Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight (Paperback)

by Kathy Smith (Author) "Let me tell you a story about Madeline..." (more)
Key Phrases: calf machine, strength training workouts, tighten your abdominals, Chest Press, Hip Lift, Low Back Extension (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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.

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. --Liane Thomas

Product Description
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. --Liane Thomas

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446676314
• ISBN-13: 978-0446676311
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #288,292 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #3 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Authors, A-Z > Smith, Kathy
  #27 in	Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Women in Sports
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great foudation for weight lifting, July 21, 2001

By	Brandy Serna (Kihei, HI United States) - See all my reviews

When I bought this book I didn't know the diffence between a rep. and a set. I have enjoyed the benefits of cardio workouts for years and I felt like I was ready to go a step further and begin stregth training. This book was EXCELLENT to give me the exact insight I needed to get started. Kathy takes an aproach that is often sadly missed in weight training books, she gives as much attention to home weight training as gym weight training. I love to train at home, and hate the gym scene, and yet so many books only tell you how to work muscles using only specificaly designed weight training machines, available only at the gym. From the beginning Kathy expains both the pros and cons of home and gym training and lets the reader choose. From there she balances her attention between both the home and the gym scene. I particularly loved that she went on to give helpful tips in starting your own at home set of weights for much less than you would think, and she explains how to add on to that set and what at home machines are worth their weight in gold vs. which one will more than likely only collect dust. Kathy goes on to explain the benefits of weight training and as well as tips to the most effective methods. For each exercise she specifies the muscle that is going to be targeted, the set up for the exercise, exactly what to do during the exercise, and what you need to focus on. By the time I was through this book I was sounding like one of my friends who is an actual trainer. This book offers great insight on weight training and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in taking the next step in their fitness training, I can't believe the changes I have noticed in my body!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Weights are the answer!, February 16, 2001

By	Maggie "danville mom" (Danville, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I thought this was a great book for the person who is very new to weight lifting. I have Kathy's video, which is great...but this book is progressive, which weight training HAS to be to be effective. It gets a little harder every few weeks. I highly recommend it to those just starting out!

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a solid book on the topic!, January 16, 2001

By A Customer

The first reviewer of this book, seemed to be referring to a video tape he/she had seen. She is confused. This is not a tape. It is a printed book and a very helpful one at that. I have been a Kathy Smith fan for years. I am 41 and still look like I did in my twenties thanks to Kathy's tapes and books. I also teach weight training and yoga to teens and incorporate every thing I learn from Kathy in my lessons with my students. Kathy's new book will be no exception. I thank you for making Kathy's materials available at a reduced price.