Make Your Workout Work for You

The truth may not set you free—but it might make your pants looser

(NEWSER) - Nutritionist Joy Bauer, the "Today" show's diet editor, looks at some popular dieting myths—or are they?

1. Diet and exercise can transform fat into muscle: The one can't become the other.
2. Metabolism slows with age, and there's nothing you can do about it: Exercise can maintain your burn.

In fighting obesity, little things don't count for much

(NEWSER) - Obesity experts would beg to disagree with the first lady, who said last month that it's the "small changes that add up" in fighting childhood obesity. Contrary to what Michelle Obama and many dieters believe, the body is actually wired to adapt to minor lifestyle changes—one less cookie a day, a few extra minutes of walking—to prevent these changes from making you lose weight. Small steps may prevent weight gain, but it takes big moves to take off pounds. More»

Don't start too fast; wear the correct shoes; eat right

(NEWSER) - With winter showing signs (well, in some places) of easing off, it’s time for a lot of us to get back into running. But beginner or old hand, Megan Kretz cautions, beware these mistakes:

• Too much, too soon: Stick to the 10% rule when increasing distance (ie, if you’re running 25 miles next week, don’t go past 27.5 the next), and if you’re adding distance, don’t go for more speed, as well.

Study shows you can be 'obese' at a normal weight

(NEWSER) - You don't have to look fat to be fat, a new study suggests. A report from the Mayo Clinic finds that people of a normal weight with a high percentage of body fat are at greater risk for heart problems than those with lower fat. In cases of "normal weight obesity," healthy-looking bodies essentially "behave like they are obese," says the lead researcher. Up to 30 million Americans may fall into this category—but many won't know it. More»

Barack Makes list of fittest guys

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama has already nailed one nomination. He's cruised onto a list of the fittest guys in America. His 16-hour days on the campaign trail, early morning workouts at hotel gyms, brisk 45-minute runs and pick-up basketball games put him in some super-fit company, according to the list compiled by Men's Fitness magazine. Golfer Tiger Woods is in first place. More»