Kathy Kaehler is one of America’s best-known fitness experts. As a celebrity trainer, she has helped hone the bods of stars including Julia Roberts, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston. Kathy also has authored several books (including her latest Fit and Sexy for Life), and has appeared on the “Today” show as the fitness correspondent. Her line of workout DVD’s allows those of us at home to strengthen our bodies with the same fitness routines that Kathy has used to train Hollywood’s hottest stars. In her latest project, Kathy has teamed up with the curvy, gorgeous reality television star Kim Kardashian to create a series of 5-minute downloadable workout videos called The Kim Kardashian Workout … For Your Mind, Body and Spirit. Last year, Kathy was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Below, she offers fitness and healthy eating tips, as well as the latest news on her fitness endeavors.

Chicago Health+Wellness: Our target readership is 30’s and up. What do you tell your clients about how to adjust their workouts as they age?

Kathy Kaehler: When people seem to be stuck in a rut with their workouts, I always say you must change it up. Our bodies become easily acclimated to whatever it is that you are doing so you must be diligent in mixing up your workout. If you walk, try hiking, if you swim, add in a bike ride.

CHW: You recently launched a line of fitness products and DVD’s at Target stores. Do you have a favorite product or video in the line?

Kathy: My favorite product in the line is the hand held weights that you can slip your hand right into and have a comfortable pad on the top of your palm. I use them on the treadmill and when I am doing steps.

CHW: If you could recommend one piece of exercise equipment for people to invest in, what would it be?

Kathy: A pair of Equalizers. These are two bars that you can do some incredible strength exercises with and you can use them for stretching and for some fun cardio moves. They are light, they store right up against the wall. They come in a fabulous yellow and you can get a discount if you get them on my site (www.kathykaehlerfitness.com).

CHW: Congratulations on your recent induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. What does this honor mean to you?

Kathy: The event took place in Chicago on March 16th and it was an incredible night. I have had to pinch myself, to think that I am in the Hall of Fame with Jane Fonda, Jack LaLanne and many, many other incredible people who have made this industry what it is today. More people need to know that there is a Hall of Fame for fitness and it is so important that we continue to promote health and fitness and honor those who spread the word.

CHW: What is your personal fitness routine? And with physical education classes being cut from many schools, do you have any suggestions for parents trying to set fitness goals for their children?

Kathy: My routine now is still teaching exercise classes 5 times a week and I am in the pool doing a very aggressive pool workout. I love the water and the results are amazing. I am saddened that some children are not being offered the experience of taking PE at school like I did. I have a school program on my Web site called Kathy Kaehler’s Schoolhouse Workout. It is a free workout that anyone young or old can do everyday, many times a day. It takes a little more than a minute, it is fun and easy. You get your heart rate up and you move around. I have different hosts every month and soon to come, some celebrity leaders. Check it out.

CHW: Do you follow a diet plan? And with such a busy schedule, do you have any tips for healthy eating on-the-go? Do you have any diet staples?

Kathy: I only follow my one step 90/10 principle. I look for foods that are one step from where they came from, like the apple from the tree and the potato from the ground. 90/10 is 90% of the time I follow good food plans; real food, lots of fruits and veggies and lean protein and beans. And 10% of the time is life. Like Easter candy!

CHW: You train many high profile clients who travel often. Are they able to maintain the same workout routine you have designed for them when they are on the road? And aside from a pair of running shoes, what can people who are in and out of hotels (traveling for work) do to stay in shape?

Kathy: I just finished 4 great workouts that I designed for Kim Kardashian, the star of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. It is available on her site, www.officialkimkardashian.com. You can download these workouts and do them wherever you are. She uses them because she is in a hotel and traveling quite a bit. Or you can order the whole program on a DVD. We also designed these great workout cards. They are a 20-card deck with exercises that you do, and you can see what the name of the exercise is and how to do it. This is great for a traveler guy or gal.

CHW: Of the celebrities you have trained, who has impressed you the most with their physical abilities and/or dedication?

Kathy: Michelle Pfeiffer will always be the client that I continue to be in awe of. She works so hard no matter what time we had to work out. Even at 4 a.m. for 6 months! She still to this day works out on her own and continues to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

CHW: As a mother of three, you clearly know what it’s like to be time-constrained. If you only have 20 to 30 minutes to work out daily, what would you do and would that amount of time be enough to produce results?

Kathy: If you have 25 minutes here is what you could do every time and get great results. Walk a mile in under 15 minutes. That means hustle. Then come back and do one minute of crunches on the floor, one minute of push-ups, and then sit up against the wall like you are in an air chair. Stay there for one minute while the rest of you, other than your legs, cools off. Stretch it out and you are ready to go.

CHW: So many women seem to have their weight in check until pregnancy. What was your plan and what do you tell your clients about losing the baby weight?

Kathy: Remain patient. It took 10 months to make your baby. Give your body a chance to get back in the same amount of time. A New Dimension can help you along. It’s a workout that I did for Cindy Crawford to get her back in shape after her first child.

CHW: Tell us a little about your latest book, Fit and Sexy for Life.

Kathy: I love this book. It really is the deal for how to keep your body, mind and soul together. Lots of stuff is going on when you hit 40. This is the time where you must work out, and weights need to become your friend. I tell you how to do that and lots more in this book. And a little secret part – some great ideas for you and your husband/partner to keep that going strong.

CHW: Obviously you have tried and true methods for working out. But is there a recent fitness trend that you have enjoyed?

Kathy: I don’t really know if this is a trend but it is my trend. Like I mentioned before, swimming is so incredibly awesome for your whole body. The resistance from the water makes for beautiful muscles and you have no pain. The stress just slides off your body, and the weightless feeling is unlike any other workout. I encourage anyone who works with me to get in the pool. My wonderful client Julia Roberts has taken my advice and we do my pool workout quite often.

CHW: Thankfully there are now celebrities – namely your client Kim Kardashian - who are bringing back the curves. Tell me about the workout program you two have collaborated on. And what tips can you give women for getting a bum like hers?

Kathy: All the exercises are in the videos and on the cards. Kim works as much as she can when she can. I emphasize lunges and squats as a big part of our workouts. But some of the exercises that add in a balance skill make it even more challenging.

CHW: For women it is often difficult to find a sports bra that fits. Is there a brand that you are partial to?

Kathy: Enell is the best. I have introduced Enell to everyone. You can get a discount on my site. It is the best. Women will have to look no more for a good sports bra.

Kathy Kaehler’s faves
“My favorite way to hydrate is Propel Fitness Water and my favorite flavor is Grape. I think it tastes like Grape Kool-Aid. I also love Azur sunscreen. It doesn’t sting so I can work out, swim and stay covered without ever burning my eyes. It is great. Another thing that I love is my X2 vest. It is a weighted vest that I wear in the water and on land. It is a great way to burn more calories even if you are just vacuuming.”

To download Kathy’s workout videos or to find out more about this busy mom and fitness superstar, visit www.kathykaehlerfitness.com.