New MOTHERWELL Yoga Video for Expectant Moms Includes Core Conditioning on Fitness Balls


CARLISLE, Penn., Feb. 20, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- According to a recent study, balancing exercises improve back muscle strength and postural control more effectively than resistance training. The weight of the enlarged uterus and shift in the center of gravity during pregnancy puts many women at risk for back injury. Balancing Yoga, postures along with Core Conditioning on fitness balls, helps expectant moms prevent and alleviate back discomfort.

Researchers have also found that stress may predispose a pregnant woman to premature labor and exacerbate many other pregnancy-related symptoms like back discomfort, nausea and fatigue. The MOTHERWELL Yoga Video for Expectant Moms incorporates a unique combination of Yoga, core conditioning, breathing and relaxation exercises especially designed to help expectant moms prepare mind, body and spirit for a healthy pregnancy and positive childbirth experience.

Maternity Fitness Pioneer, Bonnie Berk, leads two women in different trimesters of pregnancy through safe, easy-to-follow Yoga Poses and Core Conditioning Exercises incorporating clear modifications for women with varying fitness and tolerance levels. Berk is a Registered Nurse, Certified Childbirth Education Specialist, Personal Fitness Trainer and Yoga Instructor. She founded MOTHERWELL in 1980 and trains health and fitness professionals worldwide. She is an author, speaker and consultant to a broad range of institutions addressing the special health and fitness needs of pregnant women and new mothers.

The MOTHERWELL Yoga Video for Expectant Moms also includes:

-- Yoga Poses to prevent and/or alleviate nearly all common discomforts of pregnancy, such as backache, ankle swelling, carpal tunnel, varicose veins, leg cramps and fatigue.

-- Breathing, Relaxation and Visualization techniques to reduce stress in pregnancy and enhance comfort during the childbirth experience.

-- Pelvic floor exercises to maintain muscle tone during pregnancy and accelerate the healing process after delivery.

-- Safety tips and guidelines (see note) for exercise during and after pregnancy.

NOTE: This video conforms to the safety guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for exercise during and after pregnancy.

For more information about this MOTHERWELL Video or other MOTHERWELL Programs and Services, call 1-800-MOMWELL (666-9355) or visit the MOTHERWELL web site: www.motherwellfitness.com.

MOTHERWELL is donating $1.00 to the March of Dimes for every Video purchased at retail price.

-0-
CONTACT: MOTHERWELL
         Bonnie Berk
         RN 800-MOMWELL (666-9355) 
         (717) 258-4641 
         bonnie@motherwellfitness.com