Training for Two: Safe and Smart Prenatal Exercises for a Smoother Pregnancy, Easier Birth, and Healthier Newborn - 90+ Resistance Training, Mobility, Birth Prep, and Labor Support Exercises

by Gina Conley, Roxanne Albert

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Emilie Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very helpful as I finish this pregnancy, prepare for labor, and then look towards re strengthening in postpartum. Next baby it will be fun to open from the beginning and implement some of her things throughout the whole pregnancy.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is currently not pregnant but hopes to be some day and is very active, this book is a great resource for exercise during and after pregnancy.

The explanation of the science and even pictures of the exercises with additional QR codes for videos on how to do the exercises is very helpful since we are talking about movement. As a fitness instructor myself, having a demonstration is so helpful in mastering moves and preventing injury.

Im grateful for have received an eArc of this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Grouo and will be purchasing a physical one for myself in the future!

[Sarah Clairmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for! Easy to jump around / return to specific sections or workouts.

[Allyson Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for women on the benefits and particulars of resistance/strength training during pregnancy. Lots of great information on addressing common pregnancy challenges and how specific exercises can help, along with preparing the body for a smooth birth and recovery. I appreciated the detailed photos and explanations of the exercises and the sample workout plans. This is definitely not a book to borrow, but to own, because you will need to reference it a lot to implement what she says (unless you want to buy their online workout plans, which sounds fantastic!). I can see myself returning to it again and again throughout my subsequent pregnancies. My only issue with it is that I wish it were more accessible for someone who has no experience with resistance training (explanation of equipment and goals for weight lifting would have been helpful). It took me awhile to understand how to implement the workouts in my own routine and I had to go back to the book a lot to make sure I was understanding things correctly. This probably isn’t an issue for people who are more familiar with these kinds of workout programs.

[MarryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was more than I expected.
Sure, it has exercises that are safe to do during each trimester, exercises that help you prepare for birth, but there is more information than that. It talk about how exercises really impact your body during pregnancy, about myths regarding exercising as a pregnant woman and so much more.

I think it is a great resource if you want to do some exercises while pregnant. I feel like you can even use some program samples even if you are not pregnant and just want to be moving a bit more.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest review

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a very active job and will be trying to conceive this year. I wanted to read up on the most up to date literature regarding working out during pregnancy and this was one of several books I picked up.

I loved the clear explanations and visuals provided, and it’s so cool that they have QR codes for further demonstration. The author does a great job providing reassurance that there’s no need to surrender to Pilates only to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy.

There’s also some good birth and post partum info in here as well. I will recommend this book to other mom to bes who want to maintain or even start a lifting routine.

[Meghan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I used some stretches and exercises from their website last pregnancy and they helped. I got this book, and have used it throughout this pregnancy. I had sciatic pain last time starting in the early second trimester, and this time was able to keep it at bay until partway through the third! I had about 4 more pain-free months this go-around! I highly recommend it.

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint was wishing there was more on all types of exercise (modifications/yes or no or pilates, cardio, yoga, etc.), but as this is not their expertise I understand the lack.

Also wish there was more on the pelvic floor things they mentioned earlier on during the labor chapter.

[Clarissa Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this and use it daily for the third trimester. I would have loved to have had it for the entire pregnancy but, alas, it just was released in September!

[Reagan Kapasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially loved overview of modification for each trimester and chapters on birth and postpartum exercises were a nice addition.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for an active pregnancy! It has a wealth of specific, helpful information (e.g., statistics extolling the benefits of prenatal exercise; sample workout routines with photographic demonstrations). The author is obviously very knowledgeable about fitness, and I learned a lot.

This would have been a five-star read for me if it had felt more accessible to beginners and if there had been more specific in-text citations to justify particular exercises (in addition to the general list of references at the end of the book). Some of the labor positions seemed helpful, but others seemed very unlikely to conserve the energy needed for pushing.

I still recommend this book - and I also recommend running your prenatal workout routine by an OB/GYN just in case.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital review copy. I post this review with my honest opinions; I was not required to post a positive review.