"Shake, shake, shake. Shake your booty!"
Fitness guru Kathy Smith gives new meaning to that '70s anthem on her latest workout DVD, Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround (AcaciaLifestyle.com; Nov. 15, 2011). In this three-part-thinning-session, Kathy shows how to shape not only your booty, but your legs, arms and core while trimming your waistline, improving your balance and increasing your energy. Nice!
Kathy may be 60 (totally amazing, right?) but this Baby Boomer still knows how to shake it up. And she's designed these easy-to-follow routines to help combat the aging process. They're grouped in three, 20-minute workouts, each targeting a physical change we face as we grow older.
Total Circuit Helps trim and firm, ramping up the calorie burn and attacking trouble spots. You'll need light weights (3-, 5-, or 8- to 10-pound) and a mat for this high-energy session.
Kathy keeps me and my doctor happy here by alternating fat-fighting aerobics with resistance training. I love that the aerobic bursts send my heart rate up and zap calories. Even better, they end fairly quickly, giving me a chance to take a breath while pumping some iron (so it's only three pounds) before stepping it up again. And since my exercise-obsessed oncologist keeps suggesting strength training, she'll be glad that I'm doing something good for my bones!
Total Balance Works to improve your balance while continuing the onslaught against calories. This blend of fast-paced cardio and coordination challenges combines the fun of Zumba with Yoga-like poses sure to increase your dexterity. I like keeping a chair handy for this set just in case I get wobbly.
Total Energy Uses stretching and bending to help you refresh, recharge and de-stress. These moves work out the tension in your entire body so your arms, neck, even your hands feel more relaxed afterwards. What a great way to say adios to aches and pains!
Flexibility is important here. But using a towel can help with some of the leg stretches and Kathy continually offers ways to simplify if you can't quite copy her moves. (Yes, I am guilty.)
You can choose to do one or all three workouts. When pressed for time, I devote my energy to the high-intensity Total Circuit moves. But I prefer doing all three routines in the order shown above so I get the maximum benefit, beginning with the more demanding exercises (can you say pushups?) and closing with more of a cool down.
In any case, Kathy Smith's Total Body Turnaround is an energizing fitness pick-me-up. The quick-paced routines on this DVD spell trim, toned and ready to take on the day.
Kathy Smith's Total Body Turnaround follows the bestselling release of Ageless with Kathy Smith: Staying Strong earlier this year. $16.99 at AcaciaLifestyle.com.
"Thank You" to Acacia for providing a sample for review and testing.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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