Q. During the week I exercise and eat right. But on weekends I crumble because I tend to splurge on high-fat, high-sugar treats and skip my workouts. I realize that my weekday structure is a key...

Q. I would like to shape up my calves. Which exercises target the calf muscles? Also, is there any way to improve my cankles? A. Like noses, rear ends and most any body part, the shape of the calf...

Q. I was thinking about trying the Alli weight loss drug. But I heard it causes liver damage. Is this drug safe? A. Alli is the over-the-counter version of the weight-loss drug orlistat...

Q. What have you heard about the acai berry? Will it really help me lose weight? Or is it all a gimmick? A. The acai berry is the fruit of an Amazonian palm—today’s berry du jour...

Q. Conventional wisdom says I can’t work the same muscle group every day, so I don’t lift weights two days in a row. But how does this rule apply to cardio? Whether I run, bike, walk or use the...

Q. My registered dietitian insists that a 150-pound person will burn 100 calories per mile, regardless of whether they walk, run or crawl. The only difference, she says, is the time is takes to...

Q. I’m 62 and have been neglecting my health for years. I have degenerative arthritis in most of my joints and several bad disks in my lower back. I would like to exercise but I’m afraid...

Q. I’ve been lifting weights for a while, but I don’t seem to be experiencing the effects that I’d hoped for. I’ve gotten stronger and more toned, but have not seen any dramatic body transformation...

Q. How do I know if I’m truly losing fat—or if my pound loss is just water weight that I’ll gain back once I go off my diet? A. Weight loss on the scales is not always what it seems...

Q. My family has a history of osteoporosis and I’d like to strengthen my bones to avoid it. Which exercises are best? A. There are many misconceptions about which activities improve bone density...