That's Fit

Most Mondays you'll find me in Bodyflow class (a Tai Chi/Pilates/Yoga combo) with a bunch of ... women. In all the weeks I've been attending, never a guy. All the testosterone sits below in the free weight room. I have one question for fitness guys everywhere -- why aren't you there? My husband can't be the only one in town willing to commit to a Triangle Pose.

According to this article in Yoga Journal, 77 percent of U.S. yoga practitioners are female. Seems the number should be higher based on my personal observation over the years, coupled with the fact that only one in 10 Yoga Journal subscribers is a dude. The author offers a few reasons why men and yoga don't date in this country, here are three I found interesting:

• Yoga is simply foreign territory -- It takes a brave man to enter that room full of calm women, likely led by a woman or if the instructor is a man, not likely the towel-snapping-let's-go-for-a-beer-after-the-game type of guy's guy.
• Yoga hurts -- Scientists don't know why, but men are less flexible, with boys losing flexibility faster than girls by adolescence. Weight-training tends to take priority over flexibility-training in male sports programs.
• It's a brain thing -- namely, mirror neurons. These brain cells receive signals from another person and trigger similar reactions in the observer. Mirror neurons are firing when you're watching and imitating a yoga instructor. It's unknown if women have more of these cells or they're simply more active, but women definitely mimic better than men. Guys, don't lose hope. Your mirror neurons will improve if you keep returning to the yoga mat.
  

OK, guys. Have you tried yoga? Will you try yoga? Let us know in the poll below. The world needs more than a few good Yoga Men.

When you put two super sexy stars on stage together in heels and leotards, people are inevitably going to compare them. That didn't stop Justin Timberlake from suiting up in a black leotard, tights, and heels, and playing Beyonce's backup dancer on last weekend's Saturday Night Live.

Did you miss it? You can check out a picture of JT with Beyonce here, and compare his looks to the backup dancer in the actual video for Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It). I've got to say, he definitely has some lovely legs, and he certainly had the moves, but I'm not sure they can beat out Beyonce's stems.

Speaking of the moves, it's no wonder Beyonce's legs look so sleek and strong. I dare you, just try doing some of those moves, shaking your hips while slowly lowering yourself to the ground and back up. When is this girl going to come out with a workout video?

I had the opportunity to speak with Jenna Vaught, Miss America Plus Elite 2007, regarding her inspiring weight loss story. You can read the first half of the interview here. But Jenna's story doesn't start and stop with weight loss. Jenna's views on body image and what makes a woman truly beautiful are inspirational for all of us -- whether we're a size two or a size 22.

It seems that you achieved not only better physical health, but better confidence through losing weight. What did the process teach you about yourself?

The process of losing weight and maintaining it has taught me that I have everything I could ever need in myself. When I was so heavy, I wanted so much for others to think I was good enough or worthy. Today, I know that I have all it takes to be a strong, successful, and beautiful woman. Literally, I found the real Jenna. Media, society, and others have no influence on the way I feel about myself externally or internally. Most days, when I am feeling great, it's because I know I am doing great things for myself and my life. There are days that really are hard, I have learned to just let that day happen and move forward. Perfect, I am far from it. Persistent, now that is a word I live by day to day!

Regretting that fatty meal or snack you just inhaled? I feel your pain. No worries, though -- just hop outside or on a treadmill and get walking.

A recent study suggests that taking a walk can counteract the negative effects fatty foods have on your arteries. Here's how: Eating high-fat foods breaks down the endothelium (the layer of cells responsible for preventing heart disease) in your arteries. But walking after you eat these foods helps your arteries recover. Amazingly, it helps them get stronger too. The experts at Family Circle magazine (November 29, 2008) recommend this walking workout for maximum benefits.

• Walk slowly for five minutes to warm up at an intensity level of two (about 2.5 mph on a treadmill).
• Walk briskly for 45 minutes at an intensity level of five (about 4 mph on a treadmill).
• Walk leisurely for five minutes to cool down at an intensity level of three (about 3 mph on a treadmill).

Think walking isn't enough to combat the effects of fatty foods? Try fighting the fat by slashing the worst of it from your diet.

A 135-pound woman running a 10-minute mile for 40 minutes will burn 409 calories. FitSugar gave me these numbers with a handy, dandy Calorie Burner Counter Calculator tool they've got on their site.

Just enter your weight, your activity, and your duration of workout and in seconds you, too, can learn your burn.

The days are so short now. By the time I've helped my son complete his homework and get dinner on the stove, it's pitch black outside. When it's dark out when you start your workday and dark when you get home, it can take a toll on your well-being. There are things you can do, though, to keep your energy running high during the darker days of winter. Here they are:

• Sun exposure. This time of year, it's important to get outside and spend some time in the sun. Even if it's just a 10-minute walk during your lunch hour, the sunlight will do you good.
• Exercise. An active lifestyle helps to keep you energized. Commit to exercising every day. That doesn't mean you have to have an intense hour-long workout every day. You can vary your workout doing short 10-minute bursts one day, a moderate 30-minute workout the next, and an intense, longer session on other days.
• Nutrition. Certain foods can help boost your energy. Healthcastle has tips on foods that will help increase energy. AOL Health also has a list of fatigue-fighting foods.

The Makeover Momma crew gives the P90X workout system a C-. It's just too time consuming, they report. I mean, gosh, you've got to commit to an hour a day for 90 days, there are 12 workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped, a three-phase nutrition plan, a fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, and more. That's a lot to keep up with. But not for our readers, who think it deserves a better grade.

Everyone agrees that a good chunk of time is necessary to complete this workout, but apparently, it's worth it. Heather, a busy mom of two who works full time, finds time for the program by getting up early and working out. It gives her the energy she needs to get through the day. "P90X is a killer program, love every part of it, and love the fact that it's not just the same old easy to do monotomous stuff," she says. Her grade: A+++++++++. By the way, says Heather: "I still have time to cook and clean. If you want to be in shape bad enough, you'll find the time."

Another mom reader says she definitely loves the P90X. As a mom of two who works full time, she makes time for an hour workout at least four times a week. She's done the program from start to finish with awesome results. Just like any program, she says, unless you're willing to take the time to do it, it's not going to work.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Fitz. I'm dying to get in shape, but I'm just too tired to do anything about it. I work a ton, sleep a little, and can't even find time to make a salad. What do I do? Erica

A. Hi Erica. Your question is kinda like the "chicken and the egg" dilemma. I know you think you're too tired to be fit, but this problem is probably in reverse. You are simply unable to keep up with your busy life because you are unfit. Time to make some changes.

Ever wonder why you can't be "the one" who looks and feels great? Why aren't you the guy or gal people are desperate to be like? Want to change your life? I've got your answer right here.

To learn a quick and easy way to prep veggies, grab some fancy yoga tips, and find out what the ten things a wellness chef would never eat if you paid her are ...

Your dad taught you how to buy a car. You had a couple 'How To Buy Your Dream Home' books on your nightstand when it was time to purchase your first piece of property. But when it comes to home gyms, most of us head into the treadmill store total amateurs.

If you're hoping the tree will be trimmed with a new piece of cardio and some weights this Christmas, pass along these don't-miss-home-gym-buying-tips to your Santa in disguise:

• Research machines and space -- Treadmill Doctor has reliable feedback on cardio equipment and the American Council on Exercise offers home gym points to ponder.
  
• Check Craiglist, eBay, even local classifieds for house sales -- dusty treadmill steals are out there.
• Test drive before buying -- bring your gym clothes along while shopping. Give it a true work out, then you'll know if you really like it.
• Cardio equipment is like a piano -- be prepared to pay for delivery if you're buying used, as that behemoth probably won't fit in that gas-guzzling SUV you've been trying to sell in this nightmare economy.

May your home gym dreams come true this holiday season.

The Victoria's Secret Angels took to the runway again last weekend, and, as always, the models looked completely perfect. The things that were supposed to be firm were firm, and the areas that needed to be full were full. So how do they get that way (other than fabulous genes)? E! was backstage to steal the Angels' secrets.

For one thing, they eat. However, as you no doubt guessed, they're pretty careful about what they munch on. Model Miranda Kerr munched on mixed greens and scrambled eggs backstage before the show, while Alessandria Ambrosia, who just gave birth two months ago, dished on how she got her body back post-baby. "I was doing 45 minutes of cardio everyday and working out with a trainer. I couldn't have the crazy diets ... because I was breastfeeding."

Adriana Lima also followed a strict training schedule for the month leading up to the runway show, working out two hours a day and cutting out carbs and sugar while loading up on protein. She was looking forward to the show being over, though, saying she would indulge in dessert right away. "... [F]orget about champagne. The first thing I will have is chocolate cake!"

Personally, I don't buy it -- that the run-around that comes with parenting can serve as enough exercise or an effective diet plan. But actress Melissa Joan Hart calls being the mommy of two little boys a constant workout. Running around and caring for sons Mason, 3, and Braydon, 8 months, is how she stays fit, says the one-time Sabrina, the Teenage Witch star.

"You don't have time to eat because you're chasing them all the time!" says Melissa. Yea, not for me. I have two little boys -- ages 7 and 5 -- and for all these years, I have found time to eat, sometimes even too much. What I haven't always found time for is my own personal exercise time. Maybe lifting babies in and out of high chairs all day does the trick for this celebrity. For me, not so much. Keeping my body in shape takes a whole lot more. It takes running, walking, biking, swimming, and lifting. It takes lot of time, lots of commitment, and lots of sweat.

I wish it were as easy for me as it is for Melissa. But it's not. How about you -- does parenting keep you slim?

The clouds are thick and gray, frost covers the morning grass and flurries are whipping about -- winter cycling season is here (at least in Chicago).

From the right snot rag to sandwich bags over your feet, here are a few tips to keep you warm, safe and cycling all winter long:

• Don't be one of those gross people who holds one nostril and blows a wad of goo out the other, while riding, of course. Keep a paper towel folded up your sleeve and de-snot at the red lights. Better yet, try the high-tech Snot Spot shown in the gallery below.
• Layer wicking clothes on your torso and legs. No cotton allowed. Wet, cold cotton kills. Don't wear it.
• Cover that noggin' with a balaclava, but make sure you find one that doesn't muffle your hearing. You need all five senses on alert to cycle safely.
  
• Lobster gloves (two fingers and a thumb) over a silk glove keep you warm, or any glove/mitten combo. For wet gloves, one Bicycling Magazine reader suggests you toss 'em into a convenient store microwave for 30 seconds. This is a selfish move -- just think of the construction worker behind you unknowingly walking out with a microwaved-double cheeseburger a la sweaty glove.

I want to be a holiday hottie. There, I admitted it. And the good news is, there's still plenty of time to reach that goal.

Not only is time on our side, so is Fitz. She's over at Holidash with a new column, dedicated solely to your hotness this holiday season.

So do yourself a favor this holiday season and pay Fitz a visit. I can almost hear you sizzlin' now.

Tweens and teens may seem to be constantly on the go. But while they're go, go, going ... are they really being physically active? Encourage them to be more active this holiday season with gifts that either inspire physical activity or generate it.

When choosing active gifts for the younger set, keep fun in mind. While a pedometer might be a great tool for kids of any age, it's not exactly thrilling for a teenager to open a handsomely wrapped gift and find a pedometer inside. So look for items that not only promote physical fitness, but also generate some excitement. Check out the gallery for some activity-inspiring gifts for the tweens and teens in your life.