QUESTION: Hi Amanda. I had knee surgery a few years ago but it didn’t go too well. Since then I’ve had a baby. She’s now 3-years-old and I’ve been trying to lose the weight for a really long time. Is there anything special I should be doing at the gym so that I don’t hurt my knee while working out? Thanks. AMANDA’S ADVICE: I am sorry to hear the knee surgery didn’t go too well. What I’ve learned from my life … Read more →

I was recently asked on my Facebook Q & A about how I got into fitness. Since the story required some lengthy explanations and details, I opted to blog about it. I have been in the industry for a while now. I’ve learned that most of us don’t just fall into it, but have some sort of deep rooted motivation or reason why we strive to be so dedicated at achieving this specific aesthetic muscular or lean look. I am no … Read more →

QUESTION: Hi Amanda. When you’re working out in the gym, is it better to do exercises on machines or with free weights? For example, when I do chest or butterflies, should I be using the machine or should I just be laying on my back on the bench doing them with free weights? Thanx!…and u look great! AMANDA’S ADVICE: Thank you so much for the compliment! When I prepare training programs for my clients I do a mix of both, free … Read more →

QUESTION: Hi Amanda. I have a question for you. I once had nice, perky breasts but after I had my son (two years ago) they started sagging. Now I’m back in the dating game and I’d like for my “twins” to be perky again! Are there any exercises I can do at the gym so that my boobs won’t sag anymore? Should I be using a machine or simply use free weights? Thanks. AMANDA’S ADVICE: Ahhh…the joys of motherhood and the … Read more →

QUESTION: Hi Amanda. I had a baby 9 months ago and all I drink is water. I eat lots of junk food but also rice and beans and some other good things. Ever since I had my baby girl, though, I’ve lost a tremendous amount of weight. I used too weigh 115 before I got pregnant. Then when I got pregnant I lost a lot of weight and went down to 90. Then I gained it all back and weighed 125. … Read more →

QUESTION: I recently joined “slimdown showdown” at work where we try to lose weight in groups of 4, for 8 weeks. I’m having trouble trying to stay away from fast food and trying to buy healthy food on a $25/week budget. I also want to lose body fat, mainly in my stomach and muffin top. What can I do to shed the fat? I want to get healthy and thinner. I’m 5’2″ and weigh 146 pounds. I would love to lose … Read more →

QUESTION: I am 26-years-old and have had two c-sections. I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to tone my tummy without losing weight? AMANDA’S ADVICE: I was going to direct you to the previous posts, as there seems to be an overwhelming amount of questions about toning the midsection and I have answered a lot of questions about it. However, I did want to address one of your concerns and assure you that you can indeed tone your body without … Read more →