5 Best Postnatal Workout DVDs

We don’t take the term “best” lightly. And when it comes to postnatal workout DVDs, we’ve tried quite a few. From yoga to Pilates to dance to strength training, here are our five favorite postnatal workout DVDs, evah! They’re simply the best.

1. Expecting More: The 4th Trimester Workout. Sara Haley has done it again! We love the other titles in the Expecting More series and this workout DVD that focuses on life after baby (whether that’s six weeks, six months or six years ago), is a winner. With eight different workouts (plus a calendar with an idea of how to put them together if you like a more structured plan), you’ll get stronger, improve your cardio endurance and work your flexibility. With options for women who are healing a diastasis recti, as well as those recovering from a C-section, it’s a great program for pretty much any mom. Choose from Mat Core, Seated Core, Standing Core, Stretch, Cardio Flow, Cardio Drills, Cardio Sculpt, and Strengthen & Tone as workouts. All you need are some dumbbells, a hand towel and a few spare minutes to squeeze in some time for mama!

2. After Baby: Pilates-Infused Functional Workouts. Our favorite thing about this two-disc postnatal workout DVD set is that it’s Pilates-inspired, but with a functional twist. Instructor Erica Ziel takes standard Pilates moves and tailors them to new moms. You never feel like she’s pushing you to get back into shape to look good; the exercises are truly ones that will help you in your daily kid-wrangling life. The core gets a lot of attention, as do the chest, back, hips and thighs, but the multitasking moves — like squats that incorporate upper-body strength moves and twists — really do strengthen you for all the crazy bending and squatting and carrying you do on the daily as a mom.

3. Aligned and Well: “Down There” for Women. Although not a traditional postnatal “workout” DVD, this one is a must-watch for moms. Instructor Katy Bowman explains how your body’s muscles work together to function — and how throwing off one part of the machinery can have far-reaching consequences. With this “everything’s connected” mindset and approach, she takes an approach to the body and pelvic floor health by getting back to the basics. This is a super great DVD for those still feeling aches and pains once the baby arrives.

4. The Dia Method Postnatal Fitness System. This nine-disc postnatal workout DVD system is a fantastic way for a new mom to ease back into fitness, while also being enough of a challenge for moms who’ve been back in the fitness game for a while. The core (ha) of The Dia Method, developed by Leah Keller, a pre- and postnatal fitness expert, is fighting back against diastisis recti and getting your stomach muscles back where they belong. It’s full-body workout program, but you’re reminded of your core from start to finish. If you’re a new mom who needs direction in getting back into a fitness routine, The Dia Method is a great beginner/intermediate set for that. The 25-minute workouts are perfect for busy moms trying to squeeze in fitness!

5. Element: Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga. We simply love how this yoga workout DVD has both a prenatal and postnatal workout on it, allowing you to transition your routine once the baby comes. The prenatal segment is relaxing and stretches you out, while the postnatal workout focuses on gently building strength, de-stressing and building your fitness back mindfully. We love this postnatal workout so much that it’s actually one (along with walking!) that we recommend to friends as their first one to do post-baby!

Do you have a favorite postnatal workout DVD we should add to our list? Let’s hear ’em! —Jenn