Exercise Your Mind

Q: Is it better to eat a meal before or after a workout? Why?

A: Both. Here's what I like to do: have my breakfast at 9 a.m., work out from 10:30 to 12, and eat by 1 p.m. Here's why:

Q: What is your opinion on "cheat days"? My friend's trainer says it's okay to have one cheat day during the week (as long as you remain on track the rest of the time). ...read more

To understand why your hormones can be thrown out of whack and derail your ability to maintain a healthy weight, you first need to know one key fact about your endocrine system: It reacts to what you put into your body and how you treat it. ...read more

Doing your first cardio workout can be a little overwhelming, particularly if you're doing it at a gym. There are rows and rows of different machines to choose from and a schedule of classes you can attend. So the big question is, do you walk, row, step, or dance your way to fitness? ...read more

If I were to ask you what your metabolism is, what would you say? I bet you would answer, "The way my body burns calories." If so, you would be wrong. That's one of the key things your metabolism does. But I'm asking whether you know what it is.

In the late seventies, less than 15 percent of Americans were obese. Thirty years later, 32 percent of us are obese. What happened between then and now? First, the idea became popular that fat was evil and "low fat" diets were best. ...read more

Q: Why does my online workout program consist of just one day of pure cardio and four days of weight training? Although I love weight training, I've always thought it's the cardio that really helps a woman like me lose the weight. Why so little pure cardio?

Everybody's always hating on their hips. Okay, they're a trouble spot for zillions of women around the world, but let's talk for a second about their GOOD qualities — yes, there are some. Your hips are one of the more complex joint and muscle groups in your body. ...read more

When you're looking for a break from your usual treadmill routine, you might want to try an elliptical machine. They have some nice features: Most of them have a lot of variables built in, as well as movable handles you can use to work your upper body. ...read more

Ever try to squeeze your feet into shoes that are one size too small just because you love the style? Doesn't work, does it? Well, maybe you can cram your feet into those shoes for the sake of a special evening, but you can't wear them all the time. They're just too uncomfortable!