Ageless With Kathy Smith: Staying Strong [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I bought this because I wanted to improve muscle strength, and because I liked the 'Total Body Lift' DVD also by Kathy Smith. I'm in my mid-40's with no significant health problems, and I exercise every week (usually more than once), so I'm neither elderly, nor unfit. My main concern was whether this DVD would simply be a repeat of 'Total Body Lift'. It isn't. Many exercises are familiar, but this DVD focuses more on building muscle strength rather than tone, so it is more challenging. I couldn't keep up with what Kathy was doing all the time, but was able to do the workout with some of the easier modifications that she suggested. It gives me something to work towards, so I know that as I get fitter, I'll still get value from it.It's organised into four 15 min segments - arms, legs, glutes, abs. Each segment has a warm-up type activity, and a very brief stretch/cool down. There is also a 'bonus' 12 minute stretch on the DVD, and I would do that (or some other stretching) to supplement the brief end-of-segment stretches, which weren't long enough for me. I did enjoy it, so much that I did all four segments in one go. Exercises have high repetition to really make the muscles work. Kathy's style is genuinely supportive, and she motivates me through the workout (as well as giving me something to aspire to!)A really useful bonus feature is the interview with Kathy, where she explains why it is important to develop strength as we age, and what we can do about it. I found a lot of material in this to help me stay motivated. Talking of which - time to get the weights out!

I feel like I've grown up with Kathy Smith - from her Ultimate Video Workout back in the 80s to her new Ageless with Kathy Smith range of DVDs. In Staying Strong, Kathy explains why weight training is so important as we age, and how it can help keep us mobile, flexible and balanced.The workout itself starts with a warm-up and is then split into four targeted sections - upper body, thighs, glutes and abs. Each section comprises functional exercises, such as the 'penny in your pocket' squat, which is as much a demonstration of safe lifting techniques as a strength training move. In the upper body section, Kathy uses 5lb and 8lb weights, depending on the part of the arm or shoulder being worked. She also ensures we work each muscle group to exhaustion, by completing two or three sets of each exercise.I'm 40 years old and I'd say I'm of average fitness for my age (although I do have MS, which affects my balance and energy). Although I can comfortably complete each section, I can't finish all four in one go. Kathy may be in her 60s, but she's extremely fit and Staying Strong is by no means an easy workout. If you're looking for a challenging but straight-forward strength building DVD with an expert trainer, I don't think you'll do better than this. Highly recommended.

Nothing special about this DVD and unfortunately she is in a rush and had to pause the DVD a couple of times to get in the right workout out posture, also doesn't have warm up just a stretching, therefore just 3 stras.Anyway, I am doing cross training and I needed to change a workout DVD which I didn't enjoy too much, so this one ticks the box. I love Kathy Smith. I already have 4-5 of her DVDs and every time when I am doing them I am enjoying myself. She is a very, very pleasant person. She doesn't talk rubbish, like how much weight you are going to lose or what made her do the DVD etc. She has a very calm voice and she is enjoining herself during the work out, which is the most important thing when working out.The legs section has a little jumping and you can feel the lunges and squats after taking the section, but on the other hand I always feel the lunges and squats no mater what . :)

I have followed Kathy Smith for years and as an instructor she adapts to the needs of physical training.. This was an all round good work-out not too intense or too aerobic so good for when I am not in the mood for jumping around the living room

I used to work out to Kathy Smith when I was in my early twenties (I am now 46). I loved her back then and I love her now. I run 2 miles every day so cardio is not a problem for me, I wanted to tone up my body. This dvd is excellent as I can fit it into my hectic life and just do 15 minutes. I haven't done the glute segment but have done the other 3 and loved them all. I was worried that it was aimed at older inactive people, it really isn't and does tax you and your muscles! I hope I look as good as Kathy when I'm her age. I've ordered some of her other current dvd's for some variety as she is THAT good! Like having your own personal trainer.

Lovely DVD. I give it 5 stars. The DVD consists of 4 15 minutes workouts, arms, legs, buns and abs. Each section has a quick warm up and stretch and one can do the whole DVD for a really good workout. Plus there is a 12 minutes stretch that I found very useful.Kathy is working out alone and she presents different variations for different fitness levels. Particularly the abs section is hard, I was surprised Kathy can keep up the chit chat during i!

My 79 year old mother read an article on this exercise DVD, which she had interpreted as a very good exercise DVD for the older woman.Having asked me to order it for her and waiting excitingly for it to arrive only to find it was too much for her to exercise with (I should have checked it out first and I still have not seen it).On the positive note the DVD has been sent to a charity shop.Do not let this put you of if thinking of buying this DVD just check, it is suitable for you.

I haven't used the DVD yet because it only arrived on Sunday (I only ordered it late on Friday - well done Amazon). A number of years ago I used Kathy Smith DVDs and they were brilliant because she provides a wide selection of exercises and explains things very well. I go to the gym regularly but wanted something I could use at home in between gym sessions. This will fit my needs.