Editorial Review

Fitness expert Kathy Smith has written a sensitive and smart book about what she calls the "half-time bell," also known as menopause. Using as examples her own hot flashes, raw nerves, restless nights, and memory misfires, Smith outlines an upbeat, trifaceted program for "taking charge of menopause." She addresses the three themes of midlife transition: hormonal symptoms such as mood swings and night sweats; the need to reflect and create a deeper meaning; and long-term health issues, specifically heart disease and bone loss. Each theme is explored using examples from Smith's experience, questionnaires, self-tests, journal writing, and relevant up-to-date information. Smith details dozens of strategies for taking charge--from herbal remedies to hormone replacement, from illustrated strength training workouts to Kegel exercises to keep your sex life active. Her optimistic and sensible suggestions deliver on her promise that menopause can be more than just a set of symptoms. Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Focus on Health!
Kathy Smith is the "every woman's" health/fitness coach. It is very refreshing to work out with someone who's focus is FIRST health instead of body image.Always encouraging and friendly, not intimidating, her beauty comes from her personal training work, not as a star or beauty-image queen. Great and simple workout that can be used for ladies at all levels of fitness and especially those experiencing the challenges of midlife. Great information as well as extras including yoga and pilates. Highly recommended.

A Reassuring Voice
Kathy Smith has always conveyed that a healthy lifestyle includes very few quick fixes.It takes small steps that accumulate to form a healthier body and psyche.Her chapters on exercise are, as always, filled with great pictures and instructions.None of them require that you bend yourself into a pretzel or replicate moves you made in gym class thirty years ago. And her nutrition information is obviously carefully researched.Plus she takes into account "cheating."A kind and gentle approach to menopause from a kind and gentle lady.

A HELPFUL BOOK FOR A TRYING TIME
The authors' have done an excellent job of pointing out the importance of maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual health through this trying time in a woman's life.I particularly liked the suggestions of using herbs as an alternate to hormone therapy.Hormone therapy is an individual affair that should be discussed with one's one physician and there are extreme pros and cons of hormone therapy - it is not for every woman.Herbs, if selecting the right ones in the right amounts can be an alternative but I would suggest readers consult a qualified herbologist first, rather than experimenting themselves.Some herbs, like any medication, do not mix well.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health and hygiene    4. Health/Fitness    5. Healthy Living    6. Menopause    7. Middle aged women    8. Middle-aged women    9. Nutrition    10. Nutritional aspects    11. Women's Health - General    12. Women's Health - Menopause    13. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    14. Women's health   

Editorial Review

After some 20 years as a highly respected aerobic fitness instructor and health promoter--one who rarely uses the phrase "lose weight"--Kathy Smith is shifting her priorities. "I would never want to choose, but if I could only do one form of training from now on, I'd give up cardio and focus on weight training." A strong statement, indeed! The title of this, her fourth book, suggests Smith's goal is to help exercisers lose weight. But as readers work through the engrossing chapters on physiology, exercise basics, and making the shift from aerobics to weight lifting, Smith says they'll note that weight loss is simply a pleasant by-product of the true benefits generated by this straightforward, nonthreatening weight-lifting program.Read more

Reviews (13)

excellent
I found this book to be very helpful! I loved it. I have been exercising for many years using at home videos. I actually like this book more then some of the Kathy Smith Videos I have used! I wanted to get more involved with working out with weights now that I am in my 40's. The book covers the benefits of working out with weights, nutrition and covers lots of different exercises for each muscle group.(proper form is covered and explained in detail) for the entire body along with a suggested schedule or routine for each week. I have been very happy with the routines and do them entirely at home and have seen great results.

Fresh Start
I had weight trained several years ago with good results but a bad fall down a flight of stairs led me in a different direction and I after gaining weight and loosing muscle I need to start again. This was an excellent fresh start for me.I saw results in just a few weeks and feel stronger and healthier and have now moved on to more serious weight training once again. Strength training is no longer a mystery
Prior to reading this book, I only used weights if they were part of an aerobics class.Now I have the confidence to walk into a weight room at a gym!Kathy teaches readers how to use weights both at home and in the gym setting.The how-to photos are very helpful.I also enjoyed the chapter on diet and was impressed by the fact that Kathy consulted with a Registered Dietitian for guidance on the nutrition chapter.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to incorporate strength training into their fitness routine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. General    6. Health and hygiene    7. Health/Fitness    8. Physical fitness for women    9. Reducing exercises    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Weight Loss    12. Weight Training    13. Weight training for women    14. Women    15. Women And Sports    16. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training   

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Exercise    5. Physical fitness    6. Walking   

Editorial Review

This is a 10-week beginner's program and training log for women. It'sdesigned to improve muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and bodycomposition, and to allow you to keep track of every repetition of every exercise. Eachweek on the program features new exercises and focuses on a different aspect ofnutrition--fat, protein, water, vitamins. The program is well-organized, clearlyoutlined, and easy to follow. Best of all, unlike the authors of other eponymous fitnessbooks, Kathy Smith doesn't get in your face on every page; she seems to havepresumed you've picked up the book because you want to get in shape first andbecause she's Kathy Smith second. Good choice, good book. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Good review for someone who doesn't know where to start.
After seeing so many great reviews of this book here, I borrowed it from the library.The book is a 10-week plan to improved fitness and is more geared to women.Each week, Kathy focuses on one nutrition concept and one body part--for example, Week 1 is "Fat and Abs."After a few pages describing the concepts for the week, there are a series of worksheets to help you keep track of your exercise and eating for that week.This format continues for all 10 weeks, which means that the bulk of the book is made up of the worksheets rather than actual information.At the end of the book, Kathy has included sections on stretches and toning exercises for the entire body.Both sections are nice illustrated with pictures of Kathy performing the moves, and each move is described in detail. Pick and choose what you like
While I wouldn't call this book an unqualified success for me, it's definitely one of my most valued resources for fitness for the strength training aspect alone. The title of this book is not an exaggeration
I struggled for a long time trying to lose weight. Once I got this book, I realized that although I was exercising and eating a decent amount of calories, I was eating WAY too much fat. I cut back to the requisite amount for my height and frame, and voila!, I started losing weight immediately. I've lost almost 20 pounds in the last 11 months, and I feel much more knowledgeable and in control now that I'm armed with the information I learned from this book. I always recommend it to people I know who are trying to lose weight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Nutrition    7. Physical fitness    8. Reducing    9. Weight loss    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (10)

Not a diet book, more of a spritual uplifter.
I have all of Kathy Smith's books, most of her work out tapes and all but one DVD. I found this book to be refreshing. It is an autobiography of sorts, you really get to know Kathy in this book, and it is woven into the life commitment she is pushing for in this book, "Getting better all the time". So many diets these days are focused on a quick-fix sollution, such as my personal favorite, "loose 10lbs. in 48 hours with the Hollywood diet". In this book Kathy drives home the fact that successful dieting and fitness aren't about quick-fixes, but choices and life changes which require learning how to change in a healthy way. She is careful to recognize that we all have different dietary needs (carbohydrates, protiens, and fats), and she is diplomatic in sugguesting which diet is right for you (you know you better than Kathy knows you). I found it to be a very fun read, I must admit that I didn't take away as much as I did in "Lift weights to loose weight", but this is a more familiar subject to me. I found it reasuring to find my philosophies supported here, when usually my friends think that I have an eating disorder because I pay SO much attention to learning about what goes into my body, while they are popping diet pills, or experiencing ketosis. I like that Kathy bluntly tackled two topics that most avoid, first that everyone has an excuse for not living healthy (What's Yours?) and second, she identifies that there are different levels of eating ranging from out of control to eating by the rules, to optimal eating. I think everyone can put themself somewhere in these five levels and use it as a tool to impove their diets. The best part of the whole book though is the recipes. I have tried many of these recipes and a few have made it onto my regular menu at home. I am happy to say that even my husband, Mr. Pizza and Burgers, likes them enough to desire them again, even after I told him it was good for him. I keep the book handy, especially for the recipes. It is a good way to learn to cook more healthy without sacrificing satisfaction and flavor.

My least favorite Kathy Smith book
If you're a Kathy Smith fan, this book is for you. It's more like a family memory book than a fitness book: FILLED with anecdotes and photos of Kathy biking in France, Kathy at her daughter's birthday party, Kathy traveling with her husband, Kathy posing, Kathy on magazine covers from years past. There are more of these type of photos in the book than there are of her doing the few exercises at the end (after the photos of her video covers and before the ones of her tape covers). Great for fitness newbies!
We all know we "should" exercise, yet have many excuses why we don't, and Kathy Smith provides excellent advice on how to overcome those barriers and achieve good health and balance in our lives.The focus of the book is feeling better, not looking better, and how we can become empowered by living a healthy life.Smith is not a great writer and her message could have been delivered more eloquently or with more power, but her easy-to-follow ideas come through nonetheless.Great for someone trying to get fit! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Exercise for women    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health and hygiene    8. Health/Fitness    9. Healthy Living    10. Physical fitness    11. Physical fitness for women    12. Women    13. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (3)

MUSIC IN THIS TAPE THE SAME AS "PUMP UP THE PACE" BUT ...
STILL A GREAT WALKING TAPE.Was surprised that the music (except in the Pump Up the Pace WalkFit tape there were a few different "pop" songs) was the same.I think maybe Kathy Smith should have different music for all her tapes?This is for people who like to walk and like country western music.Perfect time of year to start using these walking tapes.

A wonderful motivator for a healthy 30-minute aerobic walk
This tape is just one of a series of excellent audio cassettes by Kathy Smith which motivate you to keep moving for a great walking workout.The music is upbeat and is interspersed with reminders about technique, posture and positive attitude.You are also reminded halfway through the tape so you can turn around.I have been able to stay with my walking program on a regular basis since I began using the Kathy Smith Walk-Fit tapes and I credit the tapes with keeping me interested and motivated.

Walking is easy with Kathy Smith!
Kathy showed me how to turn a walk into a workout--wow!I've burned more fat and toned my body like no other exercise.Walking is fun and easy! I've bought all her walking audios.They're great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Exercise/Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Physical fitness    5. Running & Jogging    6. Walking   

Reviews (2)

WORKED 4 ME!
I was too overweight that I had to see a podiatrist to treat my heel pain. I had other multiple health problems due to being overweight until I started Kathy Smith's walkfit programs. she's very practical,straigthforward and highly informative in her approach to fitness. Istarted the program just 4 months ago, and I can no longer go for a day w/owalking! I've lost 20 pds. and feel much healthier and happier! I live inAsia and ordered her tapes when I was in America. I absolutlely recommendher books. It has changed my way of life, and I will never regret thischoice I made!

The best motivational walking book yet!
I've taken out several books from our local library over the years about walking. Actually, that's the only type of exercise I can stick to. Doesn't cost a thing, no getting in the car; just walk out your front door. You maythink Kathy Smith is just another pretty female fitness guru trying to sella new angle. But her book has facts and not alot of chat that really makethings clear. She did a nice job with this book. You will lose weight ifyou cut some calories and walk 30-40 minutes about 5 times a week.CaseyMeyer's walking book is the only other one I've come across that's good.It's longer, but motivational also.You need to get moving and lock thatrefrigerator! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Physical fitness    6. Running & Jogging    7. Walking    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

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Reviews (1)

KATHY SMITH'S WALKFIT WEIGHT LOSS WORKOUT
THIS WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE AUDIO FOR ME.IT TAUGHT PROPER WALKING TECHNIQUES.THE MUSIC WAS UPBEAT AND I NEVER TIRED OF IT, EVEN AFTER MANY, MANY WALKS.KATHY'S INSTRUCTIONS WERE CLEAR AND SHE EVEN ADDED FUN FACTSAND INSPIRATIONS THAT KEPT ME MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE TAPE. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Exercise/Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Reducing exercises    4. Walking    5. Weight Loss   

Reviews (7)

Best motivating tape.....
I have ordered this tape 3 times, because I keep washing it in the machine with my workout clothes. By far this is the most motivating tape trio I have had. I have used Kathy's tapes foralot of years, and this set is my favorite. I never get tired of it and she is am amazing person to listen to. I hope she comes up with more walking tapes soon!!

Walkfit audio tapes
I drag myself out of bed to walk and once I get started with one of Kathy Smith's tapes, I'm gone!She is motivating, exciting and absolutely wonderful.I couldn't make it on my treadmill (in the winter) without her tapes.

Great Walking Workout!
Once you start walking with these tapes, you'll find it hard to walk without them.You can choose among the 30, 40, and 60 minute workouts.Kathy Smith really gets you going and coaches you along.A great way tostart, and keep, fitness walking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Diets - Weight Loss    5. Exercise    6. Physical fitness    7. Walking   

Reviews (2)

Kathy Smith gets you moving!!
I have been a fan of Kathy Smith for 8 years, since I began walking for exercise.I have many walking tapes, but Kathy Smith's are my favorites, and this one is great!!Kathy has a pleasant, kind voice that encouragesyou and motivates you, while not talking too much.The music is uplifting,and makes you feel really awake and energized.I have lost 60 lbs. walkingand have maintained that loss weight.I can't even imagine continuing towalk without Kathy!!

Don't waste your money....
...a "disco" walking tape implies that it's for an advanced fitness walker....the chat and patter on the tape is annoying and presumes that the listener is a moron. Even if you are just beginning to walk forfitness, you will likely throw this tape away after the first playing. Makeyour own tape of great disco tunes; this one probably couldn't getpermission to use the good ones. Choice of tunes is lame compared to what'sout there. Another money maker for Kathy Smith butuseless for someone whoreally is serious about fast walking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Exercise    4. Physical fitness    5. Walking   

Subjects:  1. Athletic Sports And Games    2. Body image    3. Bodybuilding    4. Bodybuilding for women    5. Consumer Health    6. Exercise    7. Exercise for women    8. First Aid    9. Health & Fitness    10. Health/Fitness    11. Healthy Living    12. Women's Health - General    13. Women's Health - Menopause    14. Exercise & workout books    15. Health & Fitness / General    16. Women's health   

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Reviews (2)

A Good Way to Begin--Walkfit with Kathy Smith
Being new to walking by audio-cassette, I found Kathy's Walkfit tapes to be informative, with easy-listening music that gradually works one up to a fairly good walking pace.The music doesn't get boring, and the easilyheard and distinguished background beats make it easy to "walk withthe beat." Kathy's voice is a little too loud over the music, whichnecessitates turning the instructions down, and the music up, but, overall,the tapes are pretty good.

You'll love this tape!!!
On July 22, 1999, I ordered this tape.It finally arrived in early October 1999.(Not Kathy Smith's fault that's for sure.)I'm very glad I didn't cancel my order because this tape is wonderful, very informative,and quite challenging.If you're walking 3.5-4.0 mph and looking for waysto increase your speed, this tape will definitely help you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Audiobooks    4. Physical fitness    5. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    6. Walking   

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise For Women    3. Free weights    4. Health/Fitness    5. Physical fitness for women    6. Sale Adult - Diet / Personal Health / Exercise   

Reviews (5)

very disappointing!
NOT a good tape; the songs are super cheesy, and are also the same songs on her 'disco' tape; ... Usually she has good tapes, but not this time!

Walkfit with some other Kathy Smith Cassette
I found this tape disappointing - usually I like Kathy Smith, but this one wasn't up to her usual standard.The selections weren't especially energizing.If you're not a country music fan, there's just no reason to buy this tape.

Pump up the Pace:Walk fit with Kathy SmithAuido tape
I have been using this paticular tape for the last five years in my walking program for weight loss.I have had great success with it, I have lost a total of 108lbs and most important I have kept it off.I am very disipointed to find that it is no longer in print, because my copy is getting old and does not play as well as it has.Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Exercise    4. Physical fitness    5. Walking   

Reviews (2)

Great Tape!
I have owned this walking workout for several years and I love it.It's so much better than simply listening to the radio while walking, because the beat of the music keeps you on pace.It gradually gets more intense,so you have time to catch your breath.I keep hoping Kathy Smith willproduce more tapes.

Excellent walking work-out companion!
Kathy Smith is great! I first began using her aerobic video, so when I became interested in walking for weight loss, I bought this tape along with her other "Walking for Weight Loss"The tapes are excellent forkeeping me paced at a fat burning level, keeping me motivated. There are 4workouts on this tape, (2) 30-min, (1) 40-min and (1) 60-minute, sodepending on what kind of workout I want, it's all in one set! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Exercise    5. Physical fitness    6. Walking   

Subjects:  1. Childbirth    2. Childbrith    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Health/Fitness    5. Pregnancy    6. Pregnancy & Childbirth    7. Pregnancy in middle age   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Juvenile literature    3. Safety    4. Safety measures    5. Safety regulations    6. School buses    7. School children    8. Transportation   

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Reviews (2)

Know How to Tell When Your Rabbit is Sick
Since rabbits are prey animals they hide illness really well. That's why its important for rabbit keepers to know how to see even the faintest signs of illness and what they mean. The book educates the reader on common illness and their treatments and more chronic illnesses. The author covers drugs, how safe they are, and what they do and discusses alternative medicine. The book has also been reviewed by a vet before publishing so the information can be trusted. This goes beyond what a standard rabbit care book, this is a rabbit health book. Use it as a supplement to a good rabbit care book like the House Rabbit Handbook or Rabbits for Dummies. I recommend this over the Rabbitopaedia, which has incorrect information in it.

Great Read About Common Medical Problems in Rabbits
This is a wonderful book for any bunny parent who wants to learn more about specific rabbit illnesses. I have referred to this book quite often when one of my bunnies seems "out of sorts". The chapters include Being Prepared, Common Rabbit Health Issues, Chronic Ailments and Aging Bunnies, Care of the Chronically Ill, Diagnosis and Conventional Treatments, Alternative Medicine, Knowing When to Say Goodbye, and Coping with Loss. When you know more about common rabbit illnesses, the more prepared you'll be if something does happen to your bunny. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health    2. Rabbits