What are some of the best calorie-burning exercises?
Any exercise is good, but some of the real high-burning varieties include bicycling, aerobic dance, jogging, stair climbing, jumping rope and swimming. Done vigorously, these aerobic activities pack a calorie-burning wallop.  Your best bet is to vary your routine so that you don’t get bored or burned out.

Does exercise really help PMS?
Most experts say, “yes!”  In general, keeping healthy through exercise and diet helps women to weather the hormonal changes of their monthly cycles.  In specific, research has shown that aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or cycling may reduce individual symptoms such as bloating and irritability.  Choose an activity you enjoy and don’t overdo!

How do you prevent blisters during workouts?
A simple and effective solution is to wear two pairs of socks.  This works because the socks rub against each other rather than your skin.  Try wearing one thin sock (or ankle-high nylon) beneath your usual thicker workout sock so that you don’t experience tightness or bunching. If you already have a blister but want to head to the gym, put a small amount of antibiotic ointment over the affected area and cover it with a bandage.  Then, layer socks as usual.  A broken blister can lead to infection, so be sure to keep the area clean, dry and as friction-free as possible.

Does heavy sweating during exercise mean you’re out of shape?
Nope!  In fact, the better shape you’re in, the more effectively – and profusely! – you perspire. Fit folks tend to sweat sooner than those who are unfit.  Regular workouts train your body’s perspiration responses to activate sooner, thereby helping to keep you cooler during your workouts.  If sweating is accompanied by nausea, weakness, dizziness or irregular heartbeats, stop immediately, rest and consult the fitness experts at your health club.  You should also make an appointment to see your physician.

Headaches during exercise – a concern?
Usually not.  In fact, most exercise-related headaches are harmless.  However, you should see a doctor if: the pain is severe; you don’t normally get headaches; you smoke; you’re over 50; or you have any of the heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease or diabetes.  Once neurological (brain-related) causes for the headache have been ruled out, your doctor may want to give you an exercise stress test to determine if it was a “cardiac headache.”  If it was, treating your heart disease should help.