5 Bold Questions For Kathy Smith

Q: Any big goals for 2014?

A: Love is a big focus for me this year. With my kids out of the house, I’m enjoying life in Park City and LA, but I’m ready to meet someone special. I’d love to find the right man to spend the rest of my life with. I’m not always so forthcoming about my personal life, but this year I’m putting it out there into the universe: I’m ready for romance!

Q: What are some common NON-fitness questions you often get?

A: Well, this is still somewhat fitness-related, but a lot of women ask me what my favorite sports bra is. It’s an important thing to consider when you’re staying active in different climates. Regardless of the brand, the key goal is comfort, fit, and layering. Start with a fitted bra, and then layer wit ha regular sports bra top. The main goal is to keep the girls secure so you don’t slow down your pace!

Q: I know you mix things up when it comes to exercise and love outdoor fitness, but what’s your favorite workout ever? 

A: I often joke that that’s like asking me to choose my favorite child –it feels impossible to answer! I love all types of movement, from running to strength training, yoga to Pilates, spinning to TRX, dancing to snow skiing. But hiking does have a special place in my heart. It’s why I moved to Park City, Utah – the breathtaking mountains here have given me the opportunity to combine my loves of exercise and the outdoors.

Q: What are the 3 most important things women that are 60+ need to know about fitness?

A: When I did my first video, I described the pillars of fitness – strength, flexibility/balance, and endurance. It’s amazing to think that after all these years, when so much has changed, these three elements are still the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.  Many women put their exercise emphasis on flexibility and endurance. But as you age, the pillar of strength training becomes increasingly important. So that’s the big one: Don’t shy away from resistance training. Secondly, find a way to move your body throughout the day, rather than just during a designated exercise period. And third, make it social: Taking a class or going for a hike with friends keeps you motivated, and reminds you of the often-overlooked fun factor.

Q: What’s the 1 thing you absolutely need to have for a good workout?

A: A pre-workout shake: 8 ounces of almond milk, Nanogreens, whey protein powder, frozen mixed berries, and a swirl of flaxseed and fish oils.

Q: How often do you work out to your own fitness dvd’s? Or is that too weird for you?

A: I don’t do it often, but sometimes when I’m traveling I’ll pop in a DVD in my hotel room before an event. I’ve also had a ball doing my Latin Rhythm Workout routine with friends. We’ll have food, margaritas and a dance party where everybody follows along to me as I follow the video. The live band and all of the dancers make for a great party atmosphere!

Q: What do you think is the most misunderstood move?

A: The classic push-up. There’s so much more to it than meets the eye. It’s a delicate combination of torso alignment, arm position, balance, and strength. When you consider that the “lever” in the move goes all the way from your hands to your toes, combined with the core strength required to keep your belly button pulled in and preventing your upper back from collapsing or your hips from popping up…there are a lot of moving parts. And too often, people cheat the move by not coming close enough to the floor in the lowering part of the movement. If it’s hard for you to bring your chest just a couple inches from the ground when you lower down, it’s better to do the modified version of the push-up on your knees and get the full range of motion. Also, keep in mind that the closer your hands are together, the more you recruit your triceps rather than the chest and shoulders.

Q: What’s your take on fitness machines?

A: Machines all serve their purpose, especially if you have limited range of movement or special joint concerns. I love a classic treadmill, and have a terrific “gauntlet” workout that uses inclines that I’ll break out anytime I’m using a treadmill. Regardless of what machine you’re using, the key is to really use it, and really make sure you’re challenging yourself. If it’s an opportunity for you to casually move your lower body while you flip through a magazine or catch up on texts, you’re probably not getting the most out of your workout and the machine’s capabilities.