Once, I went to see my internist, and everything was fine, until, he said, “you have gained 15 pounds; I never thought you would gain weight—being a marathon runner. When you first became my patient; you weighed 120 pounds, are you not running?” I thought to myself, “no, and now, I guess, I will forget about eating the chocolate croissant in my hand bag.” Still, I started running in Central Park again.

After the Christmas holidays, I spoke to my girlfriends about their exercise routine for 2013. “What would you ask a fitness guru?” I asked Jeannie, Lisa, Kelli and Lauren. Later, I decided to write to Mr. Joel Harper with their questions. I met Mr. Harper years ago at a Wellness Conference in New York City and purchased his fantastic FIT PACK DVD. Whereupon, I workout with his DVDs, along with now walking in the park.

If you are unfamiliar with Joel Harper, his biography states it simply, “Celebrity trainer Joel Harper has been developing custom workouts in New York City for 18 years. His clients range from Dr. Oz to Olympic Medalists who are striving for break-through performances, to 10 year old kids just learning to appreciate their health.

With a client list as diverse as his training methods, he regularly works with well-known actors preparing for new roles, musicians embarking on world tours and business executives desiring increased energy and strength.

Joel has appeared in various publications from “O” magazine and Esquire to Bottomline Health. He has created all of the workout chapters for the New York Times best selling YOU BOOKS and the accompanying workout DVD’s with Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen and the popular FIT PACK DVD.

Joel’s unique workouts have been seen on various programs including: ABC & Fox News, Oprah, the Dr. Oz. Show, Good Morning America, and Larry King. Joel is the creator of the PBS best selling DVD, FIRMING AFTER 50 and the currently running SLIM & FIT.”

Jeannie: Marketing Director

The one question I would ask an exercise guru is what exercise and food group helps to burn fat in the stomach so that you can obtain flatness in the whole stomach without having to do a Tummy tuck. Cardio-getting your heart rate pumping and wearing this rubber belt when you do: http://www.joelharperfitness.com/shop/fitpack-fitball.html on top of a t-shirt. Completely eliminate desserts. Every time you have a craving eat fruit, especially Raspberries!!!

 Lisa: Mom & Legal Assistant

What is a better exercise program for women in their 50’s weight lifting or yoga? A combination of both. You can NOT do one without the other. This DVD will show you effectively and efficiently how to do it: http://www.joelharperfitness.com/shop/slim-and-fit-workout-dvd.html You want to exercise and then immediately stretch=burning/toning and elongating. You want long lean muscles right?

Kelli: Interior Designer

I’m a 50+ female who has not been terribly active, but now desires to begin a fitness plan. Any recommendations as to the best approach to begin? I’m interested in a holistic approach — i.e., fitness combined with nutrition. Yes, in your head. What is your “deserve level?” Do you feel like you deserve to be in the best shape of your life? If you do, let’s get going on doing FIT PACK TOTAL 6 days a week for 20 minutes a day http://www.joelharperfitness.com/shop/fitpack-total-workout-dvd.html and eat only foods that are going to nourish your body. If your deserve level is somewhere below it is best you sit and meditate to figure out exactly what the issues are and pull out a piece of paper and come up with simple direct action steps to bridge and evaporate the gap.

Lauren: Gourmet Chef

I don’t like going to the gym, and even though I have my DVD exercise tapes, I still don’t make time to work out for thirty minutes a day. Do you have a quick workout routine for “lazy ladies?” Yes, it is 3 minutes and you can do it for FREE on Oprah. Here it is and yes do it NOW: http://www.oprah.com/health/The-3-Minute-Workout-with-Joel-Harper-Video

To my girlfriends, thank you for your questions; to Mr. Harper, thank you for inspiring us ladies; and to my readers, I wish you an enthusiastic and energetic 2013 of wellness.

Catch it if you can at www.joelharperfitness.com