The Maximize Workout

Challenge yourself with this fun, intense workout. Incorporate weights to help build your strength.

The Maximize Workout is great for the days when you want to really challenge yourself physically. The total workout is about one hour long and incorporates a series of circuits. The exercises in this workout are more advanced than the Vitalize or Energize workouts. But, as with the other exercises on the DVD, it can be modified to fit your own personal needs. The Maximize Workout continues to strengthen arm, pelvic, back, leg and core muscles and also incorporates triceps and biceps exercises, crunches and body presses.

Preview the Maximize Workout with Katrina.

Click on the pictures below to meet the Maximize team. Each of the participants featured in the Maximize Workout on the Fitness with Katrina DVD is living with multiple sclerosis. Get a firsthand look at how they incorporate fitness into their overall treatment and wellness regimen.

Participants

Charles Donahue

In 2007, Chicagoan Charles Donahue was diagnosed with MS. Coming from a family passionate about motorcycling, he feared he would never have an opportunity to ride again. Instead, Charles took the initiative by seeking appropriate treatment and changing his lifestyle to focus on total wellness.

While staying physically fit was not a priority for Charles when he was younger, he now makes an extra effort to ensure that he remains active. As a result, he has taken long trips on his motorcycle. Since his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, he's become healthier by controlling his diet and making an effort to run or walk a few times a week. He also takes special precautions when exercising and makes sure to pay attention to his body's signals. He keeps a bottle of water with him at all times and slows down when he needs to. For Charles, living well with multiple sclerosis means not allowing it to get in the way or keep him from doing even the small things, like climbing the stairs or taking out the trash.

Emily Evans

Emily Evans of Dallas, Texas, was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, in 2005. But Emily wasn't going to allow her condition to defeat her. Instead, by staying active and working with her doctor, she was able to overcome the physical and mental challenges she was facing.

She was even able to compete in college-level soccer tournaments. Emily emphasizes the importance of resting when you need to, drinking plenty of water, and staying cool — often exercising earlier in the day or at night when the temperature is lower.

She encourages people to find something active to do that they enjoy, and to maintain a positive attitude. For Emily, living well with multiple sclerosis means making the most out of every opportunity to enjoy life.

Courtney Hathaway

Although she has always been active and lived a healthy lifestyle, Courtney Hathaway of Phoenix realized that her MS diagnosis (in April 2010) meant it was a lifestyle she would always have to maintain.

Courtney stresses the importance of listening to your body in managing your multiple sclerosis. She knows that on days when she's feeling weak she should take it easy. On days when she's feeling strong she can challenge herself. Courtney keeps active with yoga, hiking, cooking, and occasional mountain biking. She is very active in the multiple sclerosis community, and participates in events for the March of Dimes and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Arizona. She believes that living well with multiple sclerosis means keeping a healthy mind, body, and spirit. While she thinks it's great to keep in shape, she wants people to know that they should also take care of themselves emotionally and mentally.

Sheri Paulson

When Sheri Paulson of Galesburg, North Dakota, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, her doctor told her that she should try to exercise and eat right in order to stay healthy. An overall wellness program, combined with medication, has enabled Sheri to stay active, despite symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

She believes multiple sclerosis has made her a better person by forcing her to take a step back and focus on getting healthy. She encourages other people with multiple sclerosis to talk to their doctor about a plan that works best for them. And she stresses the importance of knowing your limitations and listening to your body. To stay active Sheri often goes running and cycling. She was even chosen as a Tour of Champion Winner on a recent charity bike ride. Sheri volunteers with the Fargo chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is active on the multiple sclerosis walk committee, and is on the regional Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. She was recently chosen as her chapter's "MS Activist of the Year."

Eric Twisdale

Before Eric Twisdale of Jacksonville, Florida, was diagnosed with MS in 2001, he experienced extreme fatigue that hindered him from maintaining the active lifestyle he was used to. Eric's desire to keep up with his family — and his job as a homicide detective — motivated him to speak with his doctor.

He wanted a treatment plan that would allow him to make the necessary changes to help him stay healthy and control his MS symptoms.

To Eric, living well with MS means setting goals, doing your best to achieve them and always keeping a positive attitude. Eric found support by connecting with other people with MS through community organizations. He educates others about multiple sclerosis by occasionally speaking on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Eric says the most important thing you can do is to stay active and listen to your body when it's telling you to slow down. He lives by the philosophy that having multiple sclerosis does not mean it's necessary to stop living. He doesn't want to have any regrets over what he should have done when he was able to.

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