 We were very excited when we heard Kathy Smith was doing a total body shape up program. Kathy Smith is one of the most respected and knowledgeable fitness leaders in the world, and we looked very forward to getting our hands on it. Now that we have it, we can tell you that it was worth the wait!
Project: YOU is Kathy's 12 week program that guides you through the whole experience - nutrition, fat burning, and strength training. The plan tells you what to do, and when to do it. It doesn't get any clearer than that! In today's world of complicated designer diets and vague fitness plans, this is very refreshing. This is also a very realistic plan, gimmick free, and easily adjusted to your own abilities.
With this system, you get 8 different workouts in 3 different categories, on your choice of DVD or VHS. This includes 3 levels of cardio, which you'll advance through during the 12- week program. A yoga routine and a Pilates workout is also included to help you develop a strong core and increase your flexibility. These exercises are also great to learn how to really isolate and maximize the strength training in your workouts, plus they help tremendously with flexibility, so your chances of injury are less. The strength training section is divided into upper and lower body workouts for the first half of the project, and a full body circuit for the second half. Last but not least, also included is the Steady Strides audio CD, which includes two power walking programs to listen to while you walk (this is an optional workout).
You'll also get a guidebook, a nutrition guide/journal, and a complete 12 week calendar to guide you through the entire project. The nutrition plan is a very sane, uncomplicated way of eating. The plan is basically a balanced, reduced calorie diet, divided into 4 meals a day. There is an optional 'fast track' diet for the first two weeks that is available if you want a weight loss boost. It is stricter than the regular plan, but it isn't impossible to follow. Kathy's nutrition plan was designed to be effective, yet simple.
The only things you HAVE to have in addition to this program is a couple of sets of dumbbells and a straight back chair. A light set and a medium to heavy set of weights is what is called for. Depending on your level of fitness, this can vary. If you are a beginner, we suggest trying out 1,3,5 and 8 pound dumbbells. You want a weight you can lift repetitively, but not so easy that it isn't a challenge. You'll only get out of the program from the effort you put into it. A yoga mat is optional, and handy for the yoga and Pilates workouts. If you are exercising on carpet, you can manage without it. A stability ball is also optional, but beneficial if you want to try advanced moves.
The plan is basically layed out so you will be doing sessions of cardio and strength training alternating with yoga and Pilates. You'll do cardio and or strength training for 4 days each week, one day of yoga and Pilates, and you'll have one Choice day each week, where you can choose to do cardio, yoga/Pilates, or the optional Steady Strides walking workout. You'll exercise for 6 days a week, and rest completely for the 7th day.
All of the thinking and preparation has been done for you. All you have to do is follow it!
The exercises are easily modified for your fitness level. Kathy is always smart to have a Modifier on screen. This is the person you can watch if the video is going too fast or strenuous for you. We like it that she points out these simpler moves on a regular basis, as well as showing ways that you can kick it up a notch if you need more of a challenge. Kathy knows if you get bored or can't keep up that you are likely to quit the video. Her goal is to get you fit, and she has worked hard to see that she has covered all of the bases. Kathy also participates in forum discussions on Beachbody.com and she listens to everything that is suggested. We're very impressed with her interaction with the public, which proves her dedication and desire to help.
Jennifer is currently following Project: You. We're very enthusiastic about it, and would love to hear your feedback as well! You can read Jennifer's experience daily on her journal, or you can discuss it with us on our forum. You can read more about Project: You on Beachbody.com.
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