It’s hard to believe that only yesterday I was writing about the loss of another icon. And the one I’m talking about today, of course, needs no introduction.

Two weeks ago I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I want to share - not to exploit Michael’s tragic death or boast about meeting celebrities, but because it was such a magical moment that I knew I had to write it down.

I was visiting a friend at his office here in LA, and he said to me, “Oh, you know who’s in the next room? Do you wanna meet Michael Jackson?” I thought he was kidding, but moments later, the King of Pop entered the room with his children in tow. Our mutual friend, obviously un-phased by Michael’s stardom, introduced us: “Michael, Kathy is big in the fitness industry. And Kathy, Michael is the best dancer in the world!” I had to stifle a laugh at this description - as if this were just another guy!

Michael hugged me. As many people have observed in the news yesterday and today, he was small, childlike, fragile, and - like Farrah - soft-spoken and incredibly shy.

What happened next is the truly unforgettable part. Our friend said to Michael, “You should really show Kathy how you dance.” And he did! Without a moment’s hesitation, Michael showed me some of his signature moves - a style that has obviously influenced performers (not to mention fans) for decades, and will for years to come.

We talked for a while. He introduced me to his children - who were sweet, beautiful, and clearly adored their father - and he told me about canceling an upcoming concert in London. “The people were so mean,” he said, visibly upset. “Just so mean.”

While our country, and our world, mourns and celebrates this legendary artist, I’m still in disbelief - not just that he’s gone, but that I was actually lucky enough to receive a private dance performance by Michael Jackson.

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In the early days of my career, I had the pleasure of meeting Farrah Fawcett when we were both spokesmodels for Faberge products. I appeared in ads for their “Babe” perfume, while Farrah, of course, promoted shampoo.

We flew to Mexico for a Faberge conference, where we met with their Board (including none other than Cary Grant) and spoke to their salespeople. Even though I’d only released one workout album at the time, I had no problem jumping up on stage to get the crowd moving. Then it was Farrah’s turn to appear, and in spite of her stardom, there was no trace of a larger-than-life icon. She was soft-spoken, delicate, and surprisingly shy. Even when I’d run into her on occasion, years later, at Ryan O’Neal’s Pro Gym, she maintained a sweetness and a warmth that I’ve rarely seen in starlets of her caliber.

I was moved by her incredibly brave TV documentary “Farrah’s Story.” It not only showed us her excruciating battle, but her will to survive. And thanks to her courage, talent, and beauty, she’ll stay with us.

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Join me at the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center on April 25th.

Diabetes EXPO is for people with diabetes, those at risk for diabetes, and anyone interested in healthy living. Here’s what to expect:

* How-to Product Demonstrations
* Free Health Screenings
* Healthy Cooking & Exercise Demonstrations
* Exciting Workshops & Speakers
* Interactive Youth Zone for kids of all ages
* Medical Professionals on hand to answer questions

* Kids: Come and play Guitar Hero, climb a wall, and sing Karaoke!

* Live Music: See L.A.’s top teen bands while learning about diabetes and healthy living.

For more info, click here!

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Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, has been everywhere in the media lately (including the cover of Oprah’s O Magazine), with topics ranging from the family dog to her fitness routine.

Fitness Magazine asked me to help design a workout to help you sculpt sexy arms like hers . . . Check it out!

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/ — The American Diabetes Association, legendary fitness expert Kathy Smith and leading in-home fitness marketer Beachbody announced today a new alliance to prevent and help manage type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes with a copublishing effort: the creation of a revolutionary new lifestyle DVD program, Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2™, that combines an easy-to-follow meal plan with in-home workout programs for every fitness level. Kathy Smith, Beachbody and the American Diabetes Association, the nation’s leading health advocacy group, have combined their profound expertise to develop the first and only combined all-in-one nutrition and DVD exercise program to help people with type 2 diabetes, reduce diabetes complications and help prevent the disease. Proceeds from the sale of this program support the Association’s mission — to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people with diabetes. For more information or to purchase this program, please visit www.KathyType2.com or call 1 (800) 818-5174.

George J. Huntley, Chair of the Board of the American Diabetes Association, states, “The American Diabetes Association, Beachbody and Kathy Smith have worked hard together to create Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2. We are excited about this new relationship since we all want to change the future of diabetes by reducing the number of people diagnosed with and affected by diabetes and its complications.”

Kathy Smith is the well-known fitness expert whose commonsense approach inspires millions around the world. She is recognized for her practical, down-to-earth methods that anyone, regardless of fitness level, can use every day. She is a trusted motivator who has sold more than 16 million workout videos worldwide.

Recognizing the devastating complications of diabetes, Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2 is a user-friendly nutrition and exercise program that combines walking, fat-burning, strength-training and core flexibility workouts with an easy-to-use carbohydrate counting system for no-fuss meal planning. Online tools that track results, plus assistance and motivation from an independent personal coach, are added components of the program.

“I teamed up with Dr. Francine Kaufman, past president of the American Diabetes Association and international authority on diabetes, to sound the alarm against this disease,” says Kathy Smith. “With the help of nutritionists, certified diabetes educators, physicians and the American Diabetes Association, I created a simple but effective program to help people manage the disease. The numbers are staggering: it’s estimated that almost 24 million people are currently living with diabetes, with 57 million estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for diabetes. There’s no easier-to-follow healthy eating and exercise program designed for this specific population. This program can help people lose weight, get healthy, and feel great. It’s time to prevent the growth of this epidemic and give people tools to fight back and regain control of their lives.”

Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes through changes to their lifestyle that include weight loss and regular physical activity. Experts recommend that people with pre-diabetes reduce their weight by 5 to 10 percent and participate in some type of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes daily, at least 5 times per week. For some people with pre-diabetes, intervening early can actually turn back the clock and return elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range. If early action is taken to manage blood glucose, the onset of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented.

Dr. Francine Kaufman, past president of the American Diabetes Association and author of the landmark book, Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic in America and What We Must Do to Stop It (2005), who has devoted most of her life to people with diabetes as a medical professional, says, “Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2 program is really the perfect thing for people with type 2 diabetes. Kathy gets people moving so they can be slowly transformed from living a sedentary existence to living a physically active life. This is a huge endeavor, but this is what needs to get done.”

Click here to view the Full Press Release with Product Details.

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Say “Bye-bye” to batwings and say “Hello” to toned triceps and beautiful biceps. But say it quickly, because all it takes is ten minutes!

Try this 10 Minute Arm Workout I created for Fitness magazine. You won’t sit around doing endless dumbbell curls - this routine includes full-body moves that also engage your abs, butt, legs, and back. Check it out!

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Yesterday when several friends emailed and called to tell me to run out and purchase this week’s issue of Star magazine, I was a little perplexed. I’ve never been a big gossip hound, so what’s all the fuss?

Once I found it, I got such a kick: there’s a blurb about Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes’s daughter Suri doing my Yoga DVD! Check it out:

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How much, or how little exercise makes a difference each day? Are workouts really cumulative? Whether you’re struggling to lose weight, prevent diabetes, or simply make fitness part of your daily hectic schedule, these questions have probably crossed your mind.

During the creation and launch of my Project You: Type 2 program, I’ve come across some pretty staggering research. I urge you to check out this terrific series of webcasts offered by the American Diabetes Association. It includes a presentation by Stanford University scientists from the ADA’s Scientific Sessions last year and covers recent discoveries about exercise, insulin resistance and diabetes.

Once again, this proves that some activity is always better than no activity. If you’ve been sedentary and need to start small when it comes to exercise, by all means, do it. As the ADA’s studies reflect, it could save your life.

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What a weekend!

Recently I was walking from the car to the hair salon, and as I passed the fitness studio next door, I heard a familiar voice rooting on his students. I realized it was my old friend Richard Simmons, who’s been teaching at the same spot in Beverly Hills for 31 years. If I weren’t late for my haircut, I would have jumped right in - but instead I hurried into the salon, and when I got home later, I emailed some friends about taking Richard’s class with me. I remembered that my friend Tara Igoe goes to it pretty regularly, so she helped organize our gang.

This past Saturday, I met up with Tara and a group of girlfriends - plus one brave fella - for an hour of sweatin’ to the oldies. Richard’s energy is more infectious than ever. We grapevined, kicked, danced, giggled, and sang our hearts out (from ‘The Sound of Music’ to ‘Phantom of the Opera’). It wasn’t just a blast from the past - it was, quite simply, a blast. One thing is for sure: there is only one Richard Simmons.

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You don’t have to get down on your back to whittle your waistline. Today, forget the crunches and try these “Standing Ab” moves from my Tummy Trimmers DVD. You’ll tone your core without ever getting down on the floor!

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