With over 16 million workout videos sold since 1980, Kathy Smith has become a household name in fitness. A mother of two, Kathy also serves on the board of the USC School of Gerontology, the Women's Sports Foundation and is a recipient of the IDEA Lifetime Achievement Award from IDEA Health & Fitness, the world's largest professional fitness organization.
Great
I got up this morning feeling a little lost: My workout partner deserted me because of a commitment at her daughter’s school. So with no plan, and no partner in crime, I thought, What am I in the mood for? And what do I have time for?
It was a gorgeous morning, so I decided to forgo the gym, put on my running shoes, and head down my block over to San Vicente, the famed runner’s block of Brentwood. When I hit the treelined Ocean Avenue, overlooking the Pacific, no matter how many times I see it, it takes my breath away. I came around the corner and there were five well-built men, somewhat military-looking in camouflage, with t-shirts that said it all: EXTREME BOOTCAMP.
I decided to accept the challenge and join them for an hour of heart-pounding, muscle-pumping drills - old-school calisthenics with a drill sergeant barking out commands with a glimmer in his eye (he was half General Patton, half Robin Williams). I must admit, at first I thought this was a little corny. But J. Scott, our drill instructor, started to grow on me. And the more he told me to pump through those push-ups, the more I listened. He pushed me in some ways that I haven’t pushed myself in a while, and it always feels good to challenge muscles you haven’t felt in a while, and expand your lungs more than usual.
So I’m glad I trusted my initial instinct to jump in and try something new. I’ve done this throughout the years, and there’s been very few instances I’ve regretted. It always makes a good story, and it’s a great way to meet other exercise enthusiasts. And my glutes will not forget Mr. J. Scott anytime soon.
