While some stars are airbrushed on the covers of magazines, other celebrities work hard for their sculpted bodies. CafeMom shares a few secrets of celebrity trainers so that you, too, can rock a hot red-carpet bod.

Check out the featured CafeMom video (via Self.com) to zero in on your abs, arms, thighs and butts in the privacy of your own home -- and with no high-tech special equipment. Hand weights and/or resistance tubing is all you should need. Add to your regular workout routine 10 reps of each exercise, and do two sets. Who knows, you might end up resembling the likes of Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel and Jennifer Lopez.

And then there's Michelle Obama -- now, she could teach you a thing or two about getting fit.

While being overweight can be detrimental to your health, having a little junk in the trunk might actually be helpful.

Researchers have long known that belly fat can raise your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. New research from Harvard Medical School suggests that subcutaneous fat -- the kind that tends to gather on hips and butts -- may actually help prevent type 2 diabetes.

This is great news if you've got a little extra bulk in your booty, but I wouldn't take this research as a green light to let yourself go. Eating healthful foods and maintaining a healthy weight is still your best defense against health issues like type 2 diabetes. AOL Health has some great exercises to help get your butt in shape. And remember, you can be fit and still keep your curves -- just check out the sexy stars below for proof.

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Everybody has a problem area (or two, or three). A common complaint for women is the butt. I know I remember those high school days when everything that was supposed to be lifted was lifted and everything that was supposed to be firm was firm. Sigh. Nowadays, having a backside that kicks butt takes a little more effort.

If you're trying to get your rear into shape, AOL Health has a series of butt-firming exercises that is sure to do the trick. Whether you're proud of your backside or you're in the process of shaping it up, be sure to flatter your figure with the right pair of jeans. Kristen gave us the tip about Redbook's great article with jeans that flatter every body type.

• Flat butt. Wish you had a little more oomph in your rear? Redbook suggests finding jeans with some lycra or spandex and wide-set back pockets. Your best exercises are lunges, squats, and other moves that will build up your glutes.
• Bubble butt. Look for jeans with a high or contoured waist so they won't gap at your waistline. As for exercise, it all depends on your goals. The bubble butt look can be pretty smokin' -- but if you want a little less junk in the trunk, check out this video from Prevention.

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I wrote in November that The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg was kicking butts. Tired of her smoking habit, she vowed to rid herself of cigarettes by December 15. So how's she doing? I found out today while watching Whoopi and crew interview Law & Order star S. Epatha Merkerson, herself a cold-turkey quitter after 23 years of smoking.

Whoopi is smoking one cigarette a day, she reports. She didn't meet her targeted end date, but what do you think? Poor performance? Or pretty good progress?

Whoopi is still determined to kick butts once and for all. Actress Merkerson's advice to her: Drink lots of water. Whoopi, who says she is plenty dehydrated, was thankful for the words of wisdom.

I caught a minute of ABC's The View on Tuesday and learned that co-host Whoopi Goldberg is trying to quit smoking. Good for her.

"I want to be done by December 15," Whoopi told her audience. A wise plan, considering smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, is linked to 10 different cancers, and accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet one in four Americans still light up.

Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. And it is far more dangerous for women than men. Now wrap your head around this fact: The nicotine found in cigarettes is as addictive as heroin. If that's not reason enough to stop smoking, I don't know what is.

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