Meet the Trainer

Bicycle Crunches
Begin by lying on your back, placing your hands behind your ears. Do not put your hands clasped behind your head. Lift your legs in the air and bend your knees so that your legs form a 90 degree angle. Move your legs in a bicycle motion. When your left knee is closer to your body, reach your right elbow to it. When your right knee is closer to your body, reach your left elbow to it. Try performing the exercise for 60 seconds in 2 sets. Muscles Worked: Abs, Obliques Great for toning up your belly and "love handles!"

Low Carbs Can Leave You Feeling Tired
If you're tempted to go on one of those low-carbohydrate diets, consider this first. Consuming too few carbs can leave you feeling sapped of energy - both mentally and physically. Instead of counting carbohydrates, focus on the type of carbs you're eating. Limit simple carbs, which are found in foods like white breads, potatoes and sugary snacks; these carbs can give you a brief energy spike but can also be followed by a crash that leaves you even more depleted than before you ate. By choosing complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and breads you're giving your body a sustained source of energy that will keep you moving until your next meal or snack.

Treat Your Heart Gingerly
If you're practicing cholesterol-friendly cooking, try using ginger. This herb will add a spice and/or citrus flavor to meats, breads and vegetables without increasing the fat, cholesterol or sodium content of the food.What's more, preliminary studies suggest that ginger may help protect the body against high blood cholesterol.

Exercise Mats
If you've ever stretched or exercised on a hardwood floor, you know just how uncomfortable they can be when sitting, kneeling, or trying yoga and Pilates exercises. All exercise mats are not the same.Depending on your activity, the mat you're using could either be helping or hurting your workout--and your body. While many gyms offer a variety of mats, some people prefer to use their own mat at home or in gym classes. You can buy a new mat to meet your fitness needs for $20-$60 at most sporting goods stores and online. Here's a rundown of the most common exercise mat needs, how they're different, and who needs them. Yoga Mats or ("sticky" mats) provide a thinly-cushio