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, Can you recommend any good kickboxing videos? I lift weights and run, and I'd like to integrate kickboxing into my routine. Thanks for your help. Samantha

A. Hello Miss Samantha. Great question and you've come to the right place. Kickboxing is actually my sport. I've been training/competing as a full contact kickboxer for over ten years. You're smart to want to include it in your training. I always tell folks at the seminars I teach that I can brag about the sport, because I didn't invent it. Kickboxing literally works every single muscle in your body head to toe. It also offers an insane combination of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training in one shot.....when done right.

So here's my deal with the videos. For the most part, most of them are unacceptable....if you're looking for real kickboxing. The stuff you see in aerobic kickboxing classes is made of hilarious form, without the elite usage of equipment. Hitting heavy STUFF (bags, pads, or bodies) and hitting that STUFF properly is what yields the raging muscles and endurance of a real fighter. I haven't come across a video recently which didn't make me giggle. I'm a tad stuck up, since I'm both a fitness expert and an actual fighter. I train folks to kickbox the right way and they reap the benefits they're looking for.

What I do suggest is that you invest in a few private lessons with a legitimate fight instructor and get yourself a great heavy bag, a pair of hand wraps and gloves. Hit the bag for two to three minutes and rest for 30 seconds or one minute. Work that way until you can complete 10 or so 'rounds' of kickboxing.

Samantha, kickboxing yields more than just the benefits of a lean, strong, athletic body. Kickboxing offers an amazing opportunity for stress relief. Since I began fighting long ago, I've considered myself the most well-adjusted person in the world. I vent all of my angst, aggravation and frustration through my hands and feet. It's also a blast! I'd rather be kickboxing than at any part ever. So now it's your turn. Crank up some music and get to work! Punches & Kicks, Fitz.

For more information about kickboxing for fitness visit Fitzness.com.

Q. Hi Fitz! When I was in college I had the perfect figure and flat abs, but work has taken its toll. My stomach is pudgy and I can't wear those skin fitting tees anymore! I tried dieting but it didn't help too much. What do I do? Khush

A. Alright Khush. Are you ready to hear it like it is? Here's the truth. Work didn't take it's toll.....you stopped working at it! And the IT in that sentence is YOU! Fortunately this is not a situation you can't undo. Stop dieting. Start being particular about what you put in your mouth. Be choosy. Choose produce, lean protein, whole grains and lean dairy products.

Get moving as well! You didn't lose your flat abs over night and you won't get them back over night either. Make changes to your eating habits daily, and do some huffing and puffing too. Don't use work, friends, family, or anything else as an excuse to accept the status quo. I can tell you're desperate to get back into those skin-tight tees. Make it happen sweetie. Get on the scale tomorrow morning and do what it takes to lose one pound before the week is over. Day by day, choice by choice...you will get back to a body you're thrilled to live in. It just takes effort. Make no excuses. Accept no excuses. Send me a pic when you're back in those T-s. I can't wait to see what you've accomplished!

Punches & Kicks,