Letters

Shape, Dec, 2002

Fitness in a Flash

"10 Minutes to Your Best Body" (August) by Suzanne Schlosberg has helped me re-energize my workouts and take my progress to the next level. These exercises are incredible, and I've never felt so exhilarated after working out.

Kali Tomlin, Gainesville, Fla.

Fat Is Back

I had my triglyceride and cholesterol levels checked in early June, and I was shocked to learn they were in the dangerous zone. I realized I had to do something and started following the meal plan in "Eat More Fat, Lose More Weight" (August). Two months later my levels were much lower than before, thanks to my new, healthy eating habits.

The meals were delicious and I was never hungry. I've learned to use healthful olive and canola oils in recipes and to add fish and their omega-3 fatty acids to my diet. Thank you for this much-needed and easy-to-follow eating program. I plan to eat like this for the rest of my life.

Brandi Eyerly, Ellensburg, Wash.

Dealing With Dog Dangers

As a dog trainer, I advise my clients on how to avoid dog bites. While I agree with some of the points in "When Jogger Meets Angry Dog" (Get Fit News, August), some of the tips in that article were dangerous.

Do not tell an aggressive dog "down" or "no." The dog may perceive this as a threat and could increase his aggression, prompting an attack. If an angry dog approaches you, stop running and don't look at the dog or communicate with it. Instead, continue walking with your eyes straight ahead. The less you respond to the dog's aggression, the more likely the dog will lose interest and back away. If the dog continues to follow you, put a barrier between you and it. If you are attacked, throw a piece of clothing over the dog's eyes--a dog that can't see will be less likely to continue with an aggressive response.

It is unfair to blame dogs for their aggressive tendencies since they are just acting on instinct. Joggers should always stay alert.

Victoria Stilwell, New York City

Skin Deep

I was surprised to see two references to Botox treatments in the Look Great News and Beauty Q & A columns in your September issue. It was very out of character for Shape, a magazine devoted to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to endorse such a controversial practice.

Sara Trathen, West Linn, Ore.

Editor's note: Shape does not endorse any cosmetic-surgery procedure. We do, however, want our readers to be informed about medically approved options they may hear about from their dermatologists or other beauty professionals.

Mixed Blessings

In response to "How Have You Changed Since 9/11?" (Life Lessons, September), I would like to share my story: I lost my husband, who was working in the World Trade Center on the day of the terrorist attacks. I was three months pregnant at the time and had a 2-year-old daughter.

Now, I have two healthy children and I thank God that I have them both to help my husband's memory live on. My husband was someone who always enjoyed life to the fullest. Who knew he would only have 35 years to live? Enjoy each and every moment--you never know what the day next day will bring.

Jill Gartenberg, New York City

* You asked for it!

Many of you wrote to Shape.com asking where to purchase the shoes featured on page 22 of the September issue. The "Soko Shandal" is available through L.L. Bean at llbean.com or by calling (800) 809-7057.

For the Record

The illustration for "In a Rut? Break Your Routine!" (Life Lessons, October) should have been credited to Chris Pyle. The byline on "Fall's Best Foods to Lose Weight and Get Healthy" (November) should have been Robin Vitetta-Miller, M.S., who also developed and analyzed the recipes. Shape regrets the error.

YOU TOLD US

In September, we asked you to tell us about your favorite butt-blasting exercise. From your responses, you achieve the best results by doing lunges, especially walking lunges, and squats. Here's what some of you told us:

* I took up sweep rowing this year--eight people in a long, narrow boat. When we row, I really feel it in my legs and butt. When we're training for a race, and seven other people are counting on me, there is no wimping out.

Julie Moncrieff, Chicago

I do lunges while holding my 25-pound, 1 1/2-year-old son. He thinks going up and down is hysterical, and I burn calories at the same time. It's a great way to have fun together and tone my lower body too.

Amy Webb, Cedar, Utah

For a handy list of all the articles that have run in Shape during the past year, log on to Shape.com/2002articleindex.

* When I'm really crunched for time, I do a series of squats while I'm brushing my teeth in the morning. I turn my feet out at a 45-degree angle for a little extra burn. When I'm finished brushing, I have cleaner teeth and a tighter rear end!

Anne Bennin, Great Falls, Mont.

* My favorite butt-toning exercises have always been good old squats and lunges, especially lunges while holding 5- to 10-pound dumbbells in each hand. I definitely feel it the next day. It really works!

Tracy Ervin, Henderson, Nev.

I have to give credit for my tight, toned butt to my trips uphill on my 10-speed bike. I stand on the pedals the whole time I'm going uphill, and all I can feel are my glutes burning.