If you'd rather get stabbed with a pencil than sport a tank top these days, it's time for an arm-toning intervention. These moves will give you tight, sexy arms by sculpting muscles for sultry shape. What they won't do, however, is remove any fat from the region—no single ...read more
We all want to lose a few pounds to look smashing in our swimsuits or squeeze into that adorable pair of skinny jeans. Most women -- and many men -- are perpetually self-conscious about our muffin top or bulging thighs. In the case of people who are truly overweight or obese, ...read more
My great-aunt Marlene lived to see 96, but she wasn't really present for the final five years. She didn't remember my sister, my father or me when we went to visit her at her nursing home in the Bronx -- although she was always thrilled to see us, she would take several guesses ...read more
Nobody wants a spare tire, but if you've been neglecting the gym and hitting the drive-thru more often than you care to admit, belly bulge just may creep up on you. And while you certainly don't need to aspire for the stick-thin supermodel physique, a large belly could indicate ...read more
When I was well into my 20s, I noticed a funny little brownish bump on my collarbone. it was probably less than a millimeter in diameter, and I thought it was probably just an ingrown hair that would vanish in a few days. But I still had nagging thoughts. Could it be skin ...read more
Like many carb-watchers, I swore off white grains long ago (or at least attempted to—I still may fall under the occasional spell of a fresh baguette or brownie). But it turns out I may have been too quick to judge. Some white carbs are perfectly fine—healthy, even—despite their ...read more
My grandmother Sarie was known for her perky, svelte physique. Her last days, however, were spent stooped over with a severely hunched back. One day, in her late eighties, she fell on the sidewalk and fractured her hip—she was whisked to the hospital, but never made it back. ...read more
If you're one of those ladies who won't so much as peek out the window without your foundation, powder, eyeliner and lip stain on, you may want to rethink your morning ritual. When you go without makeup, you rid yourself of toxic chemicals and possibly spare animals from ...read more
As if periods and childbirth weren't unfair enough (why can't men lug those babies around themselves?), it turns out that women are also plagued with a lower tolerance for liquor than our male counterparts, so drinking alcohol is worse for us. If you're the type to reach for ...read more
Don't be intimidated by those grunting muscleheads in the weight room at the gym—that space is for girls, too! And as a female, you have plenty to gain (and lose) by picking up a set of dumbbells or heading for the selectorized weight machines. If you start lifting weights now, ...read more
Excuses begone! With the latest apps for iPhone, Android, iPad and other smartphones and tablets, lack of organization is no longer a reason to miss your date with the treadmill. Fitness and health routines all fit nicely into the palm of your hand with these awesome ...read more
If you're sporting a baby bump after lunch every day—but you're definitely not pregnant—you may be a victim of the bloat. Usually caused by gas or food in the belly or intestines, bloating can turn your favorite skinny jeans into your worst enemy and make you want to hide in ...read more
Okay, so no meal will turn you into Michael Jordan. But when you're counting on food to fuel you through a grueling soccer game, swim meet or triathlon, good nutrition is crucial. Without proper nourishment, you could get fatigued before your time and have trouble focusing. The ...read more
Exercise the right way, and a cardio workout can do miracles for your health and your waistline. But if you take it too easy you'll hardly see any results, and if you push too hard you’ll have a downright unpleasant workout or even injure yourself. A great cardio session is all ...read more
You've been taught to begin and end each workout session with stretching exercises. But is contorting your body for five or 10 minutes really necessary? And what are you achieving with all of that twisting and bending? It turns out that not all health experts agree that you ...read more
You can't ignore it. Every time you pull on your skinny jeans and reach for the zipper, it's there—that bulge around your middle that makes you want to want to scream. Before resigning yourself to thigh-length sweaters the rest of your life, try these moves for a flatter, ...read more
Sure, you work out to burn off calories—but in the process, you're using precious nutrients that are begging to be restored once you've taken off your gym shoes. The trick with post-workout eating is to get the sustenance you need without going overboard. On one hand you need ...read more
You think those killer workouts are doing your body good, but there is such a thing as too much exercise. I remember one horrifying morning when I stepped on the scale to find that my weight had soared by six pounds. So I did what many of us do—I hit the gym hard to work it all ...read more
You've slaved away on the treadmill and, not counting that one gelato incident, followed your diet to a "T." But unless your scale is busted, no weight is coming off. So what are you supposed to do now? First of all, relax. You're probably just making one of the many common ...read more
Those pounds need to scram—now—but you're body's just not cooperating fast enough. You eat right, never miss a yoga class and even turned down those drool-worthy mojitos at happy hour. Yet when you hop on the scale, you see little reward for your hard efforts. The problem could ...read more
Fat is your friend. No, really. It's true that some fats are nasty, cholesterol-raising blobs of evil, but others actually help fight illness—and keep your skin and hair glowing, at that. The key is to choose good fats from healthy, nutrient-rich sources. And I'm here to show ...read more
You know you've always wanted to lose weight in your sleep, and this wish may be more than just a pipe dream. Getting your fair share of Z's just might help keep you lean while staying up all night can actually make you gain weight. I admit, I'm guilty of my fair share of ...read more
Making love, doin' the deed, making whoopee—whatever you call it—sex is one activity where there's always room for improvement and new doors to explore, if you'll pardon the pun. And like most activities in life, sexual performance improves with exercise. So dim the lights, cue ...read more
Hot, steamy bodies, twisting and bending into intricate positions? Relax; we're just talking about yoga here. At a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity, Bikram yoga is truly for those who can take the heat. And hot yoga sure is all the rage these ...read more
Want to look better in the buff? You have a gorgeous body—you just need to unleash it! Part maintenance and part confidence, a fabulous physique can be yours with a few tips and tricks. Though it's okay to want to look your best, please don't strive for anyone else's body. And ...read more
Not only is stress ...stressful, but it can also lead to chronic health problems like hypertension, heart disease and depression. It can also sabotage even the best beauty routine, causing breakouts and other skin conditions. Chilling out can do more than make you feel ...read more
Shapely buns are in, and you don't need J-Lo's genes to get them. These exercises sculpt and tone gluteal muscles to help you achieve a great butt, no fancy equiment required. For the best results, perform these moves every other day. It may be tempting to work your bottom more ...read more
Mmmmmm, sleep. So delicious, yet so elusive for many of us. If you're one of the millions of Americans suffering from insomnia, it may be tempting to pop a sleeping pill to get your nightly shut-eye. But some of the side effects of these drugs are downright scary. For example, ...read more
Go on, get in the mood—your doctor recommends it. Having sex is one of the best ways to boost your health, not to mention the obvious fact that's it's one of life's most enjoyable activities. So the next time you feel a little frisky, grab your partner and remind them why you ...read more