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Motivation difference
In general, both men and women want to lose body fat. From there, goals often diverge: Most women want to look slim, fit, and toned, while many men want to get bigger and more muscular looking.

You bring up a great point. Despite how many times we tell women they need to hit the weight room and advise guys to limber up with classes like yoga and Pilates, gender stereotypes still remain. However, recently I’ve been seeing more crossover, which is encouraging!  Both sexes need to take a balanced workout approach in order to stay fit and healthy.

You and your partner have the right idea. Research shows that if you have social support, you’ll be more likely to stick with your program. Men and women can pretty much do the same routines, but you want to make sure you aren’t holding each other back or pushing each other to the point of injury. For example, the last few reps of any move should be hard but not so hard that you compromise your form.

Yes, the scale isn’t the best measurement of fitness. Exercise builds lean muscle that makes you look slimmer (and your clothes fit better). But because it’s denser, it often doesn’t register as weight loss on the scale. Lean muscle also speeds up your metabolism, so you’ll eventually start to burn more calories while you’re working out—and even after you kick your sneakers. Measuring your waist, hips, arms, and thighs with a tape measure every 4-6 weeks can be a better gauge of progress than stepping on the scale every day. 

Yes, physiological differences account for the fact more women suffer ACL injuries. The best way to avoid injury is to strengthen both your quads and hamstrings—muscle imbalances can leave the ACL more vulnerable.

Pretty well? Sounds like you’re doing downright amazing!! Congrats on your race success. Weight training can improve your performance so it’s important to keep it up—on both your upper and lower body. Here’s why: Running builds cardio endurance but not muscle endurance (your ability to sustain resistance over time). Building lean muscle through strength training will power you through longer, more intense workouts. Aim for 8-12 reps and at weight that feels challenging by the end of the set.

Congratulations on losing 5 pounds in a month—that’s great progress! While you can’t spot reduce, you can zap belly fat by doing a circuit of total body strength moves that works your abs while blasting calories through cardio. Check out this one: http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/total-body-workout-flatter-abs

I’d aim for 12 reps. The weight you use should feel challenging (especially at the end of the set), so if you’re whipping through your reps, pick up a heavier dumbbell to get the best results. To look even more toned, try switching up your workout. Keeping your muscles guessing forces your body to work harder. Add intervals to your running routine (these are a huge fat burner), and add some upper body moves for total body toning.

You have the right idea—fitness requires a combination of cardio and strength training. While classes can be helpful for motivation, you don’t need them to start a strength training program. The weight room can be intimidating if you haven’t spent much time in there but there are always trainers on the floor who are happy to answer questions and offer tips—so feel free to ask! Here's a good workout to try on your own: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/customizable-workout

Ugh, it’s so annoying isn’t it? Guys have more natural muscle mass, which fuels their metabolisms so it’s quicker and easier for them to lose weight. You can speed up your weight loss by building more lean muscle through strength training.

This is pretty common. I'm with you...I need something sweet after dinner too. You can have dessert without damaging your waistline by keeping it under 150 calories (calories are more important than fat). Skinny Cow makes a lot of good ones. I also love Vitamuffins! As for exercise, you need to challenge your body in order to see results. The best way to do this is to add intervals to your cardio workouts and to make sure the last few reps of your strength moves feel tough to complete (but not so tough that you have to compromise form).

30 minutes of intervals should do the trick. But I like to mix up speed days with distance days. For example, I'll do a shorter interval workout and then the next day more of an endurance run (45-60 minutes).

I love to run as well. As you say, it's just so simple...throw on your sneakers and off you go. Fortunately, strength training can be just as DYI. Here's a good zero equipment workout to try: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/no-equipment-required-workout

You need some carbs for energy. You just want to choose the right kind. Think whole grains and fruit. Try having a snack that's a combination of protein and carbs about an hour prior to working out. Yogurt and fruit or a piece of whole grain bread with a little peanut butter.