Review of "The Complete Pregnancy Exercise Program"

Review of "The Complete Pregnancy Exercise Program"

Hosted by Michelle Collie, PT, DPT, MS, OCS

I picked up a copy of this DVD in my Providence, Rhode Island based OB-GYN's office.  The program states that it is "designed to prevent pregnancy related problems and assist you in feeling and looking the best that you can" during pregnancy.

According to the website provided on the DVD packaging (www.performanceptri.com), Collie is the owner and director of Performance Physical Therapy based throughout Rhode Island.  The program is 45-minutes in length provides a great full body workout.  The program combines strength, stretching and some yoga. I actually find it to be quite relaxing.  It's a feel good workout for the entire pregnancy.  I didn't utilize it as frequently during the first trimester, as I preferred a more rigorous workout.  Your personal preference would of course be driven by prior fitness level and intensity of workouts. 

Throughout the program, Collie provides varying levels at which you can complete each exercise (e.g. easy, medium, more challenging). Explanations are clear and concise.  She personally demonstrates each level.  I enjoy the commentary throughout the program, as Collie provides good tips and tidbits of information for a varying audience to consider.  My favorite comment from the program is when Collie mentions that your caloric requirements increase when working out and that you might need a snack both before and after completing the program.  I love this!  It made me laugh.  Finally, I enjoy the New Zealand accent.

I would definitely recommend checking out this affordable pregnancy exercise program.

We are who we are

We are who we are...

I spent a lot of time around the new year reflecting.  Reflecting on 2012 - the good, the bad and the ugly.  And believe me there has been ugly!  As I reflected further on the year, I couldn't help but think about all the day to day moments that I was overlooking.  The parts of life that you can miss if you don't stop to savor the moment.  Last year Rhys was saying single words.  This year he is having conversations, using his imagination, enjoying the art of creating. He counts to 20 and now we are working on Spanish.  He sings the alphabet, he sings everything.  This is just one example.

I decided that I personally wanted to be a more loving, understanding & supportive wife and a more patient mother in 2013.  Since quitting my job and leaving my so-called career in the health insurance industry, I've struggled with what being a stay at home mom (SAHM) meant.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Rhys.  It was a drastic change and challenge that while I have struggled with at times, I have appreciated more than anything.

My husband and I made the decision to become a single income household for 2 main reasons.  1) I wasn't getting the type of experience I wanted at work and as a result, after 10 years, I was no longer happy.  And my former employer wasn't listening.  Well, employment is a two-way street and you do have a choice.  So I quit.  2) We wanted to raise our child the way we wanted to raise our child and without added stress.  We wanted it to be easier at home - a clean house, home cooked meals, shirts ironed and more importantly - time together on the weekends.  The point was to focus more on developing Jim's business as a means to move us on the path to achieving our dreams.  Our dreams are more entrepreneurial nature.  While we have faced significant challenges over the last year and a half,  I feel we are stronger as a result.

In 2013, I need to remember who I am - my interests, likes and dislikes.  I was a person before I become a wife and a mother.  I have become a better person because of my family and my experiences.  I have a long way to go.

To a happy and healthy 2013!!

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY

There are many ways to say it, but the fact of the matter is my husband and I are expecting baby #2 and he is a boy.  We were quite surprised!  This pregnancy has been extremely different from my first.  While pregnant with Rhys, I had a smooth and easy pregnancy.  This pregnancy has been quite the opposite - keeping me from many things including my blog for my first trimester.


On January 4, 2013, we had our most recent ultrasound that revealed the gender.  Based on how I have been feeling, the high heart rate, carrying high and Rhys' interest in my belly (informing us regularly that the baby was a girl) - we thought it was a girl.  The good news is we were interested in having a healthy baby and are just as happy with another boy.  Almost immediately we saw the following, which had us laughing:

The pregnancy is going as well as it can be (health-wise) according to our doctor.  So we are happy to hear all of this news.  I am finally starting to feel more like myself again and truly hope the feeling lasts. :)

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