Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our That's Fit 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 one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Fitz, I'm begging for your help. I'm not in very good shape, my skin is pasty white and I am sick to death about having to get into a swimsuit this summer. I know someone might say that I don't really have to, but I do! My social circle spends at least half of the summer at the lake or at the pool. Can you fix me? Melissa

A. Yeesh, Melissa! You really sound stressed. I can help you, but first I want you to take a huge deep breath. In fact, I think I want you to take about 10. You are going to be OK. Swimsuit season is definitely the cause of some major anxiety, but by the time I've said goodbye here, you'll hopefully be ready to relax and enjoy some fun in the sun.

Tell me: Why do you feel such a desperate need to look magnificent? I know, I know. It's great to look great, but what's the downside if you don't? Will your modeling career go bust? Will your friends turn against you? Will you lose your job, family or home? I'm guessing your answer to all of these questions will be "no." That's a good thing. So at worst, we're dealing with a case of simply being a tad disappointed in yourself. That feeling sucks, but it shouldn't hold you back from tubing down the river.

Now I'm going to tell you to start undoing what you've done. That means I want you to start a proactive effort to get back in shape. No time like the present to start exercising and eating right. You might not get back to your personal gold standard for strutting your stuff in swimwear, but you'll at least get closer to it. Who knows? You might even feel your best by July! For advice on how to do it, read any of my last Ask Fitz! columns. It's all there!

The next thing I want you to do is go swimsuit shopping. Yes, I also know this can be frustrating, but it's imperative that you find a suit that fits you well and makes you feel good for the shape you're in right now. You'd be surprised how flattering some of the new styles and materials can be. I really like the swimsuit guide at Glamour.com.

As for your pasty white skin, I've got two words for you: Mystic Tan. Get in the shower, shave, exfoliate and run, don't walk, to your nearest Mystic Tanning facility. A Mystic Tan is the kind you get while standing naked in a strange little box while several little nozzles shoot sunless tanning lotion all of your bits and pieces. The color is great, the smell is not so bad anymore, and it comes with zero risk of melanoma. Seriously, Melissa, I never go anywhere near a beach without it. Do it and six hours later, you'll feel like a new person.

Finally, get a grip on reality! So, you are not feeling great physically? Use that as motivation to do better, not wallow in anxiety. Work out, eat well, get a pretty suit, fake a tan and go have fun. I imagine your friends don't care what you look like, they just want to be with you. Ever have a friend point out a pimple on her own nose when you hadn't even noticed it? We're so much more critical of ourselves than anyone else would ever be. Don't let this issue ruin your summer, sweetie; your happy and confident smile will definitely make everyone think you look great! Now get to work!

Punches & Kicks,

Fitz

Fitzness.com

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.