(Sony)
2001
What is it?
Three 20-minute workouts (cardio, strength training, and yoga), plus loads of information and advice for menopausal and peri-menopausal women.
Who is it for?
While this program is geared towards women approaching menopause, the workout is great for women of any age, especially those who are fairly new to fitness.
What to expect:
It's hard to believe, but fitness icon Kathy Smith was 49 when she made this video in 2001 (she turned 50 in December of that year). While we can't have Smith's great genes (she's naturally thin and beautiful), we certainly can acquire her energy and healthy glow with a good fitness program. Age doesn't matter - you can be old at 25 or as vibrant at 50 as Smith. With her warm, engaging persona, Smith talks about the changes a woman's body goes through during her late 40s and early 50s and introduces each 20-minute exercise segment with some more information. Bear in mind that these short, effective workouts are not your granny's exercise routine - the aerobic segment is quite lively, with just enough choreography to keep things interesting. The strength-training segment uses 3 to 5 pound dumbbells, and Smith is very big on weights - they are one of the best ways to fight osteoporosis, a real concern for women as they age. The Yoga segment keeps the body limber and the mind stress-free. The program finishes with several doctors giving advice on various aspects of menopause, from hormone replacement therapy to herbal remedies for symptoms such as hot flashes. The DVD is a little better than the video, because it's easier to skip the introduction to each workout - after you've heard them once, you don't really need to hear them again. Other than this minor detail, this is an excellent program. Menopause is not a time for women to slow down - it's a time to get busy getting fit, and Kathy Smith's enthusiasm is inspiring.