Working out in the gym is important, even if it doesn’t necessarily result in extra pounds shed, says this article in the Montreal Gazette. Overweight exercisers are actually healthier than skinny couch potatoes. Exercise, in addition to improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, also helps “bones get stronger, blood glucose is better regulated, blood pressure goes down and psychological well being improves.”

Women too should make an effort to workout, including lifting weights. One study found that “moderately fit women of all weights had a 48 per cent lower risk of dying prematurely (from all causes) when compared to unfit women -even the skinny ones.” If you’re concerned about ‘bulking up,’ don’t worry. We’ve talked about this before. You won’t look bulky, just toned and fit.

I try to do 2 sessions of aerobic exercise (30-60 min of treadmill, elliptical, or power walking) a week and 2 sessions of strength training a week (30-45 min).