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! How should one proceed if the dominant-hand side is significantly stronger than the other? I was using Nautilus-type equipment, but felt like my right side was doing all the work, so I've switched over to free weights. Dumbbells in particular. I'm worried about staying symmetrical. Thanks, Ann.

A. Hi Ann. Great question. I see this a lot, and the first thing for you to realize is that most people are a bit stronger on one side. Strangely, lots of people are stronger on their non-dominant side too. Sounds odd, but it seems a lot of people carry the groceries with their non-dominant hand, so they can perform the fine motor skills with their dominant hand. I'm a righty, so I carry my kids on the left and unlock doors with the right. That has lead to my left side becoming stronger.

First thing you should analyze is whether you have a lifestyle reason for your disparity in strength, or if you have some sort of medical issue happening. It's possible an injury has lead you to favor one side. Think about it, and if it could be medical or if the difference in strength on each side is drastic visit a doctor. You may simply be missing a medical condition.

If there isn't one and you're just mildly weaker on one side.......you're already on the right track. Stick with dumbbells. Work towards lifting the identical weight on both sides, and then always do a few extra reps on your weaker side. The extra work will help the weaker side catch up. Let me know how it goes Ann! Fitz

Yo. Fitzie! I've been running a bunch to lose weight, but can no longer bare to do so because of chafing in my upper thigh area. Any suggestions? I'm dying here. Jax

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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

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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. Yo Fitz! I'm on a tight budget. If I can only buy one thing for fitness, what should I get? Randy

Hey Randy, Tight budgets stink sometimes, but they're great at helping us prioritize and the answer to this question emphasizes that. I say, if you can only invest in one thing......get sneakers. With an awesome pair of kicks you can do just about anything. Run, jump, climb stairs, walk, skip, dance, cycle, squat, kick, strength train, etc... On the reverse side, you shouldn't be doing most of those things without a supportive pair of sneakers.

I was just certifying a terrific group of fire fighters today to become in-house personal trainers at their fire department. While teaching them the basics of muscle function, I drove home the fact that they should be able to train everywhere from the fanciest gyms to the desert. You don't NEED equipment. Equipment is nice to have, but a lack of it is never an excuse to skip out on exercise. No matter where you are......if you have your sneakers, you can put them on and go!

Once again. Sorry your budget is tight, but there are worse things in the world. More importantly, your priority is on your health. Can't put a price tag on that!

Q. My husband has gained about 40 pounds in the last year. I'm worried about him, but don't want to say anything cause I fear he'll think I'm just not physically attracted. The last thing I want is for him to feel picked on or ashamed. What do you suggest? Stacia

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