Geeta: i wanted to know if its ok to follow a fitness programme in the evening / night post work hours or is morning the only time to do so? are there any special precautions to keep in mind?

NamitaJain: Yes, any time is fine as long as you keep a gap of about 90-minutes post eating before your workout

patricia: i would like to know what foods to give my mom who has IInd stage breast cancer. she is 78 yrs old. suffering from trigiminal neuralagia. Has hardly any teeth so cannot bite hard foods like carrots. I am frustrated as to what to give her to eat daily

NamitaJain:Soft foods - soups , mashed fruits could work well - i suggest you consult her medical advisor for specific guidelines

nick: i am 29years old and exercise reqularly want to know which supplement should i take

NamitaJain:If you consume a balanced diet - include cereals, protein-rich foods, fruits and veggies and small amout of fat in your diet - you donot need additional supplements. Take supplements only if prescribed by your doctor.

Geeta: whenever i am at the gym, i have to wait for sometime (about 5-10 mins) before i can get access to equipment. is there any problem if there is a pause between equipment?

NamitaJain: It is a food idea to walk around or march in place, so that your heart rate does not drop before you get to use the machine

lee: i've heard that there the danger of UV rays or smog if you exercise outdoors early in morning. is this true?

NamitaJain: Its a great idea to exercise in he morning - you also get your daily dose of vitamin D

lee: is it important to keep time aside for fitness or can it be part of the daily activity. for example if i climb stairs would that qualify as time spent on fitness? what's the idea workout duration?

NamitaJain: Try to get 30-minutes atleast of daily exercise. So as long as your entire exercise during the day adds to 30 mins (stair climbing included) it is fine.

Gio: at age 30, what should be the minimum exercise I should be doing?

NamitaJain: 30 minutes is the minimum for any age - i recommend you include - walking and strength exercises and flexibility exercises

lee: what are the best increments in which to increase workout duration? in terms of time spent or in terms of reps ?

NamitaJain: You can increase frequency, intensity (reps or weights) or duration - increase 10-percent of any per week to ensure safety

Geeta: why is it recommended to alternate cardio workout with weights? i prefer the cardio workout to the weights so i wanted to know if there are will be any problems if i work only cardio?

NamitaJain: Weight training increases bone density, raises your metabolic rate and helps shape you up. Do include weight training

Suchita: i am a female of 24 yrs i suffer from improper food digestion.... pls help me

NamitaJain: Eat slowly, include fibre-rich foods (fruits and veggies) drink 10 glasses of water daily and exercise regularly

lee: when using weights, should i work with the weight that is tough to move (more resistance) or should i workout with the lower weight ?

NamitaJain: The exercises should be challenging - use weights so that you can do 10 reps with correct form

Geeta: why do gyms make us alternate cardio with weights?

NamitaJain: You donot need to alternate cardio with weights - but must include both

Gio: what should be the ideal process after an exercising routine? Rest/water intake/wash?

NamitaJain: First taper off intensity then stretch - after that you could rest, wash - whatever you choose

Geeta: how much of a problem is pollution when working out outdoors especially in the city? is it better to skip the workout on heavy fog / smog days?

NamitaJain: Yes - you can skip exercise if the pollution is high or exercise indoors.

lee: if i want to build muscle, is using protien supplements ok? i follow a veg diet so i am off chicken and eggs

NamitaJain: Your protein consumption shoud be about 1 gram of protein for every kilo that you weigh. Consume supplements if your diet is protein defficient - i advise you consult a nutritionist to evaluate your needs.