Fitness

Am I Hungry?^TM This deceptively simple question can be the answer to ending your struggle with weight and food without dieting.

Weight problems and food issues are usually not just about what you are eating, but why you are eating in the first place. Am I Hungry?^TM is about empowering you to relearn to use your natural ability to eat just the right amount of food - and meet your other needs in other more productive ways!

If you are not eating to satisfy hunger, then why are you eating? Are you eating in response to other triggers perhaps the time of day, appetizing food, or stress? Is food meeting other needs for you? Could this be the reason you have been struggling with your weight? Could this be the reason that diets just haven't worked for you (or most other people)?

Essential to survival, hunger is your cue to take care of your body’s natural need for energy and nutrients. Hunger is a physical feeling. It is not the same thing as appetite, cravings, or just wanting to eat. If you are frustrated with your weight or struggle with making food choices, you may not be using this basic skill to determine when, what, and how much to eat.

Books and Videos:

	The Complete Book of Abs by Kurt Brungardt AMAZON: Anyone who works out knows that abdominal exercises have progressed light-years beyond the basic sit-up. In fact, a whole new generation of ab exercises and machines have advanced abdominal workouts to new levels of sophistication, designed for maximum efficiency to provide the trim, toned midsection that everyone wants. But how do you put the exercises together into a routine for your specific physique and needs? The Complete Book of Abs shows you how. The first ab book for everyone--from beginners to fitness professionals More than one hundred ab exercises--from traditional crunches and sit-ups to such cutting-edge techniques as corkscrews and hanging knee raises--drawn from diverse sources, including gymnastics, yoga, and the martial arts Includes the "Fifteen Minutes a Day to Ultimate Abs" system, which will take you from an undeveloped stomach to a rippled washboard look in six months Dozens of favorite and new routines from America's foremost coaches, trainers, and bodybuilders How to be your own personal trainer and put together your own routines The most up-to-date information on diet and nutrition, including a personal template to maximize diet-exercise efficiency Already a fitness classic, The Complete Book of Abs, is the definitive guide for abdominal toning and strengthening. No one who's serious about working out should be without it.

	The Complete Book of Butt and Legs by Kurt, Mike, and Brett Brungardt AMAZON: A comprehensive follow-up to the sleeper hit The Complete Book of Abs, this book is the definitive resource fo shaping and strengthening the lower body. This book features tips and workouts from some of America's top strength and conditioning coaches and is lavishly illustrated with more than 300 action photos.

	The Complete Book of Shoulders And Arms by Kurt Brungardt, Brett Brungardt, Mike Brungardt Amazon.com The big question I had, when I started reading this book, was whether we really need to know what the distal radioulnar joint does (helps to supinate and pronate forearms, dummy!) to understand how to build bigger arms and shoulders. Thankfully, the sections that follow those on anatomy and kinesiology are more reader-friendly and, consequently, more useful. The Brungardts, who separately and together have produced books on abdominals and legs, here give an excellent introduction to organized exercise. The focus is on shoulder and arm exercises--and there are plenty of those--but the overall information on training techniques, diet and motivation is indispensable. Book Description For men, broad shoulders and muscular arms are the archetype for strength and power. For women, the sagging underarm is one of the most common trouble spots. For both, defined deltoids make the waist appear smaller and separate the arm from the shoulder, creating an athletic and healthy look. Body-concious modern fashions make training the shoulders and arms a priority for everyone. The Complete Book of Shoulders and Arms is the definitive resource to train these muscles safely. Each exercise is illustrated in detail, ranked for difficulty, flagged for lower-back risk and accompanied by explicit instructions and specific training tips to achieve optimal results. The exercise routines are based on the most current research in sports medicine/exercise physiology and were created by top strength coaches, athletes, personal trainers, exercise physiologists, doctors, physical therapists and nutritionists. Programs are designed for everyone from the novice to the advanced enthusiast, for the corporate executive with time-crunched schedules and for the senior concerned with wellness.

	Sliced by Bill Reynolds and Negrita Jayde NETTIE: This is a book that is primarily aimed at serious, competitive body-builders. It has an inspirational aspect to it, and there is some nutritional info that, again, is aimed primarily the specifics of a body-building regimen. Book Description "An exhaustive job of researching and writing . . . Sliced has my highest recommendation." -- Lee Haney, seven-time IFBB Mr. Olympia "I almost wish I had the only available copy of Sliced, because it would give me a definite edge on my competitors at the next Ms. Olympia competition!" -- Anja Langer, IFBB European Champion, Junior World Champion, 2nd/Ms. Olympia, 1988 In a sport where nutrition represents 50 percent of the formula for success, rising to 90 percent during those crucial weeks just prior to competition, bodybuilders--from beginners to seasoned professionals--look to the latest nutrition strategies to gain the winning edge. Sliced represents up-to-date, proven diet programs and scientific data for achieving maximum muscularity and superior definition. Bill Reynolds, bestselling author and editor in chief of Joe Weider's Flex magazine, has teamed up with Negrita Jayde, former Canadian Overall National Champion, to give readers detailed and authoritative guidelines on nutrition for bodybuilders. Topics include the role of nutrition in hyping the immune system and improving between-workouts recovery, the seven degrees of muscularity from basic off-season shape to super-ripped, tips for increasing the basal metabolic rate and thus burning off excess supplements. In addition to more than 130 recipes and a variety of meal plans, this book offers Jayde's personal nutrition-training program for attaining peak muscularity. Now that drug testing is standard in competition, bodybuilders will particularly value the chapter on ergogenics--achieving an anabolic effect naturally--all in all making Sliced state-of-the-art in every detail. Bill Reynolds is the editor in chief of Joe Weider's Flex. His 15 years of work and travel with all the champions has resulted in more than 2,000 magazine articles and dozens of books, including Supercut and Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding. Negrita Jayde is a former Canadian Overall National Champion and author of numerous articles on the subject of nutrition.

	The Zone: A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently : Reset Your Generic Code : Prevent Disease : Achieve Maximum Physical Performance by Barry Sears, Ph.D. AMAZON: For years experts have been telling Americans what to eat and what not to eat. Fat, they told us, was the enemy. Then it was salt, then sugar, then cholesterol... and on it goes. Americans listened and they lost -- but not their excess fat. What they lost was their health and waistlines. Americans are the fattest people on earth... and why? Mainly because of the food they eat. In this scientific and revolutionary book, based on Nobel Prize-winning research, medical visionary and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Barry Sears makes peak physical and mental performance, as well as permanent fat loss, simple for you to understand and achieve. With lists of good and bad carbohydrates, easy-to-follow food blocks and delicious recipes, The Zone provides all you need to begin your journey toward permanent fat loss, great health and all-round peak performance. In balance, your body will not only burn fat, but you'll fight heart disease, diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue, depression and cancer, as well as alleviate the painful symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and HIV. This Zone state of exceptional health is well-known to champion athletes. Your own journey toward it can begin with your next meal. You will no longer think of food as merely an item of pleasure or a means to appease hunger. Food is your medicine and your ticket to that state of ultimate body balance, strength and great health: the Zone. NETTIE: I think it's a really good idea to read The Zone and allow the concepts to sink into one's consciousness - ultimately, whether you follow it precisely is up to you and your level of discipline, of course; but the general principles and the research behind them are important for anyone who is interested in nutrition to evaluate carefully.

	Schwarzbein Principle the Program: A Simplified, Step-By-Step, No-Nonsense Approach to Losing Weight the Healthy Way (Schwarzbein Principle) by Diana Schwarzbein, M.D. About the Author Dr. Diana Schwarzbein has achieved the reputation as the cutting-edge expert on hormone replacement therapy and reversing type II diabetes through her groundbreaking nutritional and lifestyle program. Her practice specializes in endocrinology, metabolism, diabetes, osteoporosis, menopause and thyroid. She lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband where she conducts workshops and private sessions. Book Description At last! Bestselling author Diana Schwarzbein puts her metabolism balancing principles into a simple five-step program. In The Schwarzbein Principle, which has sold more than 250,000 copies, Dr. Diana Schwarzbein laid out her revolutionary secret to long-term health and weight control: balance your metabolism to re-energize your immune system. Her optimal health program included steps to: Balance a low-carb/low-fat diet; reduce stress through calming exercises;taper off chemical dependency to tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine; eliminate cardio exercise in favor of resistance training and stretching. Now, for the first time, Dr. Schwarzbein gives readers what they have been asking for: week-by-week steps they can use to implement this system into their lives. The pay-off for making the switch? A renewed metabolic system that creates long-term health, vitality, energy, slower aging, and the ideal body. While other diet programs promise little more than a temporary crash weight loss regimen, Dr. Schwarzbein’s plan offers something much better: a permanent body change and an end to yo-yo dieting. "For any of you who have read any of my books on Somersizing, you know what an important role Dr. Schwarzbein plays in my life. She is an awesome doctor." —Suzanne Somers, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sexy Years "Don’t count calories. Fix your metabolism instead." —Fortune Small Business

	The Fat Flush Plan By Anne Louise Gittelman Foreword by Barry Sears, Author of The Zone The Fat Flush Diet Plan is a revolutionary diet program from one of the Top 10 Nutritionists in the United States, according to Selfmagazine. Based on a satisfying, healthful, and cleansing combination of essential fats, balanced proteins, and quality carbohydrates, Ann Louise Gittleman's Fat Flush was first popularized on iVillage.com, The Women's Network, and quickly embraced by millions of women across America. Thousands of dramatic testimonials later, the Fat Flush message board has become one of the most popular diet and fitness boards in the history of iVillage. Now, widely known nutrition specialist and bestselling author Ann Louise Gittleman shares this program with readers. Simple, safe, and highly effective, The Fat Flush Diet Plan works via a process of detoxifying the liver, thereby increasing metabolisman excellent way to begin dieting as well to continue weight loss. This is also the only diet program that can successfully break through the weight loss plateau every dieter faces and "flush out" pockets of stubborn fat. In addition, the program provides an array of other quality of life benefits such as: Increased energy Sounder sleep Improved skin texture and stronger nails Decreases in depression and anxiety And much more This phenomenal diet program is worth its weight (loss) in gold to the growing number of women across America taking stock in their health and well-being. *NETTIE:* I have gone through the Fat Flush Plan, in fact I did it for a full month, which is double the recommended length for Phase One. I cannot recommend it HIGHLY ENOUGH!! It is EXTREMELY effective, I lost about 12 pounds, but the primary benefit was that I felt better than ever. I've never enjoyed drinking water so much!! I will caution that it is somewhat expensive to maintain for any length of time in Phase one, especially if you are conscientious about your supplement intake; also, the pure cranberry juice is hard to find, and very expensive where it IS available. But if money is less of an object, it really is something I recommend at least twice a year for an internal cleansing, and if possible, for weight loss, I really recommend going through the program and seeing how much you can lose and how great it will make you feel. Regardless, DO buy the book. It is full of valuable information - yet another piece of the health puzzle falls into place!!

	The Fat Flush Foods: The World's Best Foods, Seasonings, and Supplements to Flush the Fat From Every Body By Anne Louise Gittelman Everything you need to know about the top fifty Fat Flushing foods The New York Times bestselling The Fat Flush Plan is helping millions lose weight, cleanse their bodies, and lead healthier lives by eating foods that flush away fat while building vitality and strength. Now The Fat Flush Foods highlights the "super" foods, herbs, spices, and supplements that help you speed up fat loss and reap maximum health benefits. The Fat Flush Foods features: The Top 50 Super Foods that burn fat, boost your metabolism, and detoxify your body while controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels The best thermogenic culinary herbs and spices-including ginger, cayenne, mustards, anise, fennel, and cinnamon The latest research on the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of these foods Tips that make fat flushing easy, economical, and delicious.

	The Fat Flush Journal and Shopping guide By Anne Louise Gittelman Synopsis As a companion to the New York Times bestseller, "The Fat Flush Plan", "The Fat Flush Journal and Shopping Guide" aims to provide readers with a convenient way of recording their daily and weekly progress in the Fat Flush diet, along with giving them helpful checklists to use while shopping for their favourite Fat Flush foods. Using a journal is a key component of the Fat Flush Plan, as it has been shown to be a helpful factor in attaining weight-loss goals. Expanding upon the journal template in the original "Fat Flush Plan", this six-week journal will give readers a place to track meals, supplements and exercise, and will help them write through stressful and celebratory times during their diet. It also includes daily motivational messages. At the end of each week of recording details in the journal, readers will find a reflection page to record their overall progress in the diet, along with reflecting on the past week, their current weight and future goals. Following the journal is a shopping-list section. So that readers can shop effectively for foods that are part of the Fat Flush Plan, the shopping list employs all-in-one checklists that feature foods readers can eat in all three phases of the diet.

	The Fat Flush Cookbook By Anne Louise Gittelman Book Description COMPANION VOLUME TO THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE FAT FLUSH PLAN The popular weight-loss program now has a companion cookbook "(Ann Louise Gittleman's) rundown of the therapeutic and culinary benefits of her favorite 25 cooking herbs makes a perfect introduction to her popular nutritional philosophy."--Natural Health Magazine The Fat Flush Cookbook contains more than 200 recipes using fat-flushing foods and featuring the thermogenic herbs and spices--including ginger, cayenne, mustard, anise, fennel, and cinnamon--introduced in the popular diet program The Fat Flush Plan. This indispensable cookbook can be used as either a standalone volume or a companion book. This tasty, heart-smart volume includes: Time-saving, one-dish dinners Packable lunches Vegetarian-friendly ideas Recipes with delicious and unique fat burning herbs and spices An extended list of name brands suitable for Fat Flushing In addition, The Fat Flush Cookbook shares new research explaining why certain Fat Flush staples speed up fat loss and provide profound detoxifying benefits while protecting overall health. Key ingredients such as lean proteins, phytonutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, psyllium, lemons, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, thermogenic herbs and spices, high-protein whey, stevia, cooking broths, and more are prominently featured in these delicious recipes. Cranberries, for example, which are now ranked among the best health foods we can consume, are an essential component to the success of Fat Flushers everywhere, and The Fat Flush Cookbook provides creative ways to enjoy this delicacy--along with tips on simple ways to sneak all these staples into existing favorites without making any major adjustments. With delicious recipes, Fat Flushing information, and meal choices to suit every lifestyle, The Fat Flush Cookbook is perfect for the millions of Fat Flushers around the country.

	The Fat Flush Fitness Plan By Anne Louise Gittelman Book Description The Perfect Fitness Plan for Low-Carb Dieters! Author Ann Louise Gittleman's Fat Flush Plan revolutionized weight loss for millions of men and women by pioneering a low carbohydrate, detoxifying diet plan that pares the pounds while it conditions the body for long term health. Now Gittleman has teamed up with noted fitness guru Joanie Greggains to lead the pack for another first: The Fat Flush Fitness Plan, which constitutes the only major diet brand that includes a total fitness guide companion. The perfect fitness plan for low carb dieters, The Fat Flush Fitness Plan, introduces the concept of detox fitness by providing an inside-out-body workout that targets the lymphatic system, the key to dramatic improvement of the skin's connective tissue resulting in smoother, sleeker skin and more supple tone. Overlooked and ignored by every other fitness program on the market today, the lymphatic system is a vital part of the circulatory system that also eliminates waste, flushes fat, and most importantly provides the foundation for immunity. This is why The Fat Flush Fitness Plan features rebounding (or bouncing on a mini-trampoline) as the basis for the exercise regimen. Building on a three-phase core program that also incorporates the best elements of cardio- strength training, yoga, and stretching, The Fat Flush Fitness Plan is specifically designed to correspond with each detoxification/weight loss/maintenance phase of the Fat Flush Plan. In addition to increasing energy, flexibility and strength, you'll discover how to: Lose weight faster from those trouble spots-especially that tummy fat Significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite Sculpt your hips, waist and thighs with no hanging skin Build calorie burning muscle mass to increase metabolism Create better balance and coordination Bolster the immune system by optimizing lymphatic flow and drainage The lymph is specifically addressed through the integrated three phase program which includes lifestyle healthy habits such as deep breathing, lymphatic massage, dry skin brushing and aroma therapy baths which utilize fragrant and therapeutic essential oils that help to decongest and keep the lymph moving. Joanie created a unique workout called the Lymph-Fit/Compound Strength and Stretching which further enhances the program. By reading personal anecdotes from fellow Fat Flushers, motivational tidbits, easy to read charts and personal success stories, you'll be motivated to continue on your journey to a healthier mind and body…for life. Used in conjunction with The Fat Flush Plan and The Fat Flush Cookbook, The Fat Flush Fitness Plan offers a fresh approach to health and weight loss with new insights and a blueprint for total health.

	Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight by Kathy Smith AMAZON: 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. Smith believes in the power of consistent, progressive exercise with free weights and weight-lifting machines to counteract the muscle loss and slower metabolism that naturally come with age and typically cause the pounds to pile on. Her 12-week "mini commitment" eases newcomers into a comprehensive program of weight lifting and sensible eating, and includes weekly checklists for tracking workouts and meals. Large photos accompany clearly written descriptions of more than 60 stretches and exercises, nicely organized by muscle group (chest, back, abdominals, and so on). Just pick a gym or a room at home, and Smith will provide the routine. Advocates of her popular fitness videos (more than two dozen to date) will appreciate Smith's natural warmth, encouragement, and intelligence throughout this motivational book.

	Kathy Smith's Fitness Makeover : A 10-Week Guide to Exercise and Nutrition That Will Change Your Life By Kathy Smith Amazon.com This is a 10-week beginner's program and training log for women. It's designed to improve muscle tone, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and body composition, and to allow you to keep track of every repetition of every exercise. Each week on the program features new exercises and focuses on a different aspect of nutrition--fat, protein, water, vitamins. The program is well-organized, clearly outlined, and easy to follow. Best of all, unlike the authors of other eponymous fitness books, Kathy Smith doesn't get in your face on every page; she seems to have presumed you've picked up the book because you want to get in shape first and because she's Kathy Smith second. Good choice, good book.

	Cindy Crawford's The Next Challenge NETTIE: Despite the fact that Cindy Crawford is not - nor does she claim to be - a fitness expert, this video has been a standby of mine. I've used dozens of exercise videos, and for some reason, I always come back to this one. It is solid, non-threatening, one-on-one, thorough, and whenever I've used it on a regular basis it has been an extremely effective part of my weight loss and toning regimen. This is always my top exercise video recommendation to all my friends!

	Timesaver Cardio Fat Burner Amazon.com That scuttling sound you hear is the last of your exercise excuses running out. Exercise vet Kathy Smith has introduced her Timesaver: Cardio Fat Burner video, which presents the terminally busy with a 20-minute option as well as a more well-rounded 40-minute full cardio workout in this complete, varied program. On those days when you can only manage 20 minutes, this will still get you off to a great start. And on days you can go the distance, you'll get a thought-out, well-rounded routine that's easy to follow and broken down into several levels of ability. Through it all, Smith's straightforward, cheerful (but, thankfully, minimally chirpy) delivery is inspiring yet low-key, a winning combination, especially for repeat viewings. --Anne Hurley

	Timesaver Lift Weights to Lose Weight 1 Amazon.com Health and fitness experts are exhorting us to incorporate weight training into our fitness programs--it's especially important for women for building bone density, but the truth is that working with weights increases your metabolism (are you listening? this means more fat-burning) all day. As with the cardio workout, Smith has designed two 20-minute workouts; on hectic days, doing the first alone is plenty, and on other days doing both programs will combine to help you see fast results. The movements are basic (including the all-important single-arm rows, key to building back muscles and keeping posture correct), and the delivery inviting and completely unintimidating. If you've been thinking of beginning a weight program, this (and a couple of sets of inexpensive hand weights) is really all you need to get started. Smith and crew will leave you pumped. --Anne Hurley

	Timesaver Lift Weights to Lose Weight 2 Description In this follow-up to Lift Weights to Lose Weight, Kathy Smith’s taken the best of weight training and added a twist! This time saving workout combines the core strengthening principles of Pilates with balance principles of Yoga for a total body strength-training workout. You’ll notice a big difference—not just in how you look, but in how you move, stand, and especially, how you feel!

	Kathy Smith Kickboxing Workout Amazon.com Veteran aerobics instructor Kathy Smith jumps aboard the Tae-Bo bandwagon with her punchy video Kickboxing Workout and adds her own brand of California-girl pep to the popular martial-arts routine. Accompanied by martial-arts champ Keith Cooke, Smith presents a terrific, high-adrenaline workout, based on the punches, jabs, kicks, and squats that Tae-Bo lovers will recognize, with more polished production values and a more appealing music track. Smith and Cooke alternate leading the onscreen group and point out several low-impact alternative moves for beginners. The 45-minute workout is a great fat-burner, and those side kicks will shape those hips in no time. --Anne Hurley

	Kathy Smith Latin Rhythm Workout Amazon.com You've got to hand it to Kathy Smith--the indefatigable diva of fitness has a knack for staying on top of the cultural curve. Her peppy Kickboxing Workout came out right on the kicking heels of The Tae-Bo Workout and added much-needed polish to that popular workout's moves. Smith's Latin Rhythm Workout, released in the fall of 1999, capitalizes on America's love affair with Ricky Martin and Latin music in general. The workout has great music (unlike a few of Smith's previous videos), provided by a live band at the Conga Room in Los Angeles, and a lot of infectious energy from Smith and her core group of fellow dancers. Whether this works as a workout for you, though, will depend on how quickly you can absorb dance steps. In fact, it's unlikely to get your heart rate up to decent workout levels, unless you're a fairly accomplished dancer used to throwing yourself into the steps. The tape includes a very brief warm-up, and then segments that essentially teach steps like the cha-cha, the samba, and the merengue, followed by a few minutes of cool-down. Because the steps aren't strenuous per se, there aren't two workout levels provided, as in most of Smith's tapes. Included is a bonus segment for you and a partner, to teach you how to take the steps onto the dance floor of your favorite salsa club. --Anne Hurley

	Kathy Smith Personal Trainer Amazon.com Fans of Kathy Smith will appreciate the highlights from her exercise videos gathered on one DVD for a full-body workout. Use the written chapter menu (no pictures are shown, but the names are descriptive enough) to jump to the segment you want, or use Smith's training schedule, which gives you a weekly routine depending on whether your goal is weight loss (the cardio workout plus walking to be done outside or on a treadmill), body sculpting (the weight and cardio workouts), or stress reduction (a combination of yoga and cardio). The training schedule is an effective and easy way to keep you on track and to keep your routine varied. The exercise program is broken down into the following segments: warm-up (6 minutes from Functionally Fit: Peak Fat Burning), cardio (20 minutes from Cardio Fat Burner), upper body (20 minutes from Lift Weights to Lose Weight), lower body (20 minutes from Functionally Fit: Lower Body Firming), abs and back strengthening (5 minutes from Lift Weights to Lose Weight), yoga basics (30 minutes from New Yoga Basics), and cool down (7 minutes from Cardio Fat Burner). The extras are negligible--a biography of Smith, clips from her videos, her Web site link--but the heart of the DVD--the workouts--will have you moving and sweating. While many of the segments here are short (it would have been nice if the DVD had included the full 40-minute workout from Cardio Fat Burner, and the ab workout feels brief), this is one program that covers everything: your heart rate will be elevated, your muscles will be toned, and you'll be feeling de-stressed and healthy. --Jenny Brown

	Kathy Smith Ultimate Pilates (Abs/Lower Body) Description Unlike other workouts that just tone muscle, Pilates is a unique physical discipline that actually changes the way you use your body. On these discs, Kathy willl show you how to use Pilates exercises to develop a lean, strong body and the tall, graceful bearing of a dancer while building core strength for sports and daily activity. (Includes: Pilates for Abs and Pilates for the Lower Body.)

	Kathy Smith Timesaver Shaper Ball Workout Description Now you can add a powerful new dimension to your workout without ever setting foot in a gym! Not only does the air-cushioned exercise ball help build spectacular abs and a tight, sexy lower body, it provides essential functional conditioning for athletic performance and low back health. Kathy’s new workout covers everything you need to make your exercise ball the most versatile training tool since the hand weight!

	Kathy Smith New Yoga Basics Amazon.com "Each of us has unlimited potential. How completely we realize it is the challenge," says fitness guru Kathy Smith. Smith has been enjoying yoga as part of her own program for more than 20 years. She finds yoga beneficial on its own, and complementary to her other fitness activities. Here she teams up with yoga master Rod Stryker for a rigorous, intermediate-to-advanced yoga routine. This workout is more vigorous than you would expect from yoga--you move from one challenging pose to another without stopping, building strength and stamina as well as flexibility. Stryker does almost all of the verbal direction, and he is a superb instructor: precise, personal, welcoming, and offering plenty of alignment cues. Both instructors demonstrate the poses beautifully with exquisite form--you may get distracted just wanting to stare at them. Occasionally they show modifications so you can do a pose in good form even if you're not as flexible as they are (and who is?). The production is polished and top quality. Running time is one hour, divided into deep breathing and warm-up (5 minutes), continuous standing poses (30 minutes), floor poses (20 minutes), and guided relaxation (5 minutes). If you're experienced in yoga and would like a new challenge, this tape will delight you. --Joan Price

	Kathy Smith New Yoga Challenge Amazon.com Fitness guru Kathy Smith leads a gentle introduction to yoga, with plenty of adaptations for special needs. She starts with very simple postures for body awareness, proper breathing, and relaxation. Smith explains how to do each pose correctly, how to use your breath, how to modify if necessary, where to focus your concentration, how the body should be aligned, and what parts are working. Her instructions are clear and explicit. Modifications are offered for both more and less flexible exercisers, letting you adapt the yoga practice to your own level. Some of the poses seem like traditional stretches you're already used to, and Smith makes the transition to the more challenging poses easy to follow. If you've been intrigued by yoga, but are intimidated by the poses you've seen among experienced yoga practitioners, this is a terrific starting place. (Floor poses: 22 minutes; standing poses: 22 minutes; guided relaxation: 10 minutes.) --Joan Price

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