Hi everyone! I'm Jaime, and in 1995 I invented a workout called "8 Minute Abs" that took the country by storm, got parodied in There’s Something About Mary, and despite being over 25 years old, continues to be one of the top-viewed workout routines on Youtube.

You can read all about how I got started and my journey with 8 Minute Abs on MEL Magazine. And now that I'm in my mid-50s, I've turned my attention to helping older generations stay healthy with a new series of safe and effective workout videos on PBS. I'm here to answer all your questions about fitness, the instructional home workout video industry, and anything else you have in mind. AMA!

PROOF: https://i.redd.it/nigv70fx20p81.jpg

EDIT (2:10pm CST): Thanks everyone for the great questions .....I loved being able to converse with you all. If you have additional questions ...I'll reach back on the site later tonight and try to answer all the remaining questions.

He who has no time for his health today ....will have no health for his time tomorrow ! If you rest you rust !! Commit to be fit Gang !!!!

Comments: 381 • Responses: 51  • Date: 

lost_in_life_34167 karma

lately I've read that a way to get good abs is to run, do deadlifts and some other exercises that don't directly target your core and minimize the core exercises. What do you think about that advice?

WeAreMEL298 karma

Yes --it's an energy equation ....by putting on lean muscle tissue --you're indirectly working your Abs....because you're burning more calories and lessening body fat ..which makes the Abs come out !!

PSUBlackSheep149 karma

Hi Jaime -- thanks for doing this! I still pull the 8-min Ab workout video on Youtube up almost every time I do ab workouts, I've probably watched it 1,000 times and every time I can't help but laugh at the funky 90s music, did you pick that out??

WeAreMEL213 karma

Ha ...I did not ---but, it has a memorable porn riff to it ...which you can't help but smile !

FabulousPhallus63 karma

I’ve been watching it on and off for 15 years. During the reverse crunch there’s a part where it sounds like you say “we’re not laughing”. I can’t help but chuckle everytime. According to YouTube closed captions you’re saying “we’re not walking”. What are you really saying??

PS thanks for the abs

WeAreMEL73 karma

Ha ..."we're not rocking." We were trying to control the movement pulling back. But "we're not laughing" would have been a lot better :)

gcwoz105 karma

How much money did the 8 minute abs and related programs earn after all these years?

WeAreMEL225 karma

Ha ...not enough ......when we did our videos --the internet was in its infant stages. If we would have had the relative success on the original 8 Minute Abs series ..we would have sold 20 million units easily. The original helped millions of people. We had a lot of people exploit the series on Youtube and capitalize on the videos without our knowledge....but, I'm making up for that with new 8 minute workouts and going LIVE in my new app ....www.fitndelicious.com

HitMyLine90 karma

If I had to do only one type body weight workout a day (whether that be running a mile, doing 100 sit-ups, push-ups, etc.) what exercise would you choose and why?

I struggle with motivation and sometimes it’s just hard to get the energy to complete an entire workout program. If I could focus on only one motion and do that every day until it became a habit, I think it could work out well for myself and others like me.

Thank you!

WeAreMEL163 karma

The larger the part ...the better --if you had only one body weight exercise to perform....it would have to be Squats ....this would put on the most muscle tissue --which you benefit by the "aftermath" of the muscle tissue. Keep your eyes on your prize !!

platypoo234590 karma

What's changed most about workout culture since the 90s? And opposite to that, what's a trend that stuck around longer than you thought?

WeAreMEL167 karma

I think strength training has been on equal ground to cardio when it comes to the benefits. And, now that I'll be 61 in a few weeks ...I can tell you --that putting on Muscle is the main issue when it comes to keep a toned body when you get older ...not cardio !!

Trends....Fad Diets are still around :(

You can't go wrong when you eat right !!

EmphasisPleasant181772 karma

So are you in your mid-50's per the introduction or almost 61 as this answer says?

WeAreMEL49 karma

I will be 61 this April .....so I'm ready to put the BOOM back into Boomers !

PrometheanFlame21 karma

It's wild how consistently untrustworthy people in the health and fitness business are, isn't it?

I_CAN_SMELL_U49 karma

I'm gonna go ahead and guess it wasn't some attempt to mislead, but they copied and pasted a bio from 5 years ago

WeAreMEL28 karma

Geez ----I wish I was 55 again ... I'll be 61 in 2 weeks.

WeAreMEL17 karma

Lots of charlatans out there.....who are out just for the money ..and don't care about the validity of their programs ....I couldn't do that --I have always practiced what I preach. Good luck.

lost_in_life_3418 karma

i remember when low fat came out so many years ago and I'm losing body fat now eating almost 300g of fat a day

that was the ultimate fad diet

damp_s17 karma

Big sugar my dude. Good fats are fine (and needed) it’s sugar and complex fats are the fucking worst

WeAreMEL22 karma

Yep ---get rid of the empty calories can't out train a poor diet.

WeAreMEL11 karma

Balance is the key ...You need all calorie substrates ..proteins, fats and carbs

dchallenge70 karma

The day After I do sit ups my back hurts . Why? And what to do as an alternative?

WeAreMEL146 karma

I would suggest to do Planks or just basic crunches that keep your lower back on the ground. If you're trying to bring your body all the way up --this puts a lot of stress on the lower back ....

TADodger44 karma

Someone else has already touched on it, but what did you think of the 'seven minute abs' joke in "There's Something About Mary"? https://youtu.be/JB2di69FmhE?t=45

WeAreMEL102 karma

That was classic ....It was a great tribute to the iconic status of the product. Funny, a few years later, I had a chance to meet Harlin Williams -the comedian who played the part in the movie ...he and Ben Stiller ad libbed the whole segment :)

abutteredcat44 karma

Tips for days when you just don’t feel like working out? I’m having one of those days today. 😞

WeAreMEL142 karma

We all have those. Go take a walk. Or, if you don't want to do that ....focus on your meals that day ..and when you can't expend that energy through exercise ..you won't have to eat as much for energy ....Don't beat yourself up.....

Alex_jaymin34 karma

How much money (ballpark if you want) have you made as a result of 8-minute abs?

WeAreMEL55 karma

Not enough .....I will say we sold over 1.5 million copies !!

Swiggharo20 karma

Dad bod or six pack?

WeAreMEL53 karma

As you age --it gets more difficult to achieve a 6 Pack ...However, it still comes down to physics...if you want those muscles to pop ---you have to make sure you limit the subcutaneous fat under the skin .....which has to be a combination of cardio, resistance and a lean diet. So, most guys stick with the Dad Bod ...it's a lot easier for people who have a real lifestyle !

EskayMorsmordre19 karma

How do i stop eating junk food? And if you allow a second question, how do i deal with locker room anxiety of being seen naked or almost naked? Thank you!

WeAreMEL89 karma

Nothing tastes as good as lean feels. Allow yourself a little wiggle room. I call them "so what" days. If you have junk food ...come back the next meal with a healthier choice. It's not what you do some of the time that counts ...it's what you do most of the time ! Follow the 80/20 rule ..If what you choose to eat 80 % of the time is healthy ...you're doing great ...keep it up .....the other 20 % probably wont matter much.

I know it may be difficult --but try to be confident with your body ...even if you;re not at goal weight . Most people in that gym locker had to start somewhere ...and probably aren't looking at you as an object of embarrassment ...but are probably so happy that you're making an effort and choice to change your health and well being...and they know what you're going through ...so, they are a sense of encouragement for you.

ironsheik8415 karma

What’s your favorite cheat meal?

WeAreMEL69 karma

I don't cheat often ....but I keep my diet realistic ....and YES, I can still take my shirt off at the Beach and be proud of my physique at 60 years young. But being Italian...I still gravitate towards a bowl of pasta now and then ...Mangia !!

WeAreMEL61 karma

It all comes down to portions also---don't deprive yourself...if you want a certain food which you feel is decadent ...have it-enjoy it and move on ...pick up your program the next meal, the next day ,etc.....

80H-d24 karma

I get the feeling that if you eat right long enough, you won't end up wanting the "decadent" meal as frequently as some fear

WeAreMEL15 karma

You can't go wrong when you eat right ....Yes --when you see results --the motivation inspires you to eat healthier at most meals.

kgindahouse15 karma

What are some dangerous AB exercises you see nowadays popularized by fitness influencers/personas?

WeAreMEL39 karma

I think the fitness influencers get in trouble when they get too fancy and try to be too creative......this leads to dangerous ranges of motions ....I still follow ACSM safety protocol. There's only so many ways you can do a "crunch"....however, you can dictate the cadence ..and make the exercises tougher by dictating the challenge with speed and duration .. not by getting too funky. I like Tried and True. By the way ...Abs are made in the kitchen ..not the gym !!

dchallenge14 karma

Also why do people say to keep you pelvis still while doing leg lifts?

WeAreMEL41 karma

Always keep good form ...I always follow ACSM guidelines on form ....safety first. the more body parts you have moving --the better the chance of injury.

muskovitzj12 karma

Do you know John Brenkus? Because

For SportsScience...........

I'm

John Brenkus

WeAreMEL18 karma

I reached out to him a few years back ... He stated we weren't related ...but Brenkus is not a common name ...and he looks like he could be in the family portrait !

muskovitzj2 karma

How about that - you two do share resemblance lol

WeAreMEL8 karma

Ha ---I thought so too !

He has/had a great program --really interesting.

Depending your age --you'd like our new Tv show on PBS ...it's focused on the Boomers ....but lots of terrific recipes too. Go to www.fitndelicous.com and you can watch all the episodes.

TheCouncil0fRicks10 karma

What is the single best ab workout? And what is your favorite?

Personally I like V ups.

WeAreMEL27 karma

Great one...that's a winner. It hits most parts of the Rectus Abdominis. I like the basic Bicycle ....that engages the entire Ab region and also the Obliques.

I look at the Abs as a battlefield ...Divide and Conquer !! Hit each section equally and you can't go wrong ...but remember ---your fork and spoon are your best pieces of fitness equipment when it comes to the Abs ......A Lean Diet is a must to see those Abs pop through !!

TheCouncil0fRicks10 karma

Thanks for the reply! Bicycle's were my second pick!

Diet is definitely my problem. My core is really strong from years and years of exercise and sports. But I'm a big dude that likes to eat.. former offensive lineman. I like to refer to my midsection as fabs.. fat abs.

WeAreMEL9 karma

That's funny. If your goal is to lose a little or a lot the principles stay the same ....you need to eat healthy at most meals --and focus on progression with your diet ..not perfection !

p4nnus10 karma

Have you had long breaks from exercise during your career?

WeAreMEL61 karma

Nope --I've stayed consistent. I believe consistency beats intensity any day of the week. I make it a priority....no matter what. It's not easy ..but when things matter to you ...you find the time to make it work ...even if it's just 8 minutes a day. There's 1440 minutes in a day ...you can find a few minutes for yourself ...

I will not let Age change me ...I'll change the way I Age !!!

modeliste9 karma

Why did you not start your post with "Hey Gang!"?

WeAreMEL8 karma

Watch the videos ....you'll find out !

FresaNova7 karma

What is a must have song in my work out playlist?

WeAreMEL39 karma

Anything that has high energy ...no matter what genre you choose......I kike music that has a little kick to it ...Metallica, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Rush .......showing my 1970's roots !!

jimicus11 karma

Makes sense, really. If you were listening to Pink Floyd, you wouldn't even have finished the first track before you're changing out of your workout clothes and having a quick shower.

WeAreMEL14 karma

That's funny .....yes --nothing like working out to your favorite music ...geez any band/artist has a few faster numbers ...even Elvis !!

KCT136 karma

I recently read a fun fact that said the budget for this video was $0 and it was filmed on the studios front lawn. Is this true?

Also, thanks for changing my life! Watched the video go up millions and millions of views during the pandemic.

WeAreMEL20 karma

Ha...you did your homework. It was a small budget ..and yes it was filmed behind a production studio in Clearwater, Florida. We had one camera.....and did pick up shots. Very low budget. But it resonated because everyone else was touting that you had to do 60 minutes a day of exercise ...no one had that amount of time (and still don't) We figured it out that exercise is accumulative ..a little here ..a little there. It all adds up ....Get Up , Fuel Up ...and Live it Up ....Good luck. Thanks so much for being such a great fan and champion towards exercising. Keep me posted on your success. yes --all of the 8 minute series on Youtube has accumulated over 84 million views.

KCT139 karma

When I first started your reassurance that being mediocre at first was what reeled me in. There was no pressure and you helped me lose my covid-gut. I owed myself some more context after hearing your voice every day for over a year and did a deep dive haha. You just made my day!

WeAreMEL9 karma

That's terrific.....you just made my day !!!

Keep your eyes on the prize !!

madding2475 karma

what's better for the body.

Cardio, or strength training?

WeAreMEL33 karma

Depending on your goals and objectives....both can be effective. It's called specificity of exercise.... If you're trying to run a marathon --of course cardio is more important. If you're truing to change your physique ...then adding lean muscle through strength training works better.

I will say as you age....strength training seems to be better for changing your body's composition ...putting on lean muscle reves up that slowing metabolism ...a great thing as you age. Mother nature tends to slow down our body's thermostat --metabolism-- ...so put on more muscle with resistance and you can't go wrong (and it looks good).

Getting fit never gets old!!

Cloots5 karma

So did you choose that striped onesie or were you told to wear it?!

WeAreMEL8 karma

Funny ---I picked that out ...you can tell that was in the 90's ....couldn't wear that today....although I still fit into it :)

yhvh135 karma

If you could do just 01 single type of abs exercise, which one would be? As in, which one is the most "universal"?

WeAreMEL6 karma

I like the basic Bicycle ....that engages the entire Ab region and also the Obliques.

I look at the Abs as a battlefield ...Divide and Conquer !! Hit each section equally and you can't go wrong ...but remember ---your fork and spoon are your best pieces of fitness equipment when it comes to the Abs ......A Lean Diet is a must to see those Abs pop through !!

WeAreMEL20 karma

Thanks everyone for the great questions .....I loved being able to converse with you all. If you have additional questions ...I'll reach back on the site later tonight and try to answer all the remaining questions.

He who has no time for his health today ....will have no health for his time tomorrow ! If you rest you rust !!
Commit to be fit Gang !!!!

BountyHunter104 karma

How much does diet affect a fitness routine? Also, what kind of diet would be optimal for bulking or keeping fit?

WeAreMEL20 karma

Diet is 80 % of keeping a lean body. Because you can't out train a poor diet. There's not enough hours in a day ---if you're consuming a high calorie diet to work those calories off. And, with time...if your muscle tissue starts to decrease with inactivity --the same calories do't respond the same way in the body anymore ...so, the calories consumed --convert into fat more readily.

Keep Healthy, Fit & Strong by the following Diet : LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN.

Lean : healthy proteins --chicken, seafood, turkey, beef, pork, tofu, etc...

Clean: Limit the empty calories...the cookies, candy, soda, crackers, ice cream , etc..

Green : Eat any type of vegetables ....they fill you up ...and not out !!

I know that's rudimentary --but if you follow those guidelines --you'll have a good chance at success !!! Good Luck ...keep your eyes on your prize !

Rambonics3 karma

I see you mentioned squats as maybe the single best exercise, but I have bad knees, so those are difficult. Luckily I’ve been a good/normal/same weight +/-15 pounds (except when I was pregnant twice) since I was 16 & I’ll be 53 soon. In your opinion, what’s the second best exercise movement I could be doing? The PBS links are great! Just yesterday I was thinking I need to get back to stretching more before my 10-12 hour RN shifts because I’m not the young nurse I was decades ago. Thanks for your time. :)

WeAreMEL10 karma

Sorry to hear about your sore knees. It's important to gain strength around the surrounding knee joint...and of course, Quad extensions for the front of the thigh are low impact ..and then to keep balanced ...the Hamstring curl works the back of the knee joint .. both exercises stabilize the joint ..and build strength up so you may live a long and healhty life filled with acitivty.

WeAreMEL1 karma

You'll love the PBS shows ...lots of great recipes in there....

ThatMyJobForklift3 karma

How many abs have you seen from people pulling up their shirts and thanking you for the videos?

WeAreMEL22 karma

Ha...I still have people who write to me daily ....and thank me for their daily routines ...and yes people show me their abs all the time .....some are funny and the overweight guys ..say "I've got 24 Minute Abs or I don't have a 6 pack ..I have a keg ."

joobmedia2 karma

how do you personally balance cardio and strength training?

WeAreMEL7 karma

Great question...I do the following routine:

Mon, Wedn, Friday---Upper Body

Tues, Thurs, Sat----Lower Body + Sprints

I don't do long aerobic activities.....

Gikine2 karma

Should I continue the 8 minute abs routine just for strength? With my belly, no one will ever see them.

WeAreMEL7 karma

Those Ab exercises will definitely strengthen your core ...but don't forget your other body parts ....putting on lean muscle tissue is the key to keeping a lean physique.

You'll see them ..and you'll be proud of your accomplishment ...but more importantly, having a strong core is terrific for functional fitness.

CleftyHeft2 karma

My body doesn't get sore no matter how hard I push myself. Why?

WeAreMEL12 karma

like anything --your body goes through an adaptation phase ...and get's use to a certain routine. That's why most people tell you to change the weights to keep "shocking" the body to see results. Although tat is true ..I'd like to think consistency is more important ...depending on your goals. You can also change the speed,resistance or duration that you workout. On one day --lift a little heavier ...on another day ...lift lighter -more reps. Keep it fresh for yourself ...but, there's no need to be "sore" every time you workout. Consistency is the Key.

crank1off1 karma

This guy really thought it would be a great idea on here for 8...... Minute...... Abs? He'll, you mention 6 minute abs and you end up dead at a truck stop !

WeAreMEL2 karma

Classic spoof ---I laughed my Abs off !!

LuxuriousBubbles1 karma

If I work out using the Ferrari method for 45 minutes, will I come out looking like a Maserati or something? Just trying to get great buns guaranteed.

WeAreMEL3 karma

Ha ...Well if you work out for 45 minutes ---you won't look like a bulky Volvo (nothing wrong with Volvos) ...you'll create a nice sleek look ....as long as your diet is Clean, Lean and Green.

Well, I know one thing ..you won't get a nice butt...sitting on it !! So, I'm glad that you're moving ....If you're not moving ..you're snoozing ...so commit to be fit !!

MiiXeD1 karma

what would you say is your #1 tip to eating healthy in order to stay fit?

WeAreMEL3 karma

Diet is 80 % of keeping a lean body. Because you can't out train a poor diet. There's not enough hours in a day ---if you're consuming a high calorie diet to work those calories off. And, with time...if your muscle tissue starts to decrease with inactivity --the same calories do't respond the same way in the body anymore ...so, the calories consumed --convert into fat more readily.

Keep Healthy, Fit & Strong by the following Diet : LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN.

Lean : healthy proteins --chicken, seafood, turkey, beef, pork, tofu, etc...

Clean: Limit the empty calories...the cookies, candy, soda, crackers, ice cream , etc..

Green : Eat any type of vegetables ....they fill you up ...and not out !!

I know that's rudimentary --but if you follow those guidelines --you'll have a good chance at success !!! Good Luck ...keep your eyes on your prize !

mtwrite41 karma

Many years ago, I hurt my neck, it still hurts occasionally to this day, and due to this injury, I cannot do sit-ups. That being the case, what would be the best ab exercise that I could do?

WeAreMEL4 karma

Yes -- I understand --basic sit ups can put a strain on the neck.

Two things:

  1. You can cradle your neck with your hands/arms while doing sit ups --making sure you don't yank on the neck. This will give you support.

OR

  1. Do planks --where your neck is not activated. You can do these on the wall --on a bench ..or on the ground --is the most challenging.

Good luck !

slaying_mantis1 karma

Where are your arms, legs, abs and buns?

WeAreMEL1 karma

Ha..the original 8 Minute series had , Abs, Buns, Arms, Legs, and Stretch !

pimp_bizkit0 karma

Have you ever thought about.... 7 minute abs?

WeAreMEL20 karma

Naw ...7 minutes will never work : ) It has to be 8 Minutes !!!!