Lyrical asked Marilu “What is your advice to people trying to live well in uncertain times?”

Post your question here on the forum.

This year I decided to add one new healthy habit every month. In January, I’ve added my Pilates routine to every day. I love that routine, and I know how much better and stronger and more flexible I feel when I do it regularly.

Now that I have that mastered, why don’t you join me in one new habit? The next one I’m taking on is drinking 8 oz of water upon rising each day. You might want to set out a special glass in the bathroom, to help you remember. Or fill your water bottle and keep it on your nightstand so you can grab it first thing.

Photo: Zsuzsanna Kilián

I was so excited to see Slumdog Millionaire get 10 Oscar nominations! I loved this movie – it moved right up to one of my top 3 movies of all time (along with The Godfather, Part 1 and Singin’ in the Rain).

Now you know what to do this weekend! See Slumdog Millionaire!

It’s a big day in the United States of America. A changing of leadership, with a lot of pomp and circumstance, and lots of media. All the best to both the outgoing and the incoming Presidents.

What does this Inauguration mean to you?

Do you need a change of leadership? That is – is it time to vote out the current voice in your head, and vote in a new voice? Create a voice that can help you change your habits. A voice that can bring you hope for a healthier life.

Is it time to recommit? Time to take a hard look at your goals or resolutions or whatever you call them, and make sure they’re specific and measurable? How about rewriting them into small-step action plans?

Do you love a good party? Make a nice dinner, serve it on your best china, and toast the future. Dress up, put on good music, and dance the night away (well, not too late – tomorrow is a weekday).

Make today count for you. Inaugurate yourself as commander-in-chief of your life.

What do you think about Oprah and her weight gain?

First, I’m thrilled that Oprah has finally jumped on the health bandwagon. I was a yo-yo dieter for many years, but thirty years ago after my mother died, I finally understood that it’s not about my weight, it’s about my health. And once I decided to see my entire life through the prism of health, it totally changed everything about my life – my body, my weight, my attitude, my relationships, my career, everything. It changed the way I related to everything in my life. So it’s great to see that Oprah is seeing her weight problem through a health perspective. When you take care of your health, and put that first, the weight will come off – you’ll become the animal you were meant to be.