That's the promise of "The New Rules of Lifting for Women," (by Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe and Alwyn Cosgrove, The Penguin Group). The book contends that strength training, not aerobics, provides the key to losing fat and building a fit, strong body. It rebuts the idea that women will "bulk up" if they lift heavy weights and offers six months of full body workouts designed to strengthen all muscle groups. There's also a nutrition plan that debunks the low-calorie diet and offers women a way to eat and sustain energy.

— Paula Rath

U MAGAZINE IS IN HIGH GEAR FOR THE NEW YEAR

As we get ready for our spring issue (due out March 7), our thoughts are turning to fashion, cocooning, makeup, fragrance, clubs, relationships and all things style-related.

You don't have to wait until March for the latest news and notes on Island style. Catch the blog from Paula Rath and members of The Advertiser's Fashion Forum at www.umaghawaii.com. We'll be posting each week, so be sure to click back often.

FINAL WORD

"I've been working in this industry since I was 7, and I'm finally being commended for those years. And ... I can't believe you made me cry."

Fergie | on being named Blender magazine's woman of the year