Being a healthy role model suits figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi just fine

This post has been corrected. See the note at the bottom for details.

Staying in shape is so important to Kristi Yamaguchi that she just released a fitness DVD: “Kristi Yamaguchi: Power Workout.” Join a live Web chat with the Olympic figure skater on Monday at 11 a.m. Pacific time (1 p.m. Central, 2 Eastern), when she’ll be giving tips on getting and staying fit.

We asked the Season 6 winner of “Dancing With the Stars” how seriously she takes her job as role model to her two daughters, Keara and Emma.

“I believe it is important to be a healthy role model for my own children,” she said. “If they see and learn about the benefits of eating healthy and being active right in front of them, there’s a better chance of them adopting that lifestyle too.

“I try not to have too much junk food in the house. I try to cook well-balanced meals and tell them why each food group is important,” she added. “I’ll exercise in front of them and encourage them to join me even if they aren’t doing the real exercises just so they see that it can be fun. They also love to take walks up our hill so we try to fit a short one in after dinner when weather permits. Small things like this add up.”

Do you have a question for Kristi Yamaguchi? Email [email protected] and join the chat on Monday to see the answer.

For the record, 8:29 a.m. May 8: The headline for an earlier version of this article misspelled Kristi Yamaguchi’s last name as Yamaguichi.