Kathy Smith Movies

Consisting of four 15-minute sections, this workout program from fitness expert Kathy Smith uses elements of kettlebell training to help strengthen and tone the body. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Popular fitness instructor Kathy Smith hosts the exercise release Kathy Smith: Tummy Trimmers. The program incorporates a series of routines that feature Pilates matwork abs, stability ball abs, core abs, standing abs and more; Smith uses the regimens at hand to help each participant slim, trim and firm his or her stomach. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Kathy Smith: Flex Appeal -- A Belly Dance Workout features the famous workout guru's attempt to incorporate the fad of the belly-dance workout into her library of exercise videos. The video offers three different workouts designed to accomplish different goals, and a three-minute belly dance that can be learned by the viewer. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Kathy Smith hosts Pilates for the Lower Body, a fitness video designed to improve circulation and flexibility along with strengthening muscles. She starts with the fundamentals in a six-minute warm-up session. The workout consists of a 25-minute routine aimed at toning the thighs and buttocks. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

A veteran of over two dozen exercise videos, Kathy Smith adds Pilates to her repertoire with this tape. Pilates exercises resemble yoga and dance, emphasizing stretching, precision movements and postures, and focused breathing, often performed with exercise devices. Here, Smith demonstrates selected routines from the system that will tone the stomach muscles. The Pilates method of low-impact mind-body exercises was developed during WWI and refined in the 1920s in New York by German-born physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967). The original Pilates system (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) attracted a number of famous disciples early on, including dance immortals Martha Graham and George Balanchine. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that its popularity increased exponentially. Smith advocates the integration of exercise and overall healthy living habits. ~ Steve Blackburn, Rovi

For this beginner-friendly yoga workout, Kathy Smith has selected the most relaxing, low-key stretches and toning poses from the three titles in her New Yoga series. By focusing on key muscle areas in the back, shoulders, and thighs -- and by emphasizing smooth, controlled breathing -- Smith's workout helps release all the tension and stress from a day's work. A majority of the stretches are done while sitting or lying down, and the session ends with a meditation/concentration exercise; no special equipment is necessary. The video is accompanied by an audio tape with two 20-minute "guided relaxations" to promote mental well-being. ~ Sarah Welsh, Rovi

Fitness instructor Kathy Smith leads the viewer through a 30-minute toning routine using a fitness ball. Popular in Europe, the flexibility of the fitness ball allows the user to target specific body areas in ways that are safer than using a mat. The video emphasizes the lower abdominal muscles during the workout, and demonstrates two different levels of intensity. While Smith leads the viewer through the beginner level, her partner demonstrates how to train at more advanced levels. Use of the ball includes crunches and curls, as well as leg raises and thigh raises. A stretching regime is also included, and quiet, relaxing music plays throughout the tape. ~ Michael McGrath, Rovi

Noted fitness expert Kathy Smith teams with martial arts expert Keith Cooke for this workout video, which utilizes kickboxing and Tai Chi techniques to tone your body, build strength and endurance, and to better focus the mind and body. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Though marked by fitness queen Kathy Smith's perpetual cheeriness, Timesaver Cardio Fatburner is just what many busy exercise buffs need. Broken down into two 20-minute portions, this video offers a beginning lesson followed by a more complicated version. Anyone who has ever taken a cardio class will recognize the part dance, part aerobic moves. For the absolute neophyte, the steps get easier with each viewing. The sets are each self-contained allowing the student to do only one or both. Either way, the routines can be pumped up a bit for maximum workout. For the easily irritated, Smith's constantly vocal companions might be a distraction. But, for just 20 minutes out of the day, Kathy Smith delivers a nicely packaged deal. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

In this intermediate aerobics workout, instructor Kathy Smith leads a 40-minute interval training designed for maximum fat burning. After a thorough nine-minute warm-up, Smith starts a series of six two-minute high-intensity aerobic steps followed by two minutes of active recovery. The recovery segments include lower body toning exercises such as squats and pliés and an introduction to the next intense interval. Three levels of fitness are demonstrated with a beginner to the left, an advanced exerciser to the right, and Smith as the intermediate in the center. The choreography is basic, but it really gets the heartrate up, and Smith gives excellent cueing. For a funkier approach to interval training, try NAC's Interval Challenge. ~ Heather M. Fierst, Rovi

Kathy Smith's New Yoga Challenge is a companion to her 1994 release for the beginner. This second lesson is meant for the intermediate practitioner and contains more difficult poses performed at a faster pace. The "challenge" is issued mostly by Rod Stryker, who leads the class. Through his clearly understood instructions, yoga asanas don't seem nearly as complicated. Smith begins with a warm-up and moves swiftly into standing and sitting motions. While the stretches themselves are harder, students will find that the workout tests stamina and muscle strength as well. Both Smith and Stryker are exceptionally limber and show off their skills, but the poses are demonstrated in a way that is accessible. For viewers seeking a brisk yoga workout, this video is a good complement to a weekly routine. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

In an effort to appeal to nontraditional exercisers, Kathy Smith has produced her Aerobox Workout. For those interested in trying a boxing routine or incorporating some moves into their existing regiment, this video is a good introduction. World-class athlete Michael Olajide leads the lesson with Smith accompanying. As usual, Smith breaks the class into parts starting with a warm-up and moving swiftly into the meat of the workout. For 30 minutes, Smith boxes aggressively. Interspersed are jump rope routines. Beware, Smith's pace may leave unprepared viewers in the dust. During the beginning of the workout, Olajide demonstrates proper technique, which includes punching, jabbing, and hooking. He also tests viewer's speed and coordination with a series of fast upper body moves. Some might find the motions slightly negligent, as they tend to put some stress on the joints. But, for those used to checking their own efforts, this routine is simply challenging. Though Aerobox uses some legwork, it doesn't touch on the lower body much at all. Smith's lesson might go best with a companion video that offers a more complete body burn. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi