She partnered up with veteran trainer Erin O’Brien, who’s strung together circuits combining cardio, strength and core exercises. The one O’Brien dubbed “The Yamaguchi” is a series of jump squats punctuated with 90-degree turns. Even its namesake finds that exhausting. “It’s tough after repeating it over and over,” Yamaguchi says.

But, of course, she’s used to jumping around, both from her skating days and her current routine. After she drops her two daughters off at school, she joins her husband — former pro hockey player Bret Hedican — for a workout that usually involves plyometric exercises to build stamina and strength.

Her interest in Pilates and yoga will be on display in her second exercise DVD, set to be released this December. The two types of exercise reflect what Yamaguchi had to master as a skater. “There’s the athletic side, because you need cardio, strength and power. Then, there’s the artistic side that’s flowing and lyrical and graceful,” she says.

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Looking at Yamaguchi, there’s no doubt she’s achieved incredible balance in her life — except when she attempts to stand on one foot for certain exercises. “On the ice, you’re gliding. You have motion and movement to help you adjust and find the right spot,” explains Yamaguchi, who says that repeated ankle injuries have made her even wobblier on solid ground.

So there’s a chance viewers will find themselves looking steadier than the gold medalist. But there’s one move you can’t beat her on: the Yamaguchi.

Photo courtesy Acacialifestyle.com

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