Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Losing the last five and fit pregnancies

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. Dear Fitz. I am nine weeks pregnant and I have been on a very disciplined work out routine ever since I had my little girl in 2004. I had weighed 210 pounds when I gave birth, so in essence I'd gained 70 pounds! I was 140 when I got pregnant. I am bound and determined not to get fat this time, but most importantly I want to be healthy and happy when I give birth in March of 2008. I do at least 40 minutes of cardio most days. Twenty minutes of walking, and stairs for another twenty. I stretch and do yoga moves like the snake and the bridge, which is pretty much a back bend. I feel so much better when I do this, but I'm afraid of harming the baby. Any advice?

A. First of all, I'm thrilled you're making fitness a priority this time around. Creating and carrying a human is hard work and it certainly is best for the both of you if you maintain a healthy home....you being " the home"! Your cardiovascular routine sounds great, and my only advice as you continue is to listen to your body. That baby comes first. Your booty comes second. If you ever experience pain, dizziness or excessive fatigue while exercising, stop immediately. If it bothers you, don't do it. Also monitor your heart rate. If you're huffing and puffing too much, your core temperature will rise...which is not good for your child. Train at a consistent moderate to low pace.

As far as the back bends go.....I'd follow the same rules. What feels fine at nine weeks, is probably not going to feel fine at 17 weeks. I'm usually uber fit fitness trainer/athlete chic, but as both of my pregnancies progressed I simply had to cut certain exercises out. I imagine the back bend is eventually going to wean itself out of your routine. As always, check with your doctor before pursuing anything, Everyone's pregnancies are different and only your OB knows your personal needs and limits. You didn't mention it, but I'm sure you're eating nutritiously as well. Food is for fuel. Nourish your overworked body, and nourish that baby. Pay attention to what you put in your mouth, and come this March you'll be thrilled with both your spectacular infant and your fit body too. Best Wishes! Fitz

FItz. I am an active girl who eats very healthy, but can't seem to lose the last five pounds. Any suggestions? Mary

Mary. The last five pounds always seem to be the hardest, huh? My personal training clients always have the same question mark over their heads when they near their goals. When they first arrive looking to lose forty pounds......the first eight just fly off! Sometimes, they lose that much weight in a week. This happens for two reasons. First, they're usually changing from ghastly eating habits with zero exercise to eating nutritiously with frequent exercise. The dramatic shift from one side of the fitness spectrum to the other results in major changes quickly. The second reason is that larger people burn more calories just existing. It takes a lot of effort to lug around 40 extra pounds each day, therefore it takes more calories to maintain that heavier weight. As a smaller person, you burn less.

You on the other hand, seem to already have great habits. You eat well and exercise. Becoming really lean though, requires great effort. If you want to look like an athlete, you have to behave like an athlete. To lose the last five pounds you'll need to crank up the intensity of your training. Run faster and farther. Lift more. Go harder at the gym. You'll also need to put your eating habits under the microscope and make some cuts. Is there a fancy morning coffee drink? A cookie after lunch? Can you switch your chicken sandwich to a chicken salad? Burn more calories than you consume and the weight will come off. Focus Mary. You can do this!

Punches & Kicks,