Review & Giveaway: Synthecore Baby & Me Pilates DVD

As working or stay-at-home parent(s), most families don’t have the time to get in the car, leave the kids at home with a sitter and make their way down to their local gym and work out in a sea of ripped abs, sculpted bodies and beautiful people. For many of us, it’s almost difficult to leave the kid(s) at home when you’re out trying take off those few extra pounds or finding a workout routine right after giving birth. You almost feel like you’re losing that bond and quality time with the little ones.

I’d like to introduce you to Synthecore. Synthecore was created after three families decided to take their Baby & Me, Pilates class and create a workout DVD that parents can do at HOME and work out with your kids. Sure, there are many mommy & me classes out there, but who has the time and the extra money now a days to do that on a daily or even weekly basis. I surely don’t. Synthecore’s goal is to bring child, parent, mind and body together. BUT most importantly, forging the bond of parent and child by incorporating it into their instructional exercise DVD. Also, Synthecore is a GREEN company. Not only are they helping families bond while exercising but they’re also “reducing their carbon footprint on the world”.

Audrey & Reese

Meet Audrey & baby Reese. They are the wonderful mommy & baby duo that tried out the Baby & Me Pilates DVD. Let’s see what they had to say:

Q: Why did you jump at the chance to try this program?

A: Because I’m doing something that’s good for my well being and I know it’s something that my baby will enjoy too.

Q: How difficult was it to work out to this DVD?

A:The exercises were not too difficult. They were easy to follow.

Q: Is it possible for ANY parent to work out to?

A: Since its 45 min. even a busy mom can fit it into her schedule.

Q: Do you feel you got enough of a workout?

A: Although the exercises did not seem too difficult or strenuous, I was able to feel the burn.

Q: Audrey, who would you recommend this product to?

A: It’s especially great for mom’s who just recently had a baby.  It’s a low impact program but it works you out.

Q: Was there anything about this instructional exercise DVD that you did not like?

A: Nothing! It was a great video that I would recommend to other mom’s with babies.

Q&A with Michelle, creator of the Baby & Me: Pilates & More

Michelle Starlin, President & Co-Founder,  is a certified Pilates instructor, former professional dancer, mother of two and the creator of the “Baby & Me: Pilates & More” routine.  Check her full bio here.

1. Do you believe that working out with your kids can be fun and exciting for both the parent(s) and child(ren)?

Yes, absolutely!  My son and I share a lot of giggles, hugs and kisses when we do the “Baby & Me: Pilates & More” routine.  I think that it is important that a workout is fun because it motivates you to make it a regular part of your long-lasting, healthy lifestyle.  The most unique and innovative feature of “Baby & Me: Pilates & More” is that your child is integrated into the workout.  In addition to the “fun” factor for your child of being rocked, swayed and gently moved about, there are other benefits as well.  Particularly during the newborn period, having your baby close to you keeps your child calm.  As a result, he or she cries less and sleeps better.  Some studies have shown that this physical intimacy even fosters the child’s brain development.  There are benefits for mom as well.  Holding your baby close reduces stress levels, and the emotional connection can help mom (or dad) to feel in-tune with her baby, making the difficult job of parenting a newborn a little bit easier.  And the workout helps mom to feel better about herself postpartum, which translates into a happy home environment.

2.  What do you love about being a parent?

In short, everything. But one thing that I love, in particular, is sharing my daily activities with my children.  Not just having them observe what I am doing but actually doing the activities with me (whether it is cooking, shopping or being a participant in my “Baby & Me: Pilates & More” workout).  In this way, I am teaching my kids early on that they are the cause of things and not merely a consequence of the world around them.  I hope that this strong sense of self will benefit them throughout their lives.

3. Are you a working parent? If so, how do you balance your home life and having a work out routine with your kids?

Yes, in addition to SyntheCore, I am a Pilates instructor and spend a lot of time spearheading the “Green Team” at my daughter’s school.  As any working parent can tell you, it is a real juggling act and time is precious.  I had this in mind when creating the “Baby & Me: Pilates & More” workout.  I made sure that the routine is efficient and effective.  Pilates is a great platform for this because it fosters long, lean muscles with targeted movements in a short time frame.  And being able to do the workout on my schedule, in the comfort of my own home, without having to pay for an expensive gym membership or babysitter makes it easy for me to keep the workout a regular part of my routine.

That’s IT Mommy friend, Cecy

*Before working out with your baby, please contact your physician and check out their FAQs page.

GIVEAWAY: One (1) winner will win a Synthecore Baby & Me Pilates DVD.

REQUIRED ENTRY – Visit http://www.synthecore.com and tell us why Synthecore is a GREEN company. Come back here and leave a comment in the reply box below this post.

(Remember if this MAIN ENTRY is not followed then no other entries will count)

Bonus Entries – Leave each extra entry in a separate comment.

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• Blog about this giveaway (leave the link) (2 extra – 2 comments #1, #2)
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• Enter another one of our current giveaways (3 extra – 3 separate comments #1, #2, #3)
• Tweet about this giveaway (Copy – WIN a Synthecore Pilates Baby & Me DVD! via @thatsitmommy http://wp.me/pAWsG-1cZ #giveaway)

This giveaway will run through midnight on July 17, 2010 (PST) with winner being announced sometime on or before July 19, 2010 (PST). Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact us before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. (18+) residents only.

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received the mentioned DVD in this post to facilitate this review.
 This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.