Happy New Year!

I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year - best to all in 2011!!!!!!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."

Happy holidays!

I know, I know...the last thing you feel like is heading to the gym, right? Or maybe not. By Christmas Eve I was raring to go and I just couldn't wait for the holidays - not only to spend time with friends and family, but also to get more time to work out! So, how about you? Are you going to relax and take time off from your workouts or mix it up a little - a little R & R and a little working out?

Amazing or what?

Science writer Gary Taubes cited some interesting statistics in his new book Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It that's soon to be released. Fascinating, actually. Here's what he reports: The first year the Boston Marathon had more than 300 entrants was in 1964; in 2009, more than 26,000 people ran it. So I'm curious: Have you noticed more of your friends and family getting active recently? Or do you find many need more than a nudge to get off the couch? Just wondering....

Let me know what you think!

Although our new Fat Loss special is on newsstands Jan 4, we're already at work on the next one and I need your help. What do you think about sports-specific training? Do you do any of it? And, if so, what's your fave?

Stay happy and healthy and we'll talk later this week. 

New Special Issue for New Year!

I was so impressed with Oxygen's fact checker Kirstyn Brown (check out her blog!) that I wanted her to share her story in our new Fat Loss Special that's coming out Jan 4. I hope you'll agree that she has come so far!!!!! It takes, as many of you know, such great courage to even begin to make such major changes in your life.....so kudos to Kirstyn! Let me know what you think about her story and your favorite part of it all (I know mine!). Talk soon!

Outdoor motivation?

Unless you're in Hawaii (lucky you!) as some of our readers are, most of us are grappling with a real winter this year! But, you know, I don't mind bundling up to go for a run or make extra time to get to the gym for a workout....at this time of year I feel it's as critical for my stress level as sleep and eating clean. But I'd love to know if you have any tips about making it easier - I saw in Cosco the other day grippers for shoes and I wondered if any of you have tried them out at all? Or do you simply take to the treadmill in the winter? Stay warm and I'll chat to you later this week!

"I feel like such a failure!"

This note came to me last week and I thought I'd ask you to (pardon the pun!) weigh in....Laura wants help and it would be great if all chipped in to lend her a hand... Word of mouth is so motivating!!!!!

Here's the question from Laura:

I have been trying for years (at least 7 years now) to reach my fitness goals. I really need a get fit and eat healthy for dummies guide. I have some of Tosco Rena's books, I have Oxygen magazine, I have a gym membership. I exercise and then I get sick or something comes up and then I have a hard time getting back on track. I feel like such a failure. My clothes are tighter again, I'm stressed at work at home and having a hard time sleeping. Ugh. Please help!

Looking good Fran!

Fitness model Fran Dennis gets made up by make and hair stylist pro Valeria Nova....on the beach no less!