Kathy Smith http://www.kathysmith.com/blog Your Leader In Total Fitness Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:23:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 en Move of the Day: Put A Twist On An Old Workout! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/move-of-the-day-put-a-twist-on-an-old-workout/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/move-of-the-day-put-a-twist-on-an-old-workout/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:23:00 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/move-of-the-day-put-a-twist-on-an-old-workout/ Check out my facebook page for a 30-second tutorial on one of my favorite full-body moves.

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/move-of-the-day-put-a-twist-on-an-old-workout/feed/ Good Morning America! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/good-morning-america/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/good-morning-america/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:28:47 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/good-morning-america/ I had a blast on Good Morning America Health yesterday here in chilly NYC. Click here to check out our segment on “Boomer Fitness,” highlighting moves from my new Rejuvenation kits. As you’ll see if you follow along with our workout demo, these moves aren’t just for boomers!

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/good-morning-america/feed/ Join my 10-Day Challenge! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/join-my-10-day-challenge/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/join-my-10-day-challenge/#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:51:14 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/join-my-10-day-challenge/ If you’re a little late starting off your New Year’s fitness routine (or you’re just looking for new tips on how to shake up your old one), join me on Facebook so that you can participate in my 10-Day Challenge! Every day I’ll post new photos, tips, and techniques to help you slim down and shape up in 2010.

And the fun doesn’t stop there . . . I’m also on Twitter!

Happy New Year!

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/join-my-10-day-challenge/feed/ KeyVive http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/keyvive/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/keyvive/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:12:27 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/keyvive/

Check out KeyVive’s online campaign to get people tested for diabetes. As you know, this is a true passion of mine, and the reason I created Project You Type 2 with BeachBody. KeyVive is even offering free test kits!

Just imagine if we all moved a little more and cut back on that ubiquitous ingredient known as sugar…

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/keyvive/feed/ Because Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t over yet… http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/because-breast-cancer-awareness-month-isnt-over-yet/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/because-breast-cancer-awareness-month-isnt-over-yet/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:12 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/because-breast-cancer-awareness-month-isnt-over-yet/ …and because our need to conquer breast cancer shouldn’t stop when November ends, I thought I’d share this clip from one of our recent episodes of HealthCorner on Lifetime.

We all know that exercise helps prevent heart disease and diabetes. Well, it may also help prevent breast cancer, and the reason can be summed up in one little word: Hormones. Exercise reduces the levels of estrogen, insulin and testosterone - and all of these can either contribute breast cancer or help it grow. Yet another reason to get moving!

Check out this clip for more info, and for some terrific workout tips.

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/because-breast-cancer-awareness-month-isnt-over-yet/feed/ Why I love Men’s Health http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-i-love-mens-health/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-i-love-mens-health/#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:19:29 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-i-love-mens-health/ Jason Bateman
I have a confession to make: I’m loving Mens Health magazine! Not just because of its blunt and catchy headlines (”Strip Away Bellyfat NOW!”) but because it gives its readers a refreshing dose of honesty that I sometimes find lacking in other publications. Mens Health encourages men to get comfortable in their own skin, enjoy life to its fullest, AND to push themselves in their workouts. Aren’t we female fitness buffs entitled to the same?!

Actor Jason Bateman graces the cover of the latest issue - FULLY clothed and looking cool-as-a-cucumber. When’s the last time you saw a female fitness model who wasn’t required to show skin? It’s an old story, but it seems like we’re still holding women to a different standard when it comes to representations in media. So when I’m in line at Whole Foods and catch a glimpse of Mr. Bateman, casual in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, next to yet another woman in a sports bra, I can’t help but ask, “Still?! Really?!”

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-i-love-mens-health/feed/ What a Great IDEA! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/what-a-great-idea/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/what-a-great-idea/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:07:51 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/what-a-great-idea/ On Wednesday, I drove to Anaheim for the IDEA Convention with my good friend and associate, Jackie Mendes. Even though it’s been a while, Jackie and I fell right into our very comfortable, familiar groove - and we had a blast. It’s such a great feeling to see the faces of old friends like Douglas Brooks, Candice Copeland, Josie Gardiner, Jay Blahnik, and of course, the creators of the whole thing, Kathie & Peter Davis. I visited Tony Horton (Mr. P90-X himself) at his booth, and he challenged me to a push-up contest. Since I knew I wouldn’t beat him in that arena, I decided to change the rules and try out my handstand. (That’s Tony holding up my legs - thanks, Tony!)

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I had the honor of MC-ing the Opening Ceremonies after Milo Levell warmed up the crowd with some hip-hop moves and a solo dance (a beautiful tribute to Michael Jackson). I presented awards to Cynthia Norton (Personal Trainer Of The Year), June Kahn (Fitness Instructor Of The Year), Debi Pillarella (Program Director Of The Year). The most touching moment of the day was when Fitness Inspiration Award Winner, Scout, had her mother Susi Bassett accept on her behalf, because Scout was in London representing the USA in an effort to include the Paralympic Gampes in the 2012 Olympics.

I got to jump into Josh Crosby’s Indo-Row class with Jay Blahnik and Douglass Brooks, using a new rower that you’ll start seeing in clubs around the country. Wow! The energy in the room was through the roof and the workout was unbelievable.

Two other products that really caught my attention: M.E.L.T. - a revolutionary approach to pain-free living, developed by Sue Hitzmann to help erase joint compression and stiffness before strength training or cardio. You can find out more at meltmethod.com. Another great find: Something called “BeamFit” - David Mesirow gave me a great demonstration of how to do pilates, yoga, and strength training on one soft beam.

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/what-a-great-idea/feed/ Why Time Magazine Won’t Make You Thin, Either http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-time-magazine-wont-make-you-thin-either/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-time-magazine-wont-make-you-thin-either/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:41:14 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-time-magazine-wont-make-you-thin-either/ This article from Time Magazine has been making the rounds lately - several people have sent it to me, waiting to see my reaction. And while I pride myself on keeping my cool under pressure, I’ll admit, this one got me a little steamed.

The piece takes one idea that’s been common knowledge in the health and fitness industries for years - the fact that, when it comes to weight loss, diet is more important than exercise - and inflates it, using out-of-context quotes and biased information in an article that left me asking, “Are the good people at Time out of their minds?!”

Let’s just tackle a few of the biggest issues in the piece that jump off the page. First, the notion that “exercise makes you eat more.” Theoretically, this is true. A workout gets your metabolism humming, and demands more calories to make up for the energy expended, and your body craves its fuel: food. The trick, of course, is to equip yourself with the knowledge and willpower to make the right choices when it comes to selecting that food. And what are we actually proposing here, anyway? Ceasing movement altogether so that we can starve ourselves? And let us not forget that exercise also provides something that dieting can not: muscle mass. Without it, we’re left with bad backs, weaker bones, softer bellies, lower energy levels, and lower metabolisms - leading to (you guessed it) weight gain.

Then there’s the suggestion that you can easily “erase” all your good efforts with one 150-calorie Gatorade right after your workout. It’s true - if you choose to down a sugary drink right after exercise, instead of something with a lower-glycemic index that will help maintain your energy levels - then, yes, you’ve essentially “un-done” your calorie burn for the day. But notice the key word here: Choose. It’s about choices. The article mentions that people who don’t go to the gym are more likely to walk instead of taking a cab - is that really the case? In my experience, the fitness-minded folks are the ones who usually choose to put in that extra effort. And note what the author says about “greasy burritos” - I challenge you to find any gym-rat who’s wasting their time on food like that. People who choose the lifestyle of health and fitness are simply more likely to stick with it - because exercise and healthy eating go hand-in-hand.

We all know that exercise helps ward off a host of frightening diseases and ailments, from diabetes to heart disease to depression. The last thing our ever-expanding world needs is some noise from the media that actually discourages people from moving. There are already too many excuses out there for not taking better care of ourselves (time, money, family, stress). Let’s not use this article as another one. Keep moving, everybody.

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/why-time-magazine-wont-make-you-thin-either/feed/ Fun In The Park! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/fun-in-the-park/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/fun-in-the-park/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:58:04 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/fun-in-the-park/ Kathy & Cheerleaders

I’ve been having such a blast with our Saturday group in the park, for NextFit’s “Get America Moving” Campaign. And I love this photo with the Riverton High School cheerleading squad - because the idea of a pyramid is pretty important when it comes to getting healthy. It’s about community - every single one of us supports each other in our goal to be active.

Check out this fun video on our latest adventures.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

]]> http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/fun-in-the-park/feed/ Prepare For Take-Off! http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/prepare-for-take-off/ http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/prepare-for-take-off/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:00:57 +0000 admin http://www.kathysmith.com/blog/prepare-for-take-off/ It’s been such a thrill to be part of the launch of NextFit’s new Keychain Trainer. And this summer, I’m joining forces with the NextFit team for a worldwide tour to Get America Moving! We’re kicking things off this Saturday in Salt Lake City with our first “test group” - a brave and lucky bunch of folks who have committed to a 12-week weight loss program in which I’ll help them every step of the way, with diet, exercise, motivation, and of course, using this cool and revolutionary gadget known as the Keychain Trainer.

For those of you who won’t be able to join us this weekend, here’s a little “nugget” of wisdom that I’ll share with the group on Saturday - and you heard it here first. It’s about consistency. It’s one of the oldest rules in the fitness book: To get results, consistency is key. But as we all know, “sticking with it” is easier said than done. So what’s the secret to staying consistent, so that you can stay on-track to success?

1) Do the things you enjoy doing, and
2) Do them with the people you enjoy.

It’s no coincidence that both of those points contain the word “enjoy.” Fun and fitness shouldn’t be mutually exclusive - they should mix and mingle, so that you can enjoy a consistent, healthy lifestyle for years to come!

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