That's what happened with Bridges' Crunch Time. In between kicking butt as a trainer on The Biggest Loser - and on-stage motivational speaking - Bridges has been living out her dream of renovating her home, "getting final council approval was so exciting!" she says.

Torn star

What cardio’s good (apart from swimming) for a torn ACL?
JS, Cairns, Qld
It depends on where you’re at with your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. If you don’t need surgery, then you need to start rehab, guided by a specialist. Strengthening areas around the knee (quads, hamstrings and glutes) is key, as well as keeping your core and back strong with specific weight training. The cross trainer (see left) and stationary bike are usually the best, safest machines for cardio about three to five weeks after ACL surgery.

Shin condition

I get shin splints – how can I get rid of ’em?
AS, Doncaster East, Vic
Shin splints – an overuse injury that causes pain near the large bone in the lower leg – is common in runners. Shoes, weight, fitness and lower leg strength can all play a role; it’s a very individual problem. Speak to a podiatrist about new shoes and strengthening exercises; increase your fitness with cycling or other non-impact cardio; barefoot jog on soft grass; lose weight if you need to; and try massage and physio.

Hand-weight maiden

I’m so busy. What do you think of running with hand weights?
ER, Parramatta, NSW
Running with hand weights can be jarring on your body, particularly your shoulders. Saying that, I’ve seen cross-country runners with backpacks bolting through the bush! My personal opinion is, why? If you’re running, run. If you’re trying to strengthen your upper body, finish your run five minutes early and bang out 50 push-ups, 50 triceps dips and 30 triceps push-ups. In my experience, that will do more for you than running with weights.


You mentioned vibration training plates... Could you please advise the best exercise to do on them?
DF, Charnwood, ACT

Vibration training has been around for decades and research suggests people with conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and stroke may benefit from it. The makers of the Power Plate promote standing on it for 15 minutes a day, three days a week, to tighten muscles (including the waist) and shed body fat. I've seen just about every core exercise you can do on the floor done on these plates. The key words are "work" and "regularly". Whether you do that on a plate or not, you'll see results.

Side effects

What do you do to prevent cramps or stitches?
TD, Southern River, WA

Thorn in your side, huh? It helps not to eat two to three hours before exercise, and be well hydrated but don't drink too much water right before a workout. As you train, keep your breathing slow and controlled. As you get fitter the chances of a stitch will become slimmer. When you're running, inhale on the left foot strike, then exhale on right. Many runners swear by this.

Calve it up

I really want to slim my calves so I can fit into sexy boots.
SW, Port Melbourne, Vic

We have our genes to thank for our body shape - calves are no exception. While losing weight will absolutely help to reduce your calf size, there isn't much more you can do than exercise and eat a healthy diet. Unfortunately, there's little point in specifically training this body part, as you could end up increasing the size. My hot tip? Start cardio training and clean up your diet. Pronto!

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