Fitzness.com

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. Hi Fitz. I need to buy some new shoes for the gym, but I don't know which brand to choose. Which do you like, and which are overall best? Rachel

A. Hello Miss Rachel. I'm happy to hear from you! This is one of the most common questions I'm asked, so I'm happy to answer it for everyone.

Using proper training equipment, especially footwear, is one of the most valuable steps you can take towards the prevention of injuries and promotion of a fabulous training experience.

Continue reading Sneakers - Choose Them Wisely

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hello, Miss Fitz! I think my best shot at getting fit would be to train at home. What size weights should I buy? I'm a 32-year-old woman, and I'm about 20 pounds overweight. Thanks! Alyssa

A. Thanks for writing, Alyssa. I'm glad you're getting serious about becoming more fit, and training at home is a really great place to start! Honestly, since I'm not standing next to you assessing your fitness level, it's almost impossible for me to tell you exactly what weights you should be using. However, I can provide you with a range, and I'm fairly confident they'll meet your needs.

Continue reading Weights - Home Training Advice

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hi Fitz. I'm a tall, mostly trim guy, but I have a bit of a gut. My sister's always nagging me about it, but since I'm trim, I tend to ignore her. She says it's worse to have fat on the gut than fat in the butt, but I say fat is fat. What's your spin? Adam

A. Wow, Adam! What a saucy way to deliver a question. I'll do my best to respond accordingly. Here goes: Big bums can be sexy. Big bellies can be lethal. My little scenario didn't rhyme as well as yours, but you get the gist, right? Your sister is correct, pal, and you'd serve yourself well to force that waistline of yours to jump in line with the rest of your trim body.

Continue reading Booty Fat vs. Belly Fat

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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, My wife and I have tried diet after diet. We often achieve minor to moderate success with each plan, but have always failed in the long run. We're frustrated to the point of just giving up. Why is it we just can't get fit? Tim

A. Hi, Tim. Thanks for writing. Failing at weight loss is very frustrating, but I'm pleased to say that I have an answer for you. It won't sound as exciting as all of those promises advertised by various "diet" programs, though. I'm not offering a "10 pound in two days" drop or anything like that. I am, however, offering up an answer that will help you lose weight in a healthy way and keep it off for good. No magic pills here, just my magical advice! My fellow fitness pro, Bob Greene chimes in with some advice too.

Continue reading Failing with Weight Loss?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Continue reading Stressed by Swimsuit Season

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hi Fitz. I'm getting married in late June, and I still have about 10 more pounds to lose. I feel good, but not great! You always say to avoid diets, so what can I do? Can't wait to hear it. Emily

A. You've been paying good attention, Emily, and I'm honored to be able to help you look and feel your best on one of the most special days of your life. I normally poo-poo attempts at quick weight loss -- reunions, holiday parties and cruises just don't qualify for "diet-like" behavior for me. Weddings are different though, and fortunately, I can help you lose the weight without hunger, stress or frustration before you walk down the aisle.

Continue reading June Brides - Get Fit Quick!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Miss Fitz, I've been trying to lose about 25 pounds for a very long time and wanted to run something past you. I'm of the opinion that vegetarians are pretty trim. Should I go that route to lose weight? Nathan

A. Hi Nathan. Interesting question. I'm feeling both the urge to say yes and no, so I'll talk about the subject and let you choose. Vegetarianism has great benefits, and one of them can be weight loss -- if you do it right. There can be drawbacks as well, so hopefully I can help you make a decision that's right for you.

Continue reading Vegetarianism - Will I Lose Weight?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hi Fitz. My office has a really nice fitness facility, but I feel a bit awkward using it. It's free and very convenient, I'm just a bit nervous about getting in there. I'm not very fit and it embarrasses me. Donna

A. I feel for you Donna. Office dynamics can be kind of weird, but your lack of gym savvy should not prevent you from enjoying what we both agree is one awesome benefit of your job. You said it yourself: You have full access to a nice gym that's both free and convenient. Who could ask for more? I'm confident my suggestions will put you at ease and get you moving quickly.

Continue reading Feel Awkward at the Office Gym?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hi Fitz. Quick question: I'm 37 and trying to get in better shape. I've already started eating better and exercising, but I don't know exactly how much I should do. I'm busy, but I can make a decent amount happen based on your recommendations. Thanks for the help, Angel

A. Hi Angel. Great question. I was just talking about this today at a speaking engagement, so I'll tell you what I told that large group I held captive. I believe when you hear my answer you'll be shocked at how little you're actually being asked to do.

Continue reading Exercise - How Much Do You Need?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. Hi Fitz, I'm a 42-year-old mother of three and am completely out of shape. My life had become so hectic several years ago that I totally gave up on fitness. I'm now 60 pounds overweight, have zero endurance and have horrible eating habits. I don't even know where to start. Help! Leann

A. Hi, Leann. I'm sorry you're feeling so badly about yourself. It sounds like you're a wonderful mother who mistakenly thought your job was to give 100 percent to your family and zero percent to yourself. Although that sounds like the perfect equation for perfect parenting, you found out the hard way that it's not. Having said that, three years is a short period of time in the scheme of your life. There's no reason you can't undo what you've done and get your life and body back on track. Let's get started!

Continue reading Getting Back in Shape From Rock Bottom

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our Thats 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. My husband and I are ready to purchase a cardio machine for our home, but can't decide which to buy. He wants to get an elliptical machine, but I want a stepper so I can burn more calories. Which machine should we get to help us lose weight the fastest? Angie

A. Hello, Miss Angie. What an exciting purchase to make! I'm thrilled that you two are investing in your health, which is vital for ensuring a long and happy life together. Cardiovascular training is beneficial for your heart, lungs and weight-loss efforts. I'm happy to help you choose the machine that is right for you.

Continue reading Which Cardio Machine is Most Effective?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Fitz, I was wondering if you could give advice on how to train yourself for a move or pose that is too advanced for you. I understand how to work up to a particular weight or speed in weight-lifting or cardio, but I'm at a loss about things that seem 'all-or-nothing.' I'm thinking of things in fitness DVDs where they frequently have models for easy/moderate/advanced movements. Sometimes I can do the easier move without feeling challenged, but I can't do the harder one at all. I often don't see how continuing to do the easier one gets me closer to doing the more advanced one. I especially struggle with a variety of moves in yoga and pilates. Thanks! Your articles and videos are my favorite thing about That's Fit. Cecily

A. Hi, Cecily. Thanks so much for both the sweet feedback and the great question. I'm sure many people wonder the same thing. The first thing I want to tell you is that you should be struggling when you work out. Struggling means you are challenging your body and pushing it to be better. Wobbling, tightness and frustration are part of the deal when participating in yoga and pilates, for sure. This neverending journey to become more fit will hopefully always include great challenges, but I do have the secret to becoming more proficient in advanced skills.

Continue reading Training - Move From Easy to Advanced

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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. My wife and I had been doing a fantastic job of getting into shape, but then I sprained my foot and she got pregnant. Our daughter is nine months old now, and it's still really hard for us to find time to go the gym in the evenings. I've got a gut but and my wife thinks I'm smokin', so I'm not really concerned about weight loss. I do worry about my cardiovascular fitness, though. It's not unusual for my heart rate to top 100 BPM while I'm just sitting working at my desk, and that's pretty much all I do all day.

Because of my sprained foot (it's healed, but prone to re-injury), the treadmill is not recommended but the rowing machine is fine. I've recently started going to the gym on my lunch hour a couple of times a week, but I only end up getting about 20 minutes actually working out. If I plan well, I could probably stretch that to 30 minutes. What should I be doing to get maximum bang for my buck in terms of cardiovascular fitness? I want to have the endurance to keep up with my daughter as she grows up, and I want to be around a long time after that as well. Mike

A. Thanks for the super question, Mike! I broke my foot and tore soft tissues in a very bad way a couple of years ago, so I can completely identify with your situation. (Photo of me with my sexy cast on right.) I got stuck on a kayaking machine for months, which was mental torture for me, but like you, I was dedicated to my cardiovascular health. Since you've told me your foot has healed and if you've been given a doctor's release to exercise, I have some great ideas for you!

Continue reading Cardiovascular Training While Injured

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. When I go walking with my friends, I notice that I often sweat and it shows through the back of my shirt and armpits. I know sweating is good, but not when I'm the only one who looks like that while walking with other ladies. It is really embarrassing. What can I do? Lorraine

A. My dear Lorraine, I understand where your stress is coming from. Sweat is rarely considered womanly, pretty or delightful. The thought process on sweat makes regular folks think it's gross. Allow me to share my thoughts and experiences on the subject.

Continue reading Sweaty Pits - Don't Sweat Em'

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. 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 in the comments section below, and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. I take a serious interval class on Friday mornings and get along well with the instructor. I have taken the class for over a year and actually exchange e-mails with her on various topics, fitness and otherwise; she's cool, competitive, and likes challenges. I admit, I'd like to ask her to arm wrestle (she's cute and wicked fit), but am somewhat afraid to do so. I'm happily married and so is she, so I don't want to come across as asking something inappropriate. Any advice on how I should handle it? Mark

A. Hi, Mark. Thanks for the question. Look, normally I wouldn't consider it an odd request to ask an instructor you're friendly with for a simple physical challenge. But the fact that you've mentioned she's hot and that you're married leaves me to believe your intentions aren't completely innocent.

Continue reading Flirting With a Fitness Instructor - Put the Kabosh on Your Crush

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Well, they say this is the spot to drop your questions for Fitz, so here goes! I am an avid kickboxer, and have been doing it for four months steady now. I attend a group class with actual bags to punch and kick, and we use gloves and shin guards, etc. However, because it is a class of 30 of us or so with one trainer, we don't always get the individual attention that is required. So here's my question. The trainer is always saying to pivot on the foot while doing roundhouse kicks, side kicks, etc. How do you do this properly? We perform kick boxing in bare feet on rubber flooring, so to twist one's foot while balanced on one leg with no slide at all (our foot tends to grip on rubber mats so it doesn't twist easily). My fear is that I am seriously going to hurt myself by keeping my leg static while throwing a kick with the other. The instructor seems to do it with no issues at all, and I watch him closely, but I don't know how he manages it! Thanks, Missy

A. Thanks for the soft ball, Missy. You probably know I fought competitively as a kickboxer for almost 10 years, and I am the Fitness Director for the International Sport Kickboxing Association, so I will happily answer your question. Pivoting is important, because if you don't do it, you could blow out a knee. The kicks you mentioned require you to twist your body for power. If you are not light on your feet and allow the base foot to pivot while kicking, something will have to give.

Continue reading Don't Blow Out Your Knee

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Hi Fitz! I've come across a couple articles recently that are dead-set against prolonged cardio multiple times a week. They suggest that High Intensity Interval Training or low intensity activity only a few times a week at most, alongside regular weight training, is the only way to lose fat and stay fit. I don't think I could live without long runs or my favorite aerobics class. What do you think? Thanks, Samantha

A. Hi Samantha! Thanks for the great question. I'm sure it's on the minds of many. Bottom line, the folks who said that are over-opinionated. Think about Lance Armstrong, the guy does massive amounts of cardio each week and is the picture of health. So do I ... and so do most runners, cyclists, boxers, kickboxers, soccer players and more.

Continue reading Bad Cardio?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Hi Fitz. I keep hearing both you and other people say I should do push-ups, but I'm a small woman and don't want to bulk up. Push-ups are hard, so should I do them if I want to stay toned yet trim? Alyssa

A. Great question, Alyssa! This common question is on the mind of many women, and I'm happy to give this answer as many times as there are women who need to hear it. What you need to know is that it requires extraordinary effort for most women to put on any sort of bulky muscle. That means: protein shakes, supplements and insane amounts of heavy lifting. Of course, there are a few rare women here and there who pack on muscle quickly, but if you're already telling me you are small ... you are not one of those rare women.

Continue reading Training to Tone vs Training for Bulk - Know the Difference

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Hi Fitz! You always say that drinking calories causes weight gain, so I'm willing to try kicking my habit. I'm completely addicted to Coke. There are all sorts of programs to help people stop smoking, but none for cutting back on soda. Help! Brian

A. Thanks for the terrific question, Brian. I'm so glad you've been paying attention! Yes ... caloric beverages such as soda, juice, milk and alcohol are definitely responsible for much of the extra fat folks are carrying around. As an example of this, I once did a series of lectures for a large fire department in my area. I referenced the huge fountain drinks I always saw the firefighters driving around with and showed them how much sugar was in each cup. As their jaws dropped, I challenged each of them to, at minimum, switch to diet soda and, at best, switch to water.

Continue reading Soda - Kick the Addiction and Lose Lots of Weight

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Q. Hey Fitz, Long time reader here. We've got a problem in our family, and it's that my dad is incredibly obese. He has a fairly athletic build, but in recent years became "potbellied." He's the only obese person in his family, and his health is REALLY starting to suffer.

He's having problems with his knees, joints, back, and worst of all -- his attitude. He cannot exercise because he's already so inactive, and every diet he's been on (reluctantly) he's just put the weight back on afterward. Sometimes he does it intentionally, for fun (a la Dunkin Donuts trips ... how awful!)

Continue reading Obese Parents - How to Help Them

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments