I recently quit smoking and gained about 10 pounds in the process. The weight hasn't really bothered me so much up until now. At the end of March I'm going on a vacation to Mexico and don't want to look fat and flabby in my bathing suit -- I'd even like to wear a bikini if at all possible.

What's the most I can do in the shortest amount of time to get myself toned up for my trip?
Sas

First of all, congratulations Sas. My first instinct is to say who cares about ten pounds? You should be proud of yourself for doing something that people find extremely, extremely difficult, but is also absolutely essential for long term health.

So you gained ten pounds -- what's the big deal? But you're the one going to Mexico, not me, so let's see what you can do in six weeks.

If you haven't been exercising at all, it's time to start. The simplest way is to begin walking four or five times per week for 20-30 minutes. Work up to 45 minutes. Add daily crunches for your midsection, throw in some modified pushups for your upper body and you'll notice yourself starting to firm up.

To perform a basic crunch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head with your fingers laced together. Curl your trunk forward until you feel the small of your back flatten against the floor.

Ease yourself back down and maintain the tension on your stomach muscles until you're lying flat again. Remember to keep breathing. Exhale on the way up, inhale on the way down.

Keep your elbows back when curling forward. Don't use your arms to pull yourself up, your hands should only cradle your head and keep the strain off of your neck muscles. Work up to 25-30 in a set and try to do a few sets at a time.

To do the pushups: Lie face down on an exercise mat, carpeted floor, or a couple of towels spread out over a bare floor. Place your hands on the floor slightly wider than, and in line with, your shoulders, palms flat.

Bend your knees so that your feet don't touch the floor. Press yourself away from the floor until your elbows are straight, but not locked. Bend your arms and ease yourself back down to the floor. Remember to keep your back straight and don't let it sag. Start in the 20-30 range and try and do a few more each day.

Have a great vacation!

Post your questions and comments on the Tone Up Your Body message board!