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Fitness Buzz: March 12, 2008 |
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FITNESS Flashback:
Kathy Smith Workouts You Love
I got such a kick out of last month's Self magazine, which featured an article titled "Let's Get Physical" to celebrate some of the best moves in the industry through the years. Remember those leg warmers and leotards? Feather bangs and hot-pink scrunchies? Or how about elbowing your way into an uber-popular step aerobics class when that was all the rage? Today you're more likely to have trouble getting into a Spinning class or IndoRow session, which is the latest craze in my town that uses stationary rowing machines ("indoor rowing") in a group class setting much like Spinning takes cycling indoors.
It's thrilling to watch all the trends in the fitness world come and go, and then cycle back again (not sure if leg warmers will make their way back, but you never know). Fads in fitness ideas help keep us motivated and inspired to try something new (hey, if it weren't for so many fun fads I probably wouldn't have been called out in the Self
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article as being the "Holy Energizer Bunny"—the gal who "keeps bouncing and kicking and turning and…"). Aerobics has definitely had a long and rapidly changing history, but many people forget that new ideas don't necessarily translate to better workouts. The dated, long-forgotten moves still work and can be equally as effective (and in some cases, even more so) as the latest fitness craze. Think of it like this: in the fashion world, styles come and go but at the end of the day, a scarf is still a scarf and a pair of jeans is a pair of jeans.
In our business review meeting last month, my team and I evaluated our products, seeing which DVDs were selling best as well as which of the new equipment and supplement products we have recently added to our site. I always enjoy going through this process because it really brings me a greater understanding of what you are really looking for (and what is working for you!). We were delightfully surprised to discover that many of my classic workout DVDs (yes, in classic leotards) were running neck and neck with my latest products. Proof that gravity-defying moves don't have to come from 2008. They go back—way way back.
Let's take a look:
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1. Fat Burning Classics
Fat burning never goes out of style. And neither does the secret to burning fat: through a blend of cardio, strength training, and stretching. OK, so with these classics you get to cast back to the mid-80s (but you can leave the big hair behind). Thankfully you won't have to dust off your VCR for these 3 complete workouts, which are now available on DVD. The first, Body Basics, is a high-energy, low impact routine designed to strengthen and tone your whole body. It also has a special segment to target problem areas, abs, thighs, and buns. (Yes, we did care about abs back then.) Next, with Winning Workout I put together a 12-week program that combines aerobic, weight training and stretching to the great beat of the 80s. The third is the Fat Burning Workout that combines high- and low-intensity routines plus a body-shaping segment to isolate specific muscles and maximize results. Go ahead, dig out those leg warmers and step back into a new body.
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2. Lift Weights to Lose Weight
My mission over the years has been teach people that building and maintaining muscle mass is essential to losing weight and keeping it off. Now, that doesn't mean bulking up and looking like a bodybuilder, but building lean, sculpted muscles that will increase your metabolism and keep it humming long after the workout is over. This DVD is the first that I developed that really embraced this theory, and I think it was a bit ahead of its time. In recent years we've learned so much about the importance of preserving lean muscle tissue to prevent age-related disease and stay as strong as possible long after those roaring 20s. Scientists just recently proved that aging is reversible with an exercise program like this one. Flabby arms, soft bellies, and thick thighs don't need 21st century technology to get toned. In fact, the "technology" is the same from yesteryear. You just need a system of working these areas and alternating between high and low resistance to gain strength (and avoid workout plateaus). Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this is a great routine to add to your weekly regimen.
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3. Body Boomers Workout
No matter what decade it is in the calendar year, your individual decade—whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond—can have a big say in your fitness goals. When I hit my 40s, I knew it was time to address my body's changes and come up with fresh ideas for staying strong and young. We all want to age gracefully and keep our minds and bodies strong. Moving Through Menopause combines low-impact cardio, yoga for stress reduction, and strength training. The Shaper Ball Workout will show you how to build sculpted abs and a tone lower body. And the Wellness Mind & Body Relaxation System targets key "stress zones" with easy, strain-free moves that release tension, improves posture, and boost energy. I call this one a "must-have" workout because it's loaded with powerful routines and nutritional tips that stand the test of time for long-term health benefits.
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4. Step Workout
We're back in the 90s now, when step was a growing trend and it fits right in line with what we know today about "functional training"—using moves that mimic real life, which in this case is walking up stairs. But the beauty of a step is it allows you to intensify numerous other workout moves like lunges and squats. It also has a sneaky way of intensely working your lower body, upper body, and core (a total body workout), which can be hard to do using your own staircase at home. This particular program features two workouts: Cardio Step begins with basic techniques and then progresses through three levels of increasingly challenging routines (burns calories and increases your stamina). The Body Sculpting routine target tones the hips, legs, and abs.
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I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to see that the programs I developed 10, 15, even 20 or more years ago, still have all the necessary information and guidance you need to achieve your health and fitness goals. Although my wardrobe and hairstyles may have changed over the years, my message and teaching principles have remained relatively the same. It's hard to believe that my pregnancy workout stars my oldest daughter now in her first year of college! Time truly does fly. But fitness concepts don't.
So even with all the newer options like Peel Off the Pounds Pilates and Tummy Trimmers helping people slim down and tone up, I love hearing that people are still enjoying—and getting results—from the classics. So don't be afraid to give them a try.
Remember to mix up your weekly routines and whenever possible recruit a family member or friend to join you. It's an easy way to add in some social time while you take care of yourself...and if there's a little friendly competition on who can step faster, that's alright, too.
To share your Kathy Smith success stories, please email us at: makeithappen@kathysmith.com
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