In the gym your guide to what's happening in the gym today. And remember, you heard it here first

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, July, 2003

Q I recently saw a guy literally walking from one end of the gym to the other, carrying a couple of 50-pound dumbbells. He was pretty ripped. Is there any value in this?

-- S.B., Glendale, California

A Unless you're getting ready to try out for the World's Strongest Man contest, you may want to skip this little workout gem, known as the Farmer's Walk. Sure, you may reap some benefits from hauling around an extra 100 pounds--such as improving your grip and forearm strength, tightening up that core and even breathing hard--but if your goals aren't directly related to any of the above, you're not missing much by leaving this off your workout card.

Q I have a co-worker who trains at my gym, and whenever I see her, she's always wearing earphones. I'd like to talk while doing cardio, but I'm afraid to say anything to her.

-- M.R., Pittsburgh

A As you should be! People who wear earphones at the gym are sending one message and one message only: Don't talk to me! Your co-worker obviously finds the motivation she needs in her personal music choices, and props to her for being able to get through her workout without the distraction of someone like Ryan Seacrest on ephedra.

Q Leaning on the rails while on the stair-stepper and the elliptical: What's the deal?

-- C.K., Birmingham

A The deal is simple: Lean on the handrails to support the majority of your body weight and gyp yourself out of the workout you deserve. Let's face it, you're leaning on the rails because it eases the workload. Instead, center yourself on the pedals, hold the rails lightly to help you keep your balance, and maintain your natural body posture with your shoulders relaxed and your head up.

Q A lot of the models in the magazinc wear super-short shorts, and recently I've noticed a few women at my gym wearing the same. Am I missing something?

-- M.C., Kansas City, Kansas

A To be sure, take this short quiz: Are you under the age of 30? Are you at your ideal bodyweight? Are your legs and butt virtually cellulite-free? At the gym, do you stick to only cardio machines, and are these machines backed up to a solid wall? If you've answered yes to all these questions, then you get the green light to wear micro-shorts. If not, try something a little longer, more practical and oh, uh, not so slutty.

If you have a burning question about something you've witnessed at the gvm, mail it to "In the Gym," Attn: Gym Goddess, M & F HERS, 21100 Erwin St., Woodland Hills, California 91367.