Not just a pretty face: amid her working mom lifestyle, Kathy Ireland finds practical ways to stay fit

American Fitness, May-June, 2002 by Bonnie Siegler

There's an amazing honesty about Kathy Ireland. She minces no words about the thin, and ageless beauty the modeling world would have us believe its stars possess naturally. Our society puts so much emphasis on youth, we forget to embrace each stage of life. I think that's really unfortunate. As we age, our bodies change and we shouldn't fear it, but be our best at each stage," urges the 38 year-old entrepreneur and fitness princess. "In my new book, Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life (Doubleday; $19.95), one of the chapters is entitled 'Powerful Changes.' Change is inevitable--it will happen to all of us. Change forces us out of our comfort zone [and] can be challenging, but it can also bring a lot of unexpected blessings."

Ever since being lured from the southern California beaches to work for the Elite modeling agency in New York City, Ireland has become a cottage industry with her K-Mart clothing line, fitness videos, occasional acting and now author. She is also blessed with a solid, 13-year marriage and two children, Lilly (3) and Eric (7). Sure, there are a few laugh lines around her green eyes and tiny creases that accompany her famous smile, but her legs are long and slender, waist is slim and her hair still looks as thick and lustrous as it did on the Sports Illustrated cover years ago.

Being athletic all her life has helped Ireland maintain a strong, curvaceous, 5'10" figure. "Before having children, my life was very active around sports--hiking, biking, windsurfing. That was how I got my exercise. It was just a way of life for me," explains Ireland. "When I had Eric, my life changed drastically. I didn't have the time or desire to be away from him. I had to learn how to exercise and have some form of movement at home." That's how her fitness videos came about in 1996. "I gained 50 pounds with Lilly," says Ireland. "[Although] I was so tired, I [discovered] I felt better when I exercised. There is such a connection between your mental health and physical well-being. When you're physically [fit], you feel better mentally and when you're mentally fit, you have motivation to exercise."

A strong mind and body is what's sexy in a woman and Ireland proves this, but doesn't let it take over her life. "I think there's a fine line between making exercise an important part of your life and becoming obsessed with it. I don't love when I can't fit into my clothes, but I don't lose sleep over it." Chasing her children around the house, walking to and from school (a two-mile excursion), walking their dog, Sparky and biking are some of Ireland's regular forms of exercise.

Then there's her weekly foray into the surf. Last Christmas, Ireland received a gift certificate for surfing lessons. "I've been surfing for years, but I'm not very good at it," she admits. "I'm not consistent in getting out there because of [my] working mom lifestyle. My instructor, who's 48 [and has] three kids, really inspired me. She's out there every day, even if it's for a short amount of time because it makes her a nicer person and a better friend, wife and mom. I agree with that philosophy."

Ireland also believes in the simple joy of movement--being healthy means more than her 100 sit-ups and 40 push-ups. "Since having children, my exercise has taken a backseat, so I've found new ways of making it doable. Weaving in exercise [routines] to keep my body strong and doing cardio at least three to four times a week is great for me."

While she admits to having "a big sweet tooth," Haagen Dazs[R] chocolate chocolate chip ice cream drizzled with hot fudge being her favorite, Ireland tries to practice healthy eating. "I try to keep the different food groups in mind and incorporate protein into my meals. I'm not a great cook, but my kids like simple foods. For lunch today, we had a burrito of refried beans, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and salsa." Her terrific body is the result of exercise and simple foods, but how does Ireland account for her beautiful skin? "Sleep is a beauty aid," she says. "I think when you feel good about yourself, have enough sleep and exercise--you get a glow about you. You don't have to spend a fortune on cosmetics and skin care. There's no mystery. The [answer] is putting yourself together to look great--flaws, lines and all."

Bonnie Siegler has been covering celebrity fitness for American Fitness since 1990. Based in Playa del Rey, California, Ms. Siegler is an internationally known published writer whose work has appeared in McCall's, Redbook and InStyle.