Talk Today
01/21/2005 - Updated 06:54 PM ET

Weekend fitness: Stephanie Oakes

Friday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m. ET

Today we're talking cross-training. What is it? Why should we cross-train? What are some examples of a good cross training program? Stephanie Oakes will be online to answer your questions.


Missed the chat? Read the transcript below:

Los Angeles, CA: Just want to say how great it is to have a fitness trainer, like yourself. I'm near the end of my contract with mine and since the beginning of the year, I've lost 20 lbs. Went from 163lbs to 142lbs (29 bmi to 25 bmi). I am thinking of losing another 2-7lbs. Of all the talk about fitness and innovated pills or diets, self motivation is the key to getting fit. If someone doesn't change their mindset, nothing in the world is going to help them in the long term. And there is nothing wrong with changing how we eat, we aren't losing the right to eat what we want...we just making better choices. There isn't a better $$ investment than your body. You can't enjoy life if you're bedridden. I do hope more people have the motivation to start changing their lifestyle. There isn't an excuse not to.

Stephanie Oakes: Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm very happy that I may have helped inspire you. Keep it up!

Yours in good health,


Manchester, CT: I've always maintained a diet very low in fat and high in carbs but have found that often it takes large portions to feel full. I'm in good shape but I'd like to try introducing more protein and fat into my diet to have a more balanced diet to prevent feeling run down. Do you have any recommendations? I know optimally I should have balanced meals throughout the day but if I'm forced to have a high carb meal should I counter it with a high protein meal later? thanks

Stephanie Oakes: I'm a big believer in "grazing". Eating smaller meal sizes but more often i.e. 6 x / day. Eating a balanced diet. Lots of fruits and veggies. Don't over load on carbs. Don't totally avoid fat (the good kind) your body needs it. Americans eat far too much protein in my humble opinion. I would suggest you find a good nutritionist to help get you on the right eating program.

Chicago, IL: I mix cardio activities (running, eliptical machine) with strength training for both my upper and lower body. Could the strength training exercises I'm doing for my legs and thighes actually be causing me to "bulk up" in my butt-area? I know you can't spot reduce but is there any activity I can add to my program that would help reduce this area?

Stephanie Oakes: Try running more. Can't do much about any genetic dispotion you might have towards more pronounced glutes. Weight training will certainly add to bulk depending on how much weight were talking about. Suggest reducing amount of weight and increasing reps.

DC: What's better - yoga or pilates?

Stephanie Oakes: Both actually have similar qualities and results. I like them both for different reasons. Yoga has a mind/body/spirit connection and can be a very intense workout. Pilates is unique in its own right. Have you tried either practice. If not try each and then formulate your own opinion. For me it would be like if had 2 children and were asked to pick your favorite.


Stephanie Oakes: Cross training has several benefits. Promotes better , more well rounded conditioning. Sports specific training can only address certain muscle groups. By cross training you will also help prevent injuries by allowing muscles from being overtrained which often can lead to injury. I also find it more mentally stimulating to try new and different forms of working out.



Salt Lake City, UT: I'm currently wanting to tone my legs. That seems to be the one place I store fat the most. I'm fairly fit right now as I've weight trained for the last 4 years. In the last month I've cut out the weight training a bit and have seen a decrease in size in my legs. I want to maintain muscle, but don't want to go back to bulking up. Is high reps and lower weight the answer and exactly what is a good number of reps to achieve my overall toning goal? Or is there a better exercise I should be looking into?

Stephanie Oakes: Have you tried running or long distance walking? How is your diet?

Pittsburgh, PA: Over the past eight months, I knocked off 65# (270-205) through diet modification, weight training, and jogging. Is there anything I can do about the excess skin 'round the midsection...I'd like some abs after all this work!

Stephanie Oakes: Do you do any form of ab work now? If not you might try it. A good ab work out can take 15-20 mins and be great for proper posture and strengthening the core area of your body.

sacramento, california: What sort of foods, supplements and vitamins do I need to take for a healthy liver?

Stephanie Oakes: First see a nutritionist.
Drink a lot of water to flush your systems and aid the liver in its filtering process and cleans the body of toxins. I like to receive most of my nutrients from fresh foods. Americans don't eat nearly enough fruits and veggies. I also like fresh squeezed juices

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