Success Stories and Testimonials
Our Favorite Client Success Story
Carrie, of Los Angeles, came to me six weeks after the birth of her first baby. She was very out of shape, her return to work was looming, the baby was fussy, and all of this was overwhelming her and making her feel hopeless. Post partum depression had definitely set in. In addition to being overweight, she could not contract her AB muscles, didn't know what her pelvic floor muscles were and she was having intense lower back pain.
I started working with her using the Fusion Pilates program I'd developed with my first child, and within the first ten sessions she was finally able to contact those lost parts of herself. Through very hard, concentrated work she was able to attain a stronger, healthier body than before she was pregnant. The weight loss, the absence of pain and her new body boosted Carrie's confidence and gave her a sense of empowerment that helped her face all of the stresses in her life.
Two years later, Carrie became pregnant again. She was able to workout for the duration and had a trouble free, more comfortable pregnancy with less fatigue and less stress.
The actual birth of her baby was easier and the time she spent in labor was much shorter. Her recovery is amazing. At four months after the birth, she has her pre-pregnancy body back.
“Fusion Pilates For Pregnancy has a great workout for each trimester in one DVD. The unique method of showing three levels of exercise difficulty with women in the appropriate trimester doing the appropriate level and method simultaneously , is a huge plus. The routines are shown with excellent voice and visual instruction. Appropriately, emphasis on safety, which is of paramount importance to the pregnant teachers as well, is noted throughout the session. The aerobic conditioning , strength training and flexibility maneuvers taught will help mothers-to-be get ready for labor and delivery while enjoying the satisfaction of convenience and privacy, if desired. I am recommending the DVD to all of my patients. As with any exercise routine, I suggest that you describe the activity to your OB and find out if you have restrictions to exercise due to premature labor risk factors , medical risk factors or other things that may be complicated by exercise. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists publish guidelines which outline contraindications and warning signs regarding exercise, so ask your OB. Also, move slowly through new exercise routines and stay well hydrated and DONT DO ANY THING THAT HURTS OR MAKES YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE and USE COMMON SENSE.”
William A. Growdon, M.D.
Chairman, OB/GYN, Santa Monica/UCLA Hospital
Clinical Associate Professor,
UCLA President,Los Angeles OB/GYN Society
“Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates™ for Pregnancy is an outstanding way to get the exercise that should be part of every woman's pregnancy. Taught by this experienced professional, the video is safe and effective. It is also educational, describing the bodily changes during pregnancy that must be acknowledged. The instructors demonstrate the appropriate positions for each trimester making this program perfect for any stage of pregnancy.”
Susan C. Stone MD, MPH
“Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy is fantastic! Not only is it safe for both mom and baby, it helped me keep really fit throughout my pregnancy. I highly recommend it, I absolutely love it!”
Tatjana Patitz
Actress/Model
Mother of Jonah (7 Months)
Malibu, California
“A beautiful production integrating toning, Pilates, yoga and stretch. You'll build strength and improve flexibility while totally avoiding all on-your-back positions (e.g. the Pilates hundred is done kneeling instead of lying). There's a huge variety of pregnancy-adapted exercises, from bicep curls and against-the-wall squats to simple yoga poses like warrior and plank. You also get relaxing stretch segments and stress-reducing guided relaxation at the end. Very tranquil, detailed cues with lots of modifications (the three exercisers are each in a different trimester; each one shows the moves for her own stage).”
Collage Video
“I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my third child and wanted to let you know that this workout DVD is the best pregnancy workout I have ever experienced! With the exception of 2 weeks, I have done the workout at least three times a week since I received it in early July: I've built and maintained great tone in my arms (something I didn't realize was possible with such light weights) and avoided a lot of the lower-back discomfort that seemed an unavoidable part of my previous pregnancies. I think the relaxing, but highly effective exercises are going to prove great preparation for labor. Keep up the good work--I look forward to utilizing the post-partum DVDs!”
Sincerely, Kristin
“I recently bought Fusion Pilates and absolutely loved it! I really enjoyed the variety of exercises, the beautiful set and music, Jennifer's gently teaching, and the flow of the workout. I would love to have more workouts that are similar to this. Are there any more being planned? Thanks for any info you can provide.”
Sue
“I read about your program in Fit Pregnancy and rushed right to the website to buy my copy. I have been looking for a safe but challenging pilates or yoga based workout since I found out that I am pregnant and have not been pleased with anything until I found Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy. In fact I wish I would have known about your program sooner! Keep the videos coming, they are among the best out there for the prenatal woman.”
Dotti Santos
Medford, New York
“Not only did Fusion Pilates get me back in shape after the birth of my first daughter, it's kept me fit and helped me bounce back much quicker since my second daughter was born. It's great getting your instruction from a fellow mom like Jennifer who's been through it all herself.”
Kris Ellenberg
Marketing Executive
Los Angeles, California
Mother of Eden (6 months) & Lola (3 years)
“Working with Jennifer Gianni during my first pregnancy gave me the strength and flexibility throughout the different stages of my pregnancy to help me feel comfortable as well as helped me through the challenges of my labor. She is a true pilates expert, having had 2 babies herself, and she knew exactly what positions were best for the various phases of my pregnancy. I always felt great at the end of our sessions. She not only helped me feel confident about my bodily changes, she was a loving coach and friend.”
Mary Gribbon
Graphic Designer
New York City, NY
Mother of Luke (6 months)
“Fusion Pilates has changed my body completely. As a former professional athlete, (tennis), I thought I'd gone as far as I could go with total body fitness. After I discovered Jennifer Gianni's Fusion Pilates I was amazed at the transformation of my body. Not only am I stronger than I was at 23 but my tennis game is drastically better. At 37 and two children later I am now a devoted student of Fusion Pilates and its tremendous results. For those who aren't lucky enough to train with Jennifer personally, the Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy DVD is a godsend.”
Danielle Shilling Lovett
Producer
Hollywood, California
Mother of Conner (7 years) and Mazie (5 months)
“I love the program in Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy. I particularly like the way it can be formulated for the different stages of pregnancy. The instruction is clear and easy to follow. The length of the program is perfect. It is a good workout that leaves me feeling rejuvenated and excited that I am preparing my body for a successful labor.
Being in the obstetrical field, I know how important it is to have a healthy and active lifestyle during a pregnancy. I definitely feel that this program creates the type of lifestyle and activity that can be essential to a healthy delivery. I have always counseled my patients on the importance of exercise during pregnancy and this program is certainly something that I would recommend.”
Michelle O'Neill Morante MMSc, PA-C
5 Months
“I just purchased the Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy DVD, and I LOVE IT!!!! I had been doing pilates until I learned I was pregnant, and I was just thrilled to find this DVD, especially after reading all of the 5-star reviews on amazon.com.”
Kristen L. Greulach
President, Buffer Enterprises
(sports and entertainment company)
Marina del Rey, CA
First Trimester
“It is a wonderful workout for when you are expecting. My baby is due in October and I plan to use it all the way through.”
Laura Bullock
Lexington, KY
“I tried the pilates dvd for the first time and really enjoyed it. The new Fit Pregnany suggested the video for Pilates. I am a fitness Instructor in Canada and was looking for something a bit challengeing but also relaxing as well. It will be a great addition to my workout routine. Thanks for the great video.”
Rebecca Swejda
Vancouver, BC CANADA
22 Weeks
Great for stretching, toning muscles, safe prenatal exercise, June 16, 2004 (Five Stars! Amazon.com's highest rating)
“This is the second pregnancy dvd that I've ordered, and it is by far the best. If you're looking for an aerobic workout, you won't get one here. What you will get is a yoga, pilates, mild weight session that really helps to stretch and strengthen muscles and feel more in tune with your body. I found it helpful to have 3 models to follow, one doing more strenuous stretches for the 1st and 2nd trimester folks and the other two doing modifications of the same stretches for 3rd trimester. I have personally found yoga to be boring, but this tape moves quickly enough to keep my interest and incoporate pilates moves to make it go quickly and be relaxing at the same time. Of course, you will need to invest in some equipment to get the most from the workout; you'll need a stool or chair, 2 2lb. weights, a small ball, and a pole about 4 ft. high for some of the stretches. Sometimes I find that I really need to watch the screen to follow Jennifer Gianni's instructions. Unfortunately, she does not mirror what you are doing (she says, stretch to the right and she does, but it looks as though she's stretching to the left from my perspective), but I believe that in time I'll get used to the workout and won't have to depend so much on visual prompts. Overall, I am happy that I spent the money on this dvd. I will probably keep on watching after my delivery. This exercise, combined with a brisk daily walk and some other aerobic activities make me feel as though I'll be ready when it's time for labor!”
Anonymous Amazon.com Customer
Maine
Good video for stretching, strengthening, relaxation, June 6, 2004 (Five Stars! Amazon.com's highest rating)
“Before pregnancy, I did yoga regularly, but I had never done pilates, so I can't compare this video to other pilates options, prenatal or otherwise. I can say that I feel good after a session with this video - more flexible, relaxed. My back, in particular, seems to benefit. The exercises are varied, with some yoga, some pilates, some light weights (upper body only), and stretches. It is good to know in advance that some props are used in the video - a stool, a wooden dowel (I use a mop handle), 2-pound weights, and a yoga mat if you like to use one. They also recommend a ball and a blanket, but I don't find those necessary. Easy to use with the sound off once you have been through the routine a few times. The modifications for 1st and 2nd vs. 3rd trimester seem appropriate, and all are shown simulatenously, so no need to skip around to find your trimester. I watched the intro and Kegel exercise portion only once, and skip the relaxation segment at the end, so a session now takes about 50 minutes. The instruction is generally clear, and it is nice to see a real, healthy- and happy-looking pregnant (3rd trimester) woman leading the video. If you are looking for a pregnancy workout video that is very aerobic/high intensity, you might look elsewhere, but for stretching, strengthening, flexibility, relaxation, and overall feeling good, this one is helpful.”
Anonymous Amazon.com Customer
Silverthorne, CO