Challenges: I crave them, I dream about them, and I go after them. I love attempting things that at one point in my life I did not believe to be possible.  When I was 17 I knew one day I wanted to do an Ironman and I knew that I could do it if I worked hard.  Where I lacked confidence was in my ability to do the hard work. Full Article

Hi Hayley, I have a rather awkward question. I've been running for a few months now, and always in three quarter length pants. Now that it's heating up outside, I have switched to shorts - a running pair I bought specifically from a specialised shop - and I have wicked chafing on my inner thighs! I'm not a thin girl, and so my thighs rub together and. Full Article

Hi Hayley, I'm pretty confused about post-workout recovery drinks. I'm working on losing a significant amount of weight, more than 50 lbs, and focusing on 10 lbs at a time. So far I'm down 12 lbs! I am doing a lot of cardio to focus on fat burning as well as some weights for toning, but I hear varying opinions on recovery drinks. Full Article

I'm a young woman who is relatively new to working out in a gym. I worked previously with a personal trainer, but now I'm on my own. I didn't have this problem when I was with my trainer, but I'm feeling intimidated by all of the guys in the weight room. I don't fear anything specific - I'm just very self-conscious with my 8-pound free weights while the dudes are doing the heavy lifting. Full Article

Hi Hayley, I just ran my first marathon two weeks ago and although it went well and I feel like I trained appropriately for the challenge I still feel like I'm not back to 100% yet. I have only been able to do short 3-5 mile slow runs since then and I'm wondering if you have any post-marathon tips for how to train AFTER the race is done. Full Article

Hi Hayley, I am an impatient person; I need to see results fast. When I workout I like to get maximum results for minimum time input. I was fit a few years ago, but I experienced a devastating life event that literally stopped all self care. I haven't run or used weights or done my yoga in 2 years. Full Article

Hi Hayley, Following up on your last two posts, I was hoping you could elaborate a bit more on strength training. Specifically, what are your thoughts on using good ol' gym weight machines? I read (on the Internet... if that counts) that free weights or cross-fit is better, that machines train the wrong range of motions, etc. Full Article

I wrote an article on Wednesday answering a reader’s questions involving the Tracy Anderson Method and her aversion to bulk. (Click here for a refresher.) Since that article I have had a lot of other readers ask me to share my opinions on other exercise trends, like Crossfit, HIIT (high intensity interval training), and P90X, just to name a few. Full Article

Hi Hayley, So I've recently started using Tracy Anderson's mat workout DVD and I'm really enjoying it. My question starts with the fact that Ms. Anderson states that a woman should never lift more than a three pound weight; otherwise she'll end up looking "bulky." I have an autoimmune disease and because of it I was on prednisone a number of years. Full Article

Hi Lainey, What is KD?  I’m assuming it’s a Canadian food or drink that is not healthy but probably delicious and addicting? And on to my other question #1.  How much are aches and pains a part of an active lifestyle (and getting older, alas) and to what degree should they be/can they be ignored and worked through vs. Full Article

Lainey, I really related to the Hayley article you posted on Apr 24th titled, “Small steps and weekly goals”, as I’m basically going through the same thing.  I have since started making small goals like Hayley suggested in terms of exercise; however I’m really struggling when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. Full Article

I’m on the go, all the time -- from work, to my workouts, to running errands, to meeting friends for dinner and a glass of wine after a long day. I leave my house at 5:30am and normally I am not walking through my door until the sun is setting. Needless to say I live out of my car and, more importantly, my gym bag. Full Article

Click here and here for previous installments of Spring Cleaning & Spring Eating. This is the final installment of recipes for now and I really hope you had the chance to try one, if not all, of these dishes. Full Article

Fear of failing is a common theme in many of the emails that I receive, countless emails from women who are afraid to join a gym because they do not know how to use equipment, or women who are afraid to try a class because they are fearful they will not know what to do, or women who are afraid to join a running club because they think they are too slow and will not be able to keep up. Full Article