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. Hey Fitz. Yesterday I did two classes in a row - Cardio sculpt and Extreme training, which are both really tough. Two days before that I ran three miles to the gym, did a class and ran three miles home. For the first time in a long time I did not enjoy the exercise one bit. I have been exercising regularly for a long time now - usually I love it. I have been practicing good nutrition habits with the occasional sweet tooth fix, drinking lots of water and STILL the number on the scale is staying the same. I feel like I am on the verge of burning out. I can't seem to lose the flab around my tummy - particularly under my belly button and backs of my thighs, no matter what I do. Plus, short of starving myself and getting very cranky, I don't know how to actually lose the weight. Funny how a number on a machine, the scale, can be so vital to my state of mind. It's ridiculous, really. PLEASE - do you have any advice? Cindy

A. Whoa there Cindy! You need a break! Sounds odd for me to say this, but put your sneakers away and sit the heck down! Fitness is not supposed to make us insane, fitness is supposed to help us maintain our sanity. You are burnt out to the max, and need to just let it go for a while. I'm not suggesting forever, but take at least a week off. I know what you're going through. You already have an elite fitness level, but particular parts of your body are just not responding the way you want them to. You have incredibly high standards for your body. That often leads to frustration. Especially when you're 'starving' and running a million miles a week!

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'm 56, run three to four miles, five or so days a week. Lately, as I'm walking to cool down, the back part of my right knee tightens up and bending it becomes very painful as I do post-run stretching. No pain when running. Anyone familiar with this condition? Dave

A Hey Dave. I get soooo many questions about knees. In fact, I had knee surgery long ago, so some people think I'm some sort of knee expert. I'm not. In fact, I don't think anyone who isn't a physician or physical therapist and hasn't seen you in person should give you advice on your condition. Not helpful, right? Wrong.

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. Fitz, I'm a stay-at-home mom who is very active with a small child. I feel like I need to be doing more exercise, but going to a gym or taking an hour for myself during the day isn't a reality. How can I get more exercise in with my daily routine? Thanks in advance, Carrie

A. Hey Carrie. I'm feeling your pain. With two little ones of my own, it definitely requires strategic planning to keep fit. Even though I own a great gym, I utilize the local health club because of its amazing childcare program. Not only do I get to accomplish a great workout, but I get an hour of 'me time' which offers a priceless break in my day. I wish you had the same luxury.

However! If that isn't a reality for you, it just isn't. There are plenty of opportunities for fitness at home. Either plan to workout with kids or without. Training with kids could be running with the jogging stroller, or cycling while towing your child in that towing trailer. (What is that called?) You may also just jump in with them and dance to a Wiggles video together sometimes. "Doing the Monkey" requires plenty of energy, and hey.....it's something right!

On the days we don't go to the gym, I make great use of their nap or rest times and workout here in the house. I suggest investing in a piece of great home cardio equipment. A treadmill, stepper, or elliptical trainer can provide you a super workout at slow or fast paces, at any time of day in any kind of weather. Other easy things to do at home are jumping rope, push-ups, dips on the floor, lunges, squats and crunches. You can do those exercises which require no equipment throughout your day. 40 push-ups in the morning and squats at lunch. Easy as that.

Owning a variety of fitness videos is a brilliant plan as well. Not only can you do them on your own, but I find that children seem eager to take part with their parents. Get a variety of videos that appeal to you, and pop one in whenever you can. They're truly designed for folks in your situation. The need to exercise at home.

Parenting certainly does make 'me time' more difficult, but staying fit is one of the most generous things you can do for your children. They're going to want you around for a really long time! Fitz

Q. Dear Fitz, My fiancee and I want to work out together to look our best for our wedding next fall. We don't want to be stuck lifting weights or on a machine alone. Can you recommend some ways we can partner up to get fit?
Jamie & Jordan

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. Fitz, I've been so busy and so tired lately. I'm eating well, but haven't broken a sweat in over a month! As a result I've gained six pounds. Help! Josh.

A. Hey Josh. As I write this....I've just completed the most excruciating workout of my life. Not that it was the most physically tough. I jogged three miles; which is not usually a tough run for me. I promise I have never done anything more miserable though. I didn't want to get off of my lazy butt, and do anything. Especially work out! I had planned to work out though, and all I could think about was all of the wonderful people I've come across which I have told, "Suck it up, and do it anyway". So...I did.

First obstacle was getting dressed. Hated that. Next obstacle was getting out the door. Somehow that happened too. Then! I get on the treadmill. Ugh! I wanted to break it instead of use it. My feet felt like bricks in my shoes for the first half mile, and the thought of quitting crossed my mind at least a million times. But I didn't!