Prenatal Yoga with Elena Brower DVD Review

Quick Take

Renowned Anusara teacher Elena Brower offers quality instruction against scenic backdrops in the 2009 DVD release “Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga.” It is designed with the special needs of pregnant women or new mothers in mind and is recommended for any woman wanting a gentle yet invigorating program.

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Introduction

Prenatal yoga is especially designed for women about to give birth, yet is a gentle exercise program that can benefit all women. “Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga,” a 2009 Element series DVD release, offers a relaxing yet invigorating anusara yoga especially geared toward expectant or new mothers.

Instruction (4 out of 5)

The prenatal yoga workout, which lasts about 30 minutes, is demonstrated pregnant yoga teacher Lucy Bivins with voiceovers by the lead instructor Elena Brower. Brower is a published author and New York City yoga instructor. She was named one of New York City’s top teachers by the magazine “Fit Yoga.” She has taught celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Christy Turlington.

Brower guides viewers on-screen in the postnatal yoga workout segment.

Brower, whether on-screen or narrating, is a gentle and encouraging yoga instructor. Those who do not like voiceovers may be disappointed that the teacher is not always on-screen. However, Brower’s knowledge creates a presence even when she is teaching through narration.

Accessibility (5 out of 5)

Often women with special challenges aside from pregnancy, such as physical pain and/or weight problems, need slower-paced workouts. Some people seek such help through programs geared for senior citizens, wheelchair users, or pregnant women because of the gentler nature of such exercises. Whether the woman using “Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga” is pregnant, a recent mother, or has another physical challenge, the DVD is accessible to most anyone. The yoga poses are gentle and because half the DVD is designed for the pregnant woman’s special physical needs, the risk of injury tends to be much lower than a traditional power yoga program.

Price Value (4 out of 5)

“Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga,” at its October 2009 Amazon price, cost a few dollars more than some other fall 2009 yoga workout releases such as “Yoga for Weight Loss .” However, the cost of the DVD, especially for a woman really needing safe prenatal yoga, is still rather consumer-friendly. Considering that actual prenatal yoga classes in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles can cost at least $15 to $20 a session, the DVD is a good value. Many communities do not even offer prenatal or postnatal yoga, creating a much-needed area of coverage for childbearing women. Another important consideration is “Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga” can be done at home multiple times, saving time during an especially critical point in a woman’s life.

Those really needing a yoga DVD that is closer to the under $10.99 price range can usually find gently used copies at Amazon for about $7.50 plus a nominal shipping charge.