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 have a question in regards to squats and lunges for working out. I am 29 years old and last year I was told that I had arthritis under my knee caps, so I should no longer do squats and lunges as part of my work outs. Is there a way to modify these exercises or something else that I can do that is just as effective? Thanks, Mindy

A. Hello Miss Mindy. Great question. Arthritis can be very frustrating, and I'm sorry you're having to deal with it! Squats and lunges are specifically stressful to a fragile knee, because they require you to place about 100% of your body weight on them while performing each exercise. Not a good idea when the knee is already sore.

I would veer towards exercises that isolate each muscle group in the leg.

Glutes: Hack Squats using low weight, and Donkey Kicks.

Quadriceps: Leg Extensions

Hamstrings: Hamstring Curls

Another suggestion I have for you, Mindy, is that you visit a physical therapist. No...you probably don't have to go twice a week for a month. Just have a consult, let the PT know what's going on and see if they have any suggestions for you. Arthritis can be stifling at any age. Since you're already dealing with it at age 29, I would get a handle on keeping it under control quickly. Let me know how it goes! Fitz

Q. Hey Fitz. I want to run with my one year old Labrador, Gatsby, but his endurance sucks! Any suggestions? Nate.

A. Howdy Nate. Yeah I have a suggestion. As long as Gatsby is in good health, I would train him like I do humans. Get him into shape gradually. No one I know wants to be thrown into any challenging activity and expected to excel immediately.

Start with the old walk/run routine. Walk one minute and run one minute. Increase your running segments by 20 seconds or so every time you two get moving. You may have to go slower than you're accustomed to, but what a great investment! Running together is a great opportunity for you and Gatsby to get fit, get some fresh hair, and have some good fun together.

***Since I'm not a veterinarian, you may want to research what is an appropriate distance for a large dog to run. That, I just don't know.

Punches & Kicks,