Spring Clean Your Workout Routine

Of Bathing Suits and Body Image

Apps for Fitness & Wellness, Final Installment: Work Out with Zombies!

Apps to Keep You Working on Your Fitness & Wellness, Part 2

Apps to Keep You Working on Your Fitness & Wellness

Excuses, Excuses: What We Tell Ourselves to Get Out of Exercising

5 Tips for Group Fitness Beginners

How to Keep Your 2012 Fitness Goals

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I have 4 months to lose 20lbs and I'm not seeing results with my workouts, help!

Tommy, I have 4 months to lose 20 lbs. I walk 45 minutes a day and 3 times a week I do Kettle Worx, not sure if you are familiar with this program, and I'm really not seeing any results. I'm 48 years old, always been active and in very good health... What must I increase in order to see results?

Ask An Expert: Maria, what are some things I can do to boost my immune system?

Maria, I’ve got the flu – yet again! I've had it a couple times this year. Can you give me a few immune booster tips so that my body can repair itself and be prepared for the next virus that comes around?

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Many Calories Should I Eat While I'm Not Active?

Q: Hi Maria! Well I’m having trouble losing weight I’m 5'6 weight at about 130 pounds. I am not active, I do a bit of the fitness dvd such as hip hop abs. I’m not sure how much calories I should be eating. Help!

Ask An Expert: Tommy, Are The Calorie Counters On Fitness Machines Accurate?

Q: Hi Tommy, I often use fitness machines like the elliptical and arc trainer to complete the cardio portion of my workout. I have always paid close attention to the calorie counters on these machines, and placed a great deal of faith in the fact that they are counting the calories I burn correctly. However, lately I have begun to wonder just how exactly these machines calculate these figures. Are these calorie counters actually accurate?

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Can't Change My Eating Habits! Please Help!

Q: I am trying to lose weight or my wedding and for the rest of my life.. I am from the west indies and most of what we eat and grew eating is high in starch and calories. My question is how do I get healthy choices for me and my family and cook better choice foods and get motivation to exercise.

Ask An Expert: Maria, What Are The Symptoms Of A Food Allergy/Sensitivity?

Q: What are the symptoms of someone either having an allergy or a sensitivity to a certain type of food? I’ve noticed that when I eat onions, I really get bad indigestion. Can that be an allergy?

Ask An Expert: Maria, I'm Gaining Weight Instead Of Losing Weight! Please Help!

Q: I have a question. I am a pretty active mother of two who is trying to lose my last ten pounds. I enrolled in an intense weight training program for a month which combines interval exercises and weights. Instead of losing weight, I noticed that after two weeks I’m up two!!!! I am eating 6 small meals a day and have jacked up my protein. I find this very discouraging....what gives?

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Many Calories Should I Be Consuming?

Q: Hi Maria: Well I’m having trouble losing weight I’m 5'6 weight at about 130 pounds. I am not active, I do a bit of the fitness dvd such as hip hop abs. I’m not sure how much calories I should be eating Help!

Ask An Expert: Maria, Which Foods Can Be Nutritious, But Also Have High Calories?

Q: Sometimes I get confused when people tell me that nutritious foods like nuts, can cause me to gain weight. Can you list a few nutritious foods that people can easily think they’re being healthy by eating them, but at the same time, gain weight by eating them?

Ask An Expert: Maria, My Kids Are Asking For Candies! Any Healthier Suggestions?

Q: The kids lately have been asking for all the candy that is in the stores. Do you have some “healthier” suggestions to treat them to some thing good?

Ask An Expert: Maria, I'm Not Seeing Results After Eating Well And Working Out!

Q: I need help with nutrition. I'm 5'5 and 160 pounds, I work out with a personal trainer twice a week for an hour, then I work out on my own for another day, however I don't feel like I'm getting results. For a while I was doing Isagenix which is two "meal replacement" protein shakes a day and a meal (400-600 cals), still nothing. Now I'm eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, with 3 small snack in-between, and I'm still not losing any weight.

Ask An Expert: Maria, Can You Give Me Options For Low Calorie Cocktails?

Q: This holiday season I find there's a lot of different cocktails/drinks that are being served at the parties. Can you give me an idea of what the lowest calorie drinks may be so I can be health conscious this holiday season?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, How Can I Get Rid Of My Muffin Top?

Q: Tommy, How can I get rid of my "muffin top"? I'm a 21 year old mother of one, and I just can't seem to get rid of my belly and love handles. I run or hike and do Pilates everyday, and I have reduced my caloric intake to about 1200 cal a day or less. Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I've Lost 20lbs, But I'm Stuck There!

Q: Hey there, I have a question in which it is regarding a weight issue. I have been trying to loose weight for the past 6 months. I have lost 20 lbs but seem to be stuck in a rut. I don't feel like exercising or eating right, because I mainly dont know what I am to be doing. I have bigger hips which cause a bigger bum and bigger thighs, so an exercise plan would be fabulous and maybe a meal plan!

Ask An Expert: Maria, There's So Many Fad Diets! Which Diet Should I Try?

Q: There are many fad diets out there. I was wondering if there’s any safe ones that I should try or should I ultimately see someone for counseling on healthy eating. Thanks! ~ Cathy

Some Relief From The Flu Season!

It’s that time of the year again. That time when you try to avoid everyone with a hacking cough, sneezing and stomach bug. Cold and flu season has arrived. Some of us have been hit by it once already, but for others, it’s about prevention and being prepared for when it does hit.

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Can I Replace Eggs In My Diet?

Q: Hey there! I can't eat eggs and was wondering what I could eat to supplement for what i am missing out on. Any suggestions?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I'm Fit But I Still Have Love Handles! Please Help!

Q: Hi Tommy! First of all, I love your 2 shows and watch them consistently and get some great ideas for new exercise routines. I am an active person who goes to the gym 5-6 times a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio every day and some type of weight resistance every other day. I weigh 130 pounds and am 5’6. My measurement are chest 35, waist 28 and hips 38. My issue are my love handles and my hips. What kind of exercise can you suggest for me to do?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Have A Pear-Shaped Bottom! Please Help!

Q: I want to know what types of exercises are best for slimming down my pear-shaped bottom. I had a baby six months ago and I am about 15 pounds away from my goal weight. Currently , I work out 4 times a week and do bikram's yoga on the fifth day. When working out, I do interval training with lots of squats (regular, plyometric, weighted) and lunges, but my legs are still thick. It's soooooo frustrating!!! Is there anything else I can do or am I stuck with thunder thighs??????

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Have Hypothyroidism. How Can I Stay Healthy?

Q: Hi Maria! In 2004 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I've been on on a thyroid regimn for 6 yrs, and my levels are normal. I was on a low carb diet (religiously) and I was feeling great about it. With me, when I eat carbs, I become very tired... so I try to stay away from the carbs.

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Can You Eat Healthy While On A Small Budget?

What would be a good food plan for the three of us on $70 a week for groceries? We do not have the ability to cook 3 different meals, and vegetables beyond lettuce and celery are very expensive. We have no food allergies, and do not eat out more than once every 2 or 3 months for a break from cooking.

Ask An Expert: Tommy, How Can I Get In Shape Without Dropping Weight?

Q: I’m a 23 year old woman who is just under 6’ tall. I used to be in fairly good shape, but over the last two years I went through a rather rough time and lost a dangerous amount of weight as well as losing most of my muscle strength. I have since regained a fair amount of weight and am back at 135lbs, which is still a little lower than I would like, but much better than I was.

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Used To Be An Athlete, Now I Need Help!

Q: Hi tommy, My name is Julie and I'm 35 years old, I always did some sort of exercises. (pilates, P90X etc) I used to be ripped 2 years ago, I slowed down 2 years ago due to construction in my house and a knee problem, but now I have a hard time just doing basic exercises I get exhausted after just 20-30 minutes.

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Need A Nutritional Boost For My Workout! Please Help!

Q: I love to bike ride a few times a week. I’m only at about 10k a night though. Do you have any recommendations on how I can give myself the nutritional boost I would need to increase my workout?

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Need To Lose Weight Around My Stomach! Please Help!

Q: I'm a 20 yrs old female, about 5ft 8" I weigh 295 pounds! I think I have a pear shaped body, I have ALOT of fat on my stomach..I need to loose weight/fat now, im so uncomfortable/embarrased and exhausted and just run down. Im starting to have problems with my left knee and my shins.

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Work Nights And Can't Keep The Weight Off!

Q: Just wondering if anyone has any tips about working nightshifts and keeping the weight off. I work out doing spin classes 3 times a week and weight training 3 days a week, but when I work nights I generally gain 6-7 lbs and the second week is day’s shifts I lose the 6-7 lbs. This yo-yo is really frustrating and yes coming to Ontario would be great. I'm 5'8 and weigh 280, but have lost 45 already and need 40 more to be happy. Please anything will help.

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Can I Tell If I Need To Drink More Water?

Q: I hear that increasing your water intake can work wonders for you. I really don’t drink enough and I feel that I have a small bladder. Can you explain the benefits of drinking plenty of water and how I can adjust to a higher water intake?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Need To Tone My Stomach! Please Help!

Q: My name is Asma. I was just wondering what kind of workouts and nutrition plan will help me tone my stomach. But I just want to tone my stomach down without forming any "Ab lines." I don't want a 6 pack, just a flat stomach. I work out on a regular basis and eat pretty healthy so I just wanted to know what I could add in to achieve a flatter stomach without the Ab lines. What should I do and/or eat?

Ask An Expert: Maria, How Can I Prevent Myself From Getting A Cold?

Q: It seems that everyone around me is catching a cold right now. What can I do nutrition-wise to prevent myself from catching the bug? Is there any supplements you would recommend?

Ask An Expert: Maria, What's The Importance Of Omega-3?

Q: Maria, I have heard of Omega-3 a lot lately. Can you let me know which foods have this in it and what benefits these foods would have?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Need To Trim Down My Legs. Please Help!

Q: Hi Tommy! I am trying to lose weight and I have huge calves and thighs, are there any specific exercises I can do to make them both smaller? Mainly the calves. Thanks a lot!

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Don't Know How To Lose Weight! Please Help!

Q: Hi, I am a very active 16 year old female, i eat pretty good food. I am 5'5 155 pounds. I really do not like my body.i dont know how to lose weight? It seems impossible. My dream goal would be 130 pounds.

Ask An Expert: Maria, Please Help Me Make A Healthy Lunch For My Kids!

Q: My kids are heading back to school soon and I’d like them to have a healthy lunch to take to school. Do you have any suggestions on what I should pack in their backpacks for both lunch and snacks?

Style Thursdays: Eat, Pray, Love... Pilates

You can't escape Eat, Pray, Love right now but that's what happens when Oprah loves something, isn't it? Well, don't let the hype get you down. I'll admit that I haven't seen the movie, nor have I even read the book yet — although I did borrow a copy from my lovely chiropractor, acupuncturist and pilates instructor Dr. Blessyl Buan (pictured above). Blessyl loved the book and was so inspired that she created a workshop for women based on the ideas expressed by the author Elizabeth Gilbert.

Ask An Expert: Maria, I Need To Lose 5 Lbs Before A Wedding!

Q: I have a wedding in 3 weeks that I'm trying to look great for. I just want to lose 5 lbs. I'm working out, moderately, and I recently just decided to cut down on my carbs a little bit to help things along. I still eat toast in the morning or a banana, a bowl of all-bran, and then lots of veggies and protein in the afternoon and evening, along with fruit. I'm not overweight; my BMI is between 21-22. But I just wanted to shed 5lbs from my 5ft 4in frame.

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Need To Shape Up Before A Wedding!

Q: I need to shed an inch on my back and around my arms for a wedding that I’m wearing a strapless dress too and trying to look my best for, that’s in 3 weeks. I’m 5ft 4in with a healthy body weight (BMI is around 21-22), and I just want to look a little more toned. Do you have any exercises, tips; you can recommend that can help me to reach my goal in 3 weeks?

Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Want A Toned Tummy After Having A Baby! Please Help!

Q: I have two children and one is only 4 months old. I have a super healthy diet based on eating every 3 hours. I do cardio walking, yoga, zumba, medicine ball routine and a weight routine. I try to work out at least 3 times a week in the morning before i eat to burn fat. My concern is my waist is shrinking im at about 28 inches but i want to make sure its tight. I'm almost 5'7 and i am still breastfeeding. I would like to know what is the best exercice routine to get my tummy toned? Thank You!

Ask An Expert: Maria, What's So Bad About Eating Red Meat?

Q: I hear tons of people really cutting back on red meat these days and eating pork, fish and chicken instead. Why is this trend taking off and what's so bad about eating red meat? - Lisa

Ask An Expert: Maria, What Foods Are Best to Boost My Fiber Intake?

Q: Maria, everyone's talking about assisting their digestion by taking in more fiber. I always thought I did - until I saw how much you need a day. Can you give me pointers on what foods are the best to boost my fiber intake and give examples via a diet? - Carol

Ask An Expert: Tommy/Maria: How Can I Get Flat Abs Through Diet/Exercise?

Q: Hello Tommy/Maria: I am 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh 170 pounds (77kg). I am a Wrestler and I practice wrestling 4 times a week and on top of that, I work out 6 days a week and i eat healthy 70% of the time and I'm a vegetarian. I have a belly. Can u help me please and tell me what else I can do to get flat abs?

Genetic Testing: A New Way To Manage Your Weight?

I don’t have a weight problem, but like many women I know, I have a goal weight that I struggle to not only reach but maintain.

Ask An Expert: Maria, Why Am I Experiencing More Hunger Cravings?

Q: Maria: I've been experiencing more hunger cravings than usual? Do you know what the reason could be for this?