It was a lot of micro-bending of the arms.  My arms are one area that I am very self-conscious about since I tend to store fat there and shoulders that cause me to hold my arms right up against my body, so I am all for this arm work!  The leg work section involved the chair, and a lot of leg lifts on all fours as well as standing.  I actually did feel the burn in my glutes on this.  Some of the movements are hard to follow along, at first.

Month 3 -This workout threw me off, because it just kept going and going.  I had to stop it in the middle so I wouldn't be late for work, only to notice it was nearly an hour long.  My first thought was, "I'm sorry, but what first-trimester pregnant person has the time/energy to work out for an hour?!"  Anyway, this video started with more arm work, and the bulk of the video was focused on leg-lifts, many done on all-fours.  Actually, you have to keep lowering to your elbows and maintain the coordination of the movements, which was tough.  It was at this point where I was getting bored of the repetition (20 reps per exercise!), music, and the same outfit she keeps wearing that makes it look like she's making some sort of inappropriate film instead of a workout DVD.  There was also an odd section where you needed a towel for some reason.  I did not come back to this video often.

Overall Review:

I think the exercises are pretty effective, though it takes a while to get used to her pace and form, especially if you are already slowing down for energy or other reasons.  Definitely get a thick mat, as you spend a lot of time on your knees/side!!  I have been throwing in these first few workouts in during the second trimester once in a while, because I don't really feel there is anything on there specifically not allowed in the second trimester (since that's where she is upon filming these!).

Stay tuned for my review of the rest of the series!

------
FTC Disclaimer: I purchased these discs on my own, and the opinions posted here are my own.