Ask the MisFits

He's a veteran reporter, digging up the latest fitness news. She's an irreverent columnist with a knack for getting people off the couch and into the gym. No exercise question is too odd or embarrassing for them to answer.

Vicky Hallett and Howard Schneider are the MisFits, The Post's fitness writers. Vicky was online Tuesday, August 5 to take your fitness questions and discuss their recent columns.

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Vicky Hallett: Do you know what today is? Well, yes, it is National Underwear Day (seriously.), but I meant that today marks the much-heralded return of Howard Schneider! So we're both here to field your questions. And hopefully you're now totally enthralled by our "Learning from Olympians" series, so we can impress you with knowledge we stole from Kate Ziegler, Dominique Dawes and Justin Spring.

Or we can talk about underwear. Your call...

Howard Schneider: This was not the summer to drive 2,000 miles but that is just about what we managed to do, from here to the Adirondacks than down to South Carolina and back, though gas prices were at least going down as time progressed. Don't know how all this is associated with underwear. Maybe Vicky will enlighten us...

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Midwest: Thanks for today's column! Do you know of any good resources that give detailed descriptions of dumbbell-free, strength-building exercises?

Vicky Hallett: We aim to please. And while I don't know of any sites that cater just to dumbbell-free exercises, they're not hard to find on the more comprehensive sites.

You can try the American Council on Exercise's Library:

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/freeexercise.aspx

Or, take a gander at the Crossfit exercise site:

http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html

There's a whole section in there on gymnastics moves! And there's another one on jumping rope, which is another Dawes' favorite...

Howard Schneider: And the bodyweight staples remain: pushups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, jumping jacks....

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Austin, Tex: OK, so I wrote up this question offline and went to submit it to the Lean Plate Club chat, and found out it's gone. So maybe the topic is close enough to fit in your chat?

Could you and/or the chatters refer me to a good software program (online or not) for tracking diet, nutrition, exercise, etc.? Or have you or someone published a comparison? I have used fitday.com, and it is very helpful, but I'd like more: I eat the same combinations of food over and over, and it would be nice not to have to enter each component every day. I'd like to enter recipes and/or lists of commonly-combined foods (sandwich = 2 slices whole wheat bread, 1 oz. cheese, 1 oz. ham) (egg-white frittata = egg whites, broccoli, mushrooms, green peppers, spinach, a dab of Smart Balance) and have the nutrients, carb, fat, protein, calorie, etc., content calculated for me. Also, fitday assumes everything cooked has added table salt, and that is not true in my kitchen. As for fitness, I have undergone a test at my health club which has calculated my basal metabolic rate and I'd love to be able to enter that rather than rely on the software's estimate. Ditto my calories burned during exercise -- my heart rate monitor has that information.

Vicky Hallett: Lean Plate Club is on hiatus for now, but we have to sally forth (perhaps that was a poor choice of words...), so sure, we'll try to help you in this chat! The only thing I've ever tested out that seemed to be like what you're looking for is the online nutrition planning program offered at Sport & Health. But that's a local gym chain, so that won't help you much in Austin.

I know there are a gazillion of these programs out there though. Any chatters know which ones can help our Texan friend?

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Alexandria, Va.: I have crohn's and get some really bad joint pain prior to my bi-monthly remicade infusions. I want to keep up my regime of riding my bike and going to the gym. Do you have any suggestions for how to overcome some of the joint/arthritis pain? Right now it is a challenge just getting out of the bed in the morning. Do you think that my motto -- go to the gym and let the muscle fatigue pain take my mind off of the joint pain -- is wise?

Doctors tell me to take tylenol arthritis.

Howard Schneider: I've been corresponding with a woman in Florida with Crohn's who is training for a marathon, but her battle has been with hydration issues. I hope to write about that down the road. As for the joint pain, assuming it is tied to the Crohn's, seems wise to stick to with what your doctor is recommending. One thing you might explore is whether some other types of exercise, such as yoga or tai chi, that are known to promote joint health might provide some long-term relief....

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Pushups in Norway: Hi Misfits. You may remember that I, a 47-year-old woman who had never been able to do pushups, was training to be able to do 10 military-style pushups in response to a challenge by my Norwegian foreign exchange student. Well, I made it! We visited him in Norway and I did them, although I probably should have been able to get much lower on the down-side.

Thanks so much for the training tips, especially the reverse push-up. The honor of the USA was upheld! Also, it was a very active trip. Lots of hiking in the gorgeous, pristine outdoors -- you can actually drink the water from fjords and rivers -- sightseeing in open-air museums and swimming in the chilly fjord. I actually lost weight on vacation, in spite of the delicious elk with lingonberries and amazing milk chocolate.

Vicky Hallett: Next stop: Olympic glory! Show those Norwegians who's the boss -- even if they do have a lot of delicious lingonberries. (You can get them at Ikea, too. So there.)

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Leesburg, Va.: I am a moderate exerciser -- 30 mins aerobic and 15 mins of light weights about three times a week. I need to lose 30 lbs. Besides decreasing the amount of food I eat, is it better just to increase the aerobic exercise for 2-3 months and not concentrate on the free weights until I lose 20 lbs.?

Howard Schneider: My feeling is to stick with your program. There's no magic formula for weight loss - it is going to vary by individual. Giving up the weights only means losing one dimension of your exercise. In addition, it might not necessarily be the amount of food you eat, but the type of food. A proper balance of fat,carbs and protein, less of the easily digestible refined stuff and more of the nutritionally dense vegetables and whole grains, etc., might be as important to you as the total number of calories consumed. If you feel ready to up the activity, add some cardio but keep the weights: the general guideline from the federal government is that, to really promote weight loss, we need to work out for an hour or more daily...For people who have been really obese, the recommendation is for as much as 90 minutes in order to maintain...Tough news, I know. And there are some who argue that exercise only makes us hungrier -- which is why it is important to ensure that you couple your workouts with food that counts....

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Washington, D.C.: Blasted plantar fascitis. Any suggestions on how to keep up some semblance of an exercise routine when I'm hobbled and walking will only sustain the injury?

Vicky Hallett: Yeesh. Well, I'd say swimming or biking, but that regimen didn't work out too well for our mayor. (Link to follow, just in case you haven't been keeping tabs on his sports injuries...) You don't need to stand to do a lot of strength moves though -- I say string a bunch together for a circuit. There are a ton of ideas on those sites I posted earlier in the chat.

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washingtonpost.com: Fenty Falls Off Bicycle, Re-Injures Broken Left Foot (Post, July 31)

Vicky Hallett: News of our injured Mayor...

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Alexandria, Va.: I use Spark People for nutrition and exercise tracking. They not only let you save your favorite foods and create custom food groupings, but they also track exercise and will generate workouts for you based on what equipment you have and what your weight loss goals are. They have tons of articles on nutrition and exercise, as well as a community forum if you are into that. And it's free!

Vicky Hallett: A vote for Spark People. Austin, have you ever given that site a try?

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Vicky and Howard. So, I've been commuting by bike for the last month. My ride is about 8 miles each way. Some of it is by road, some by the Mount Vernon Trail. My question is this: I'm deaf. Should I get some sort of sign for my back that advertises this as a safety thing for overtaking cars and bikers? (And, sadly, yes, I'm still overtaken on the bike paths -- takes a while to get the quads and calves and lungs back in shape!)

Vicky Hallett: It wouldn't be a bad idea. People aren't often polite on the roads (or trails) in this town, and if they think you're ignoring them, that could spark a case of road rage.

And don't worry -- soon enough your lungs and calves will be unstoppable. Then you'll be the one doing the passing on those trails.

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Elliptical question: My question is about the elliptical and why it seems so much harder than it looks. I'm new to working out but have managed to work up to a 10-min. mile pace for 30 minutes on the treadmill. I wanted to try the elliptical to mix up my cardio but I don't even last 5 minutes on it with no resistance. My thighs burn after a couple minutes. What am I doing wrong? I don't think my leg muscles are that weak since I am able to do 3 sets of 15 reps at 120 lbs. on the leg press machine.

Vicky Hallett: That's a head scratcher! I'm wondering if you might do better if you try a little resistance. Sometimes when there's nothing, it's hard to control the machine. Or, maybe you're trying to go too fast? It's a new exercise for you, so take it slow. Get to a pace you can manage for at least 10 minutes, and then add from there.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks in part to what I've read on your weekly chats, I started adding running intervals to my treadmill workouts. The elliptical and I have officially ended our love affair and now I'm a treadmill girl all the way! What started as three one-and-one-half minute running intervals during my 30 minute workout in mid-May became me running an entire mile at 6.2 mph yesterday!

Anyway, enough tooting my own horn and on to my question. Since I've added some running I get mild discomfort in my right achilles tendon. Its not enough to stop my workout, and is actually more prominent when walking later in the day and into the next day. I haven't been able to figure out any stretches that really target that area, many that get the calf but none that get that low. Ideas?

Thanks again for your encouragement on these chats! Its really helped me be confident enough to try new things.

Howard Schneider: That is great news...Are you taking time to warm-up and stretch before you run? All of your ligaments and tendons and muscles will appreciate this -- and it is particularly important as your intensity increases. Warm-up at a really easy pace for ten minutes or so, then go through your stretching sequence. And don't discount the calf stretches -- they are helping the achilles as well if you are doing them right. There are those you can do flatfooted -- raising up on the balls of your feet. But you might also want to try doing these from a stair or box or other device that will let you move out to the ball of your foot and lower the heel down -- you will surely feel this low in the leg. These can also be done unilaterally -- one leg at a time, to make sure both legs are being strengthened. If you are able, raise and lower yourself with one leg crossed behind the other ankle, say 15 times. Then do the other foot, then repeat. This will strengthen the calf, and in conjunction with that the Achilles' tendon.

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For Leesburg: In response to Leesburg, who needs to lose 30 lbs -- personally, I don't think 30 min of aerobics three times a week is enough. Also, I assume you mean strenuous aerobic exercise. I would up the aerobics to five times a week if you can, and if it's 30 minutes, make sure you are getting your heart rate up for enough of that time.

And definitely track your calories. It's amazing to realize how much is packed into a single brownie or candy bar...

Howard Schneider: Good point on the intensity of the aerobics and the benefit of tracking heart rate...We all have different goals, and, as the federal guidelines note, many of the benefits of exercise come with that daily thirty minutes of moderate work. But to really improve we need to do more, and to gradually make it more strenuous. My own experience is that the weight will not come off until we breach the one hour barrier -- and will only keep coming off if we try to make the workload progressively harder. Our bodies adapt - and will only keep adapting if we make it necessary...

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Ana: I was interested in the article about La Boxing in last weeks express, but the location is not convenient. Do you know of similar facilities in the D.C./Silver Spring/Bethesda area?

Vicky Hallett: I know the L.A. Boxing people are planning to expand to DC and MD before too long. But if you can't wait, I'd look into classes at Third Power Fitness in Adams Morgan or private boxing lessons at the Sports Club/LA in the West End. Very different vibes, but the same idea: Hit stuff, get in better shape. I believe Body Smith (on 14th and in Glover Park) also does boxing training...

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Chris, Odenton: Good morning and thanks for your always-informative and entertaining chat. I'm curious to know your opinion on bikram, or hot room, yoga?

Howard Schneider: I have not done it but have a number of friends who swear buy it. Be prepared on a couple of fronts: the sequence of moves is pretty carefully prescribed -- there is not a lot of innovation...Go into the class hydrated and take water with you (teachers often will not let you attend without it). And don't be fooled by the initial weight loss -- it is all from sweat. My sense of this is that people who like to sweat, and don't mind doing it in front of people, enjoy this; those who are self conscious about it, not so much...

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hello, Vicky and Howard -- Please help an addict get back on her running feet! I had been experiencing some pain in my upper calf, just below the knee on my right leg. The spot was tender and was most painful when I tried to sit cross-legged or if I crouched down (and not when going up and down steps). Do you have any experience with an injury like this? There was no single event that I can point to so I'm assuming it's an overuse injury. I had been running about 16 miles per week but decided, somewhat out of character, to take some time off and let the leg heal. I did a few test runs recently and although the pain is nowhere near as intense as it had been there is still a little twinge. I hesitate to get see a doctor for a little twinge but am anxious to get back to running. Any guidance as to what kind of injury this might be would be welcome! Thanks in advance.

Howard Schneider: How long have you been running? Sixteen miles a week is not a huge volume. The location sounds like patello-femoral syndrome-- a common irritation. The link above will give you more detail and some suggested exercises. I suffered from this when I started increasing running distance about ten months ago. I'd recommend a first trip to the running store to check your shoes -- see if you have the right type for your mechanics, and, if you do, whether the current pair are shot. The material in the sole becomes compressed and non-supportive after roughly 300 miles...Make sure the footwear is doing its job, and talk to them about other possible sources of pain....

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Training Panic: Hi! The Nation's Tri is just 5 weeks away and I'm in a complete panic. I don't feel ready at all. I'm going away next week, so my training is going to be limited to running (and maybe a stationary bike). I want to do this but I'm beginning to hit my wall (mental and physical). Any tips for overcoming this?

Howard Schneider: Well at least you are not in a foot cast like Mayor Fenty, so count your blessings....Keep in mind that this is an endurance event, so even if you are "just running" you'll be keeping up with a key part of the program. If you have access to the stationary bike, all the better. If not, why not add some time to the runs you have scheduled so you are at least moving for a time that approaches what your training plan calls for? You'll still have a month when you get back to complete the training, and a lighter than normal week now won't set you back too much....In fact, if you are hitting a wall, a break might actually be helpful. Why not plan on a couple of light runs this week and check on your motivation when you get back?

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Underwear day question: I am large chested and have not found comfortable undergarments for running. I either feel smothered with the over-the-head traditional jog bras, or unsupported with the newer types. Most running stores do not have a selection for larger chested women. Do you have any place to recommend? While I do need to lose about 10 lbs, I think the girls' size is here to stay.

Vicky Hallett: I knew we'd have at least one taker. And as we've gotten this question before, I can tell you -- with some authority -- that bigger busted gals dig that Title Nine brand (Titlenine.com). And I always like to mention the famous "Bounce Test" videos at Herroom.com.

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Fairfax, Va.: I would like to find a female walking partner, but so far have been unsuccessful. I walk at least a 15 minutes mile. Any suggestions?

Vicky Hallett: You could try Craigslist, or we can attempt to match make for you right here on the chat! Any female walkers out there in Fairfax who are looking for a partner? If you email us at misfits@washpost.com we can privately get you in touch.

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Nutrition Software: Hi. SparkPeople is a good (and free) website for tracking your calories each day. If you are willing to buy software, I found that DietPower works well for tracking your food intact, though I found it didn't always calculate the best calorie goals for me.

Both of these programs allow you to store favorite foods. I think one of them also lets you save favorite meals, which is handy for people like me who tend to eat the same things each day!

Vicky Hallett: My question is: Do they know how many calories are in elk served with lingonberries?

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Atlanta: Years ago I was in physical therapy and bought a ball to do ab exercises. I have since lapsed in being good about working my core and I'd like to get back to it. Do you or the chatters know of any websites that list good core/ab exercises with a ball?

Vicky Hallett: I was just at a stability ball class last Friday and holy moly, it was brutal, so there's definitely plenty you can do with those things.

The Mayo Clinic has a workout slideshow that might give you some ideas:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00046&slide=1

Or, try plugging "stability ball" into the search box at Womenshealthmag.com. You'll get demos of the tuck-in push-up (ouch.), back extension, pelvic tilt crunch and a whole lot more...

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Bikers vs Runners: I often run on Mt. Vernon trail and have bikers fly by me, but come really close even though there is no one coming from the other side. I don't know how to ride a bike, so I am wondering if there is a reason they do this that I don't realize because I don't know how to ride a bike. I think it is very annoying and unsafe! Is there a way to tell bikers they are too close?

Howard Schneider: Putting this out there as a reminder for trail etiquette...Are they giving you a heads up -- either ringing a bell, or announcing "passing left" or something like that? If so, then their assumption is that you know they are there and they can simply veer around. That said, there is no particular "reason" for them to cut it close. And if there is oncoming traffic, the proper move is to slow and let that clear -- not zoom in between...Most people I encounter on the trails follow the rules, though some do play chicken (and should stop)...

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Washington, D.C.: I take an hour long cardio kickboxing type class on some days when I go to the gym instead of the usual elliptical or treadmill, as they bore me. Is there a way to track the amount of calories I burn in the class as opposed to the cardio machines?

Vicky Hallett: Wear a heart rate monitor. It's not a bad idea to wear one when you're on the elliptical or treadmill, too. It'll be more accurate than whatever those machines are telling you.

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Re: Software programs: There's a free program called Cron-O-Meter that works really great. It's designed for a calorie-restricted diet, but even if that's not your aim, it still works and has quite a large database of foods, including brand-name products. It also keeps track of your weight and other statistics.

Vicky Hallett: And another highly recommended program. I think this one wins for weirdest name though...

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Annandale, Va.: Along the lines of the dumbell-free resistance workouts, the book, "You Staying Young" has an exercise series in the back of the book. It's challenging while doing it, but not something that makes me sore the next day. Is there any benefit for doing it almost daily or should I just skip it to do harder exercises? Thanks!

Howard Schneider: Hard to say without knowing more. It is not necessary for you to be sore to have benefitted from the workout, so dont use that as a hard and fast rule. If it seems hard, it probably is. And most anything can be scaled -- if they have you doing pushups, for example, really focus on form and make sure you get your chest on the ground; if it is a squat, make sure your thighs are parallel to the ground. In other words, make sure you are not cheating on any of the exercises. And after that, why not add more? Or try to do more while keeping the time the same? There are ways to make things more intense, in other words, without discarding the workout altogether...

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Annapolis, Md.: Thanks for taking my question. I've gone to Play it Again Sports to buy used equipment and had a string of successes. Are there other second hand fitness stores that we can exploit? Thanks.

Vicky Hallett: I'll admit I don't know of any. Chatters?

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Detroit: Hi! I'm five months pregnant with my second baby and I also recently went back to work after a three year hiatus from staying home with my first child. I was in great shape during my first pregnancy and only gained 20 lbs. I'm starting at a little higher weight than the first time now (about 10 lbs heavier) but am scared that I am not in as good of shape as before and will have a hard time getting back into shape after the baby is born. Do you recommend doing some weight lifting/etc before I have the baby? The doctor said it was fine, as long as I don't overdo it. I just want to tone/strengthen what I can now, so I'll be in good shape to get back into the swing of things post pregnancy.(i.e., getting rid of some arm jiggle that I see developing...yikes!) Thanks for your help!

Vicky Hallett: If your doctor gave you the OK, it sounds fine to me. The main thing to worry about when you're pregnant is falling over. So that's why activities like biking are considered no-nos. But otherwise, it's great to exercise when you're pregnant.

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Needing some advice..: OK, I need a little help. I've recently cut the sweets (I used to have a major sweet-tooth), and I work out about 5 times a week. I'm 5'1", about 120 lbs (a lot of muscle, since I've been working out consistently for about 8 years). The problem is that I'd like to change up my workout a little to tone more and give some variation, but I'm not sure what to do. Currently, I run about a half mile (and back) to my gym each morning, doing an hour of cardio. Usually I use the elliptical to protect my knees, but I always vary my routine and add hills/resistance so that I'm always sweating a lot. I'll do a few stretches, but don't know much about weight training for my arms. Just started learning how to play tennis, but I'm not sure what kind of a workout that is!

Howard Schneider: If you are just starting with weight training, and belong to a gym, you might want to consider a few monhts using the Nautilus or other circuit machines -- just to get used to the motion and the form...There is less chance of injury that way, and you'll get a sense of how different exercises affect different muscle groups, and learn some of the basic principles....As far as tennis goes, it really depends on how good you are and how hard you play. IT is a great aerobic sport -- if the rallies are reasonable, but that only comes with practice....

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Speaking of Trails: Since trail etiquette just came up, I'd like to make a plea for walkers to walk in groups of no more than 2-3 people. More than that and people trying to pass on bikes or skates can't see around you on many parts of the trail, and it's dangerous for everyone.

Howard Schneider: Another good point from the wheeled side of the divide...The morning chat with the neighbors is nice but if it takes up the whole trail it makes for tough navigation...And my own pet peeve: Keep the dogs on the outside of the trail...Leashes can lead to all sorts of problems....

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Elliptical usage tips: This might be a bit late to get in, but here goes.

I had problems at first on the ellipticals, and had exactly the same symptoms! I solved it when I realized that the motion was not the same as walking or running. You have to 'sway' with the motion of the machine. Move your center of gravity so it is over the foot that is pushing down, alternating sides as you go. Changing the angle can help too -- esp. if you have shorter legs.

Vicky Hallett: You're never too late to give good elliptical advice. Thanks!

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Washington, D.C.: To the person interested in Hot Yoga, I have tried all of it and liked Bikram the least only because after a few sessions you will be bored out of your mind. It's the same 26 poses every time, the instructors even all sound identical which is what I think they learn at training school. I love the heat though so I go to either Hot Yoga on Wisconsin or Down Dog in G'town. Much better work out (more strength building) and more variety and still hot and sweaty.

Howard Schneider: An opinion on Bikram...Just to make the distinction clear, Bikram is the formalized routine, as opposed to other sorts of yoga performed in a room with the heat turned up...

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Bikers vs runners: As a regular bike commuter on the Capital Crescent Trail, I can tell you that most cyclists do NOT follow the rules and warn when passing. Also, many do cut unnecessarily close when passing, when no one is in sight coming the other direction, and I have no idea why they do this.

Howard Schneider: So this treads into the speed limit debate...Do we think that's a good idea?

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For Austin: I've used The Daily Plate with great success.

Howard Schneider: A recommendation from the field....

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Underwear day: Most running shops do not cater to large-busted runners. They sell shoes for heavier striders, but do not seem to recognize the existence of the busty female athlete. Grumble. Anyway, personally, I have had great luck with the Moving Comfort Maia bra (D-DD) which can be found at places like Dicks, Sports Authority and so on.

Vicky Hallett: The Underwear Day celebration continues here with the MisFits! And yes, Moving Comfort is another popular brand. Here's a fun fact about them: They do all of their design and development in Chantilly, Virginia.

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Chicago: Any advice for a guy trying to work off his "moobs"?

Vicky Hallett: Moobs! You came back. Sorry I didn't get to you last week. But did you see my column on this a few weeks ago?:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/06/AR2008060603784.html

But if it's really a matter of excess fat, then you just have to lose weight all over. Spot reduction isn't any easier on moobs than it is on a woman's thighs. (The one way life is sorta fair...although guys do tend to lose weight more easily. Arg.) Burn more calories, watch what you eat and you'll lose that jiggle.

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Working out when you are tired: I love all these articles with work-out advice from Olympians, and I agree that it's ideal to have a goal with each session or to try and push yourself to a higher level. But some mornings I am just tired. I go to the gym anyway, figuring it's better to get a workout in even if I'm not pushing myself to the max. Is this okay?

Howard Schneider: I am tempted by the "something is better than nothing" idea, except that sometimes nothing really is better...Our ability to do more is affected by our willingness to rest. If you have a workout goal in mind, and you are too tired to pursuse, maybe you have been doing too much. Stay in touch with yourself in that regard -- and remember to schedule rest into you program...

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Biking To Work: I was measured at the gym last night -- 11.5 percent body fat. I was 13 percent when I started and 16.5 a year ago when I joined the gym. It has been going down since I started riding my bike. That made me smile.

On a side note: I bought a helmet rear view mirror to see cars behind me, but my backpack with my work clothes blocks most of the view. And the mirror moves when I hit bumps. So far, it's duct taped in place.

Howard Schneider: Hmmmm...Any equipment pros out there have a solution?

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To Silver Spring: I'm not a doc, but that injury (top of the calf, right below the knee) sounds an awful lot like a popliteus strain. If it feels less like the joint and more like the muscle, I'd get it checked out. From experience, I know it can take FOREVER to heal if you just let it go.

Howard Schneider: Another suggestion on the knee pain issue...which only reminds that, when in doubt, ask a pro...

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The full cup: Advice for full chested ladies from a gal who is a 32G.

Forget running stores and sports stores for bras. Get thee to a specialty lingerie shop and get properly fitted for a bra. Just because all they have is honeymoon type undies in the window, doesn't mean that a good bra store doesn't have sports bras too. And when I say specialty store, I don't mean Victoria Secret. I mean a store with knowledgeable staff who are trained specifically in how to fit bras. You will pay more for them, but they are worth it.

If you are local to D.C., try The Full Cup in Alexandria. Otherwise, call around and find a store that specializes and stocks a full range of sizes. Anywhere that only sells up to a D or DD is not going to work.

Vicky Hallett: I did a column on this point, too:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/13/ST2008041301981.html

Thanks for the nips! I mean, tips!

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Silver Spring, Md.: How was hanging out with Dominique Dawes? Is she single?

Vicky Hallett: She mentioned an ex -- he's the one that got her into golf -- but I don't know if she's currently taken...I bet she'll only date guys who can do one-legged squats though.

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Howard Schneider: Okay we are out for now...Next week we will have more Olympic tips -- and the games themselves will be underway. Vicky has taken her underwear and left the building already...See you next week....

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