That's Fit

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, I'd like to do some muscle building exercises for my lower body, but am having a hard time adding resistance/weight. I can't use the bands that I've found, because I'm allergic to latex (and all the products I've seen so far warn of the natural rubber/latex found in them). Do you have any suggestions for products and/or exercises that'll help me build up and tone those muscles? I already run, but that doesn't get all the areas that I'd like to work...and I don't want to go to a gym just for this. Thanks!

A. You are going to be so happy with my answer, because there are so many options available to you. A latex allergy must be frustrating, so first of all......I'm sorry you have to deal with that. No fun. But! With our without latex, there are infinite options for your lower body training.

When training people, my first priority is to get them to understand how each muscle group works. Once they understand this, they can work out in the fanciest gym in the world with tons of equipment or in the desert with none. Equipment is nice, but rarely necessary. For the most part, most of us will never lift anything heavier than our own body weight .So for starters, think about that. Squats, lunges, leg lifts, butt-blasters, calf raises. The list goes on. You can do those things anywhere at any time, and if you have some extra weight to add resistance such as dumbbells or the Body Bar you get bonus points.

Next thing that comes to mind are Gliding Disks. These little purple plastic Frisbee look-a-likes are inexpensive, easy to use, highly effective and fun. Visit GlidingDisks.com to check them out and definitely grab a video too. You'll need some guidance on how to use them.

Also use things around your house. Have steps? Climb them by twos. Have a trunk? Do step-ups on it. Strap a paper-weight or can of soup on to your foot and do those leg-lifts. Be creative. Latex is a popular product in many fitness tools, but it is certainly not a make-or-break your workout' type material. If you're in need of some training ideas grab a book, magazine, or video with lower body strength training How-tos. Or stay tuned to That's Fit for our soon to launch Move of the Week video podcast. Let me know how things go! Fitz

Q. Hey Fitz. Quick question: I am not a "morning workout" person like a lot of people. As you know, physiology teaches us that we should have more energy in the mornings for workouts and such; I am the exact opposite. I could not feel much more rotten when I wake up early for a run.

I want to try to change this problem if I can. Aside from powering through a couple of weeks of morning workouts so my body is acclimated to it, are there any power bars or something I can munch on just before my workouts to energize me? I usually don't eat or drink anything except maybe a glass of OJ or water before I dive into a morning workout. Thanks for any tips! Dean....

A. Isn't it amazing how some people wake up every day at 4:00AM to get to the gym and do it with a smile on their face? I tell ya. If my only opportunity to exercise was at the crack of dawn, I would force myself to do it. But, I'm with you Dean....the super early thing is not usually my gig.

On the need to get some nourishment before your workout....please do that. I've had more people become woozy during training due to lack of breakfast than for any other reason, and we train HARD here! A glass of OJ certainly won't cut it. If you're trying to exert great energy, you'll need great fuel. Can't race the Daytona 500 on half a tank of gas, aye?

To do your best and go the distance, planning a quick morning meal is a snap. Energy bars are fast and contain lots of good stuff, but they also contain lots of extras. Why not just grab a banana with a scoop of peanut butter on it? Think natural, fresh and easy. To me, energy bars are perfect for long hikes or outdoor excursions where light, nonperishable nutrition counts. I don't usually recommend them for breakfast.

Better options would be trail mix, whole wheat English muffins and peanut butter, fruit, or a quick nutritious cereal. If you do decide an energy bar is what truly suits you, read the ingredients and avoid the following: sugar, hydrogenated oil, high fructose corn syrup, and white flour. I tip my night cap to you Dean. Way to make this fitness thing work....even in the wee hours.

Punches & Kicks,
Fitz

Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.