
Dear Fit,
I've always used dumbbells and weight machines for strength training exercises, but at the gym recently, I saw some people using kettlebells. Are they better than dumbbells and why should I use them? Should I switch completely?

Not everyone shares my love of
squats, but strong quads, hamstrings, glutes, and a lower back are essential if you're looking to run or cycle faster, as well as help prevent sports-related injuries. So going back to the basics, I want to review dumbbell squats. They are easy and effective.

Often neglected in workouts, the triceps actually make up more of your arm than the biceps. If tricep kickbacks bore you to tears, there are many other ways to strengthen the backs of your arms.
Women's Health has created an upper-arm workout to pump you up.

If you are looking to tone your booty, I have two must-do exercises for you. Skip the squats and try
bent knee donkey kicks and
step ups. According to
Self magazine, these two moves work glutes well over 60 percent more than squats.

To put a positive spin on hitting a weight-loss plateau, you have to remind yourself that at least you're not gaining weight. Once you can see that the glass is half full, you can rev up for adding some serious exercise to your plan. When you are trying to lose weight, you need to do cardio, and lots of it.

If you're a runner, you're not alone if you worry about knee injuries. The repetitive movements and constant jarring of your joints are the exact ingredients for
runner's knee. Weak thighs are also a contributing factor, so it's a good idea to include strength training exercises that target your lower body.

As a
Pilates instructor, my job was always to help people move more symmetrically so this fit tip is a little counterintuitive to me, but I love it anyway.
Once a month, deconstruct your weight routine and work one side of your body at a time. Instead of doing your standing bicep curls or
overhead presses simultaneously, split them up.

You know you should be spending time strength training, but you already spend a lot of time at the gym doing cardio and don't think you can fit in toning sessions. Don't assume you have to spend hours lifting weights — it doesn't take much to start seeing results. Start with 20 to 30 minutes of strength training sessions
twice a week.

We've heard that it
doesn't pay to be macho when lifting weights. So why do so many people — sorry to say, it's primarily men — insist on slamming down their weights? More often than not, my gym workouts are rattled by the clanging of weight plates or the sound of someone dropping a giant barbell onto the floor.

Moving your body at least three times a week is a wonderful goal to have. It'll help you lose weight or maintain your current weight, it gives you energy,
helps you sleep at night,
strengthens your immune system, and
improves digestion. When you exercise, you want to make sure your weekly routines include three things:
cardio for burning calories and working your heart and lungs,
stretching to prevent injury and increase flexibility, and
strength training to tone your muscles.