AGELESS WITH KATHY SMITH: TOTAL BODY TURNAROUND

Exercise videos are all about what your own fitness level is and what you want from a workout. I love this workout because it gives me exactly what I want: aerobics, weight-bearing exercise, balance practice, and a nice, long stretch routine that incorporates some of my favorite yoga moves, while leaving me feeling energized and relaxed. I also love it because I have been working out to Kathy Smith videos for about 25 years, am close to her in age, and know her moves very well. Whatever stage of life I'm in, she has produced a video that fits it. Though I am physically very fit, someone younger might indeed find this tape too easy. I, however, find it plenty challenging--especially the balance workout, which is extremely well-designed in my opinion. I like the "full circuit" aerobic and weight portion as well because it's designed to build bone density.(I do occasionally supplement it with heavier weight-lifting routines, however.) To avoid injury, I've modified the squats and jumps somewhat until I get used to this particular workout. I also find it useful to warm up with a ten minute march before beginning the aerobics portion. This is a great full body workout, one of Kathy Smith's best.

I love using this series of workouts between my heavier weight training workouts. The first workout does a great job of working muscles HARD if you are using the right amount of weight (I use 8s right now). Second workout continues the focused work on legs and butt muscles even though it's for balance. At my age of 44 I really appreciate the variety of moves in this one to continue the lower body work. The last workout feels GREAT - I did it after the strength workout but I think it would also be a really great quick morning stretch/energizer to help get those crackles and pops out before we start the day. Kathy did a great job making this appropriate for older population but also intense enough for youngers too

"Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround" contains three short workouts, with Ms. Smith as the sole instructor and demonstrator. The focus is on combatting the aging process for those who are already active. Some may classify these workouts as between beginning and intermediate, or possibly intermediate, designed to help people similar to Ms. Smith maintain their strength or vitality, along with their balance and flexibility. Here is the breakdown. Total Circuit (about 24 minutes) Ms. Smith alternates between cardio bursts and weight training. Dumbbells are used for the following exercises. Bent over row Biceps curl Shoulder press One legged deadlift Modified lunge Triceps extension & other related movements Usually, low and high impact versions are shown for the aerobics. This workout also includes squats and pushups. It has its own warm up and a stretch cool down. Total Balance (about 20 minutes) This workout is a mix of cardio and balance work. It also includes plies, 1st position work, and double squats. You may want a wall or chair to balance. It has its own warm up and stretch cool down. Total Energy (about 20 minutes) The workout begins with stretches and ends in stretches. This workout includes standing light movements, floor movements, and a little yoga. A mat is needed. ~~~ There are also two very short bonus workouts from other instructors. Upper Body Tone & Stretch from the "Exhale Core Fusion: Lean and Toned" DVD uses weights. (under 10 minutes) It also includes a short yoga practice from the "Yoga for Beginners" DVD. (7 minutes, 26 seconds)

This is a great workout for asthmatics. I've got allergy-induced asthma and this workout is not too hard for me to get through. It's low-impact as well. I've been able to get thru all three of the workouts without having to stop and have found that it's great for a quick one-off on nights when I can only do one of the 20-minute work-outs. I personally like the balance workout best because it works and shapes the legs, but the circuit training is an excellent beginning workout to get the heart going. None of the workout is too tough on the joints and it's really great if you're just starting out. I highly suggest this for folks who have strange work schedules too, since again, the workout is split up so that you can do a short 20 minutes or the full hour if you want.

I eagerly awaited another fitness video from Kathy Smith after "Moving Through Menopause", which was issued 10 years ago and really aimed at women in this age group. This video suffers in comparison, probably because Kathy Smith is the only person you see performing the exercises. She obviously is in superb shape and probably does not represent a lot of this demographic. As another reviewer, noted she is very bouncy in the circuit training; she even uses 16 lb of weights at one point. I am concerned that someone in the "ageless" bracket who is trying to keep up with her could overextend without realizing it . Having multiple people in a video performing modifications of movements (again, such as the Menopause video) is more realistic. If you keep these limitations in mind, the video provides a workout.

Thank you Kathy for another great workout. I have purchased many of her workouts since the 1980's. I like these three workouts as additions to my current routine. The refresh and recharge workout is exactly as advertised. 20 minutes in my slump part of the day (around 4PM) works better than coffee or an energy bar to get me raved up and going. I will use this one frequently. The balance workout is important for everyone as a way to keep muscles trained and prevent falling. Then, the toning workout is a good twenty minutes to get the body pumping and can be done in addition to a run or bike ride. I love Kathy's attitude and laughter and beauty. She is amazing.

Three different 20-min workouts provides ample variety whether done on different days or all at one. I like to do them all at once because they each have different moves and make a nice 60-min unit. For the first one you'll need shoes and 3-lb weights. There's some weight lifting and dance moves, heavy on the cardio. For the second one, toss the shoes and weights--you don't need them. More cardio and dance moves and some balance exercises. The last one is done with a mat and involves intense stretching--very relaxing after all that cardio! Note that when I say cardio, it's not extreme--this is intended for an older crowd, I think. So it's enough to work up a sweat but it won't leave you wiped out. Kathy does the workouts alone and adds some commentary, but not too chatty.

I bought this video after getting to sample one of the 20 minute segments through SparkPeople.com. The segment I tried was a yoga/pilates type routine to increase energy. It did get me moving and wasn't too strenuous or difficult. So, honestly, I thought the other segments might be a little too easy for me - I consider myself to be in reasonable shape at age 45. Still, I bought the video to help shake up my workout routine. I tried the first 20 minute segment tonight - the total body cardio and strength training workout. It was a great challenge! I had to use lighter or no weights for some exercises, and use some of the modifications of the more intense moves. But, I am now motivated to tackle this routine without compromising. I have not tried the 3rd and last segment, which is for improving balance. But, I'm looking forward to tackling this too.

her fitness is good

Kathy Smith is very motivating in this DVD. The first 20 minutes gives you a good variety of exercises to build strength and endurance. If I don't have time to do the whole hour I can pick and choose whether to do the next 20 minutes of balance challenges or the last 20 minutes of stretching and energizing. I like the way Kathy explains the moves as she demonstrates the correct form and posture.

Kathy Smith prend le temps de vous expliquer clairement le mouvement, en vous donnant des conseils. Elle vous soutient et vous motive. Et le rythme est tout à fait ce qu'il faut pour des débutantes ou des personnes qui ont envie de s'y mettre. N'hésitez pas à l'acquérir .........

Wonderful dvd. Easy to follow and good workouts.

It's hard to believe that Kathy Smith is 61 years old! This video is just as challenging as any of her other workouts that she produced in her younger years. And you can tell that a lifetime of fitness has kept her looking and feeling healthy and strong. She is a true testament to the importance of movement and exercise throughout your living years. This video is divided into three sections. The first section is an aerobic and toning workout that will definitely get your heartbeat pumping and your muscles burning. The second section focuses on balance and stability, again challenging your muscles and strength (she does this part barefoot which make it even more difficult). The third section is a stretch/yoga-like routine that is meant to elongate your muscles and get your joints loose and lubricated. You can do all three routines in one shot or pick and choose according to your mood. Kathy is a great motivator throughout and really pushes you to keep at it when you want to stop. The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is that it would have been nice if there was more of a rest between certain exercises rather than just jumping from one to the other. Also, the balance section seemed rather sloppy in terms of movement and choreography, if I can all it that. Although it seems to be targeted towards those who are 40+, it's really a workout anyone can do, regardless of age and you WILL sweat! One you will want to add to your collection.