A reader sent me some questions, which was nice since I have about ten readers! Haha.

1. What's a good amount of water intake? I've cut out soda from my diet.

   I don't believe in the eight cups of water per day theory. Everyone has a different weight, activity level, medication regimen, etc. I keep a cup of water at my desk and drink it when I feel thirsty. Listen to your body tell you when it's thirsty. You shouldn't feel the need to urinate every ten minutes. When you urinate, take a look at your urine. Is it dark yellow? Then you need to increase fluid intake. Is it light yellow or almost clear? Then you are sufficiently hydrated.

2. Do you know of any equipment suitable for sit-ups? I've already got a decent pair of push-ups bars.

   Again, I'm a minimalist. I don't think you need equipment for ab work other than a mat to lay on. If you do want to purchase something else, get a medicine ball to hold onto while you are doing crunches. The one machine I like is at the gym is the one with armrests where you prop yourself up and lower your legs up and back down again. This works the lower abs. You can simulate this motion while laying down, but the lower ab machine is easier on the lower back.

   An ab workout DVD can show you some good exercises. A good ab workout will get you to work hard on the way up and on the way down (resistance muscles). You can build up good core strength on ten minutes a day.

   I should practice what I preach.

3. Any thoughts about stationary bikes (that's probably blasphemy in your book) or treadmills?

   Yep, I don't like stationery bikes because I like the fit of my own bicycle. But you can get a good workout on one. I don't think the recumbent bikes make people work hard enough. If your back is strong enough, avoid the recumbent bike. The best type of stationery bike to me is a spin bike. You have a lot of control over resistance on a spin bike. Some gyms keep these separate from the cardio equipment, but I have seen some spin bikes mixed in with other stationery bikes. You can also purchase one at a local bike shop. When adjusting the seat, make sure that your knee is very slightly bent when the crank is at its bottommost point.

   The gym where I work out has nice Precor treadmills. I don't know a lot about them. Some of the nicer ones adjust your workout according to your heart rate. The muscles you use to propel yourself forward while running get a better workout off the treadmill. So I usually adjust the incline slightly when using a treadmill. It's great for shock absorption if you have problems running on pavement.