The FITSTRAP annoys me. Why? Because I didn't invent it myself. I've been training with tubes for at least 15 years and have gone crazy hooking them to the weirdest things in order to anchor them at different heights. I've hooked my tubes to couch legs, door nobs, refridgerators and more. I've even drilled holes to place hooks up and down my walls! Why didn't I invent the FITSTRAP? Why? Why? Why??

I love tubes. Tubes are inexpensive, lightweight, can be enormously challenging, and capable of assisting you to work every muscle in your body. They're perfect for travel, training at home, at the office, for therapy, and cool workouts in the gym. I love tubes! I should have thought of the FITSTRAP. Arrrghh!!

Apparently though, this guy Frank Rotella is just cooler than I am. He invented the FITSTRAP and as soon I get done resenting him.......I'll be grateful he did. The FITSTRAP basically allows any door to serve as a cable machine. It's a long black strap with little loops sewn into it, and a clip on the end so it can be fastened tight around the length of any door. Once it is in place, you place your tube through a loop at a height where you want it to be and get to work.

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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. Hi Fitz. I'm five months pregnant with my first child and crunches don't feel comfortable anymore. I don't want to just ignore my abdominal muscles for another five months. I still walk, swim, and do some weight training though. Any suggestions on something I can do for my abs while I continue my pregnancy? Kristi

A. Congratulations Kristi! Motherhood is amazing and you are in for so much fun. Hooray for you! I'm thrilled to hear you're pursuing a fit pregnancy, as being a healthy home is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself and your teeny baby, and you are the home! From your question, I'm guessing you're interested in maintaining abdominal strength and not flat abs. (Which would be both dangerous and silly, by the way.) Very smart. Your back and abs work together to create stability, so you're wise to prioritize this issue.

I suggest that you pursue stability training which will engage your hips, back and abdominal muscles at the same time. Invest in two Versa Disks. These balance tools are very low to the ground and would be ideal for you to stand on while going through a variety of motions. You can even do some strength training with light weights if you feel uber comfortable doing so. LIGHT WEIGHTS. The good news with the Versa Disks is this....you can work your abs just trying to stand still on them. If you are of high-level fitness you can use a small medicine ball or other light weight to make it a bit more challenging.

Another neat exercise that will challenge your abs without requiring you to lie down on your back is something you can do with a cable system and lat pull bar, or tubing. Stand facing the lat pull bar with your knees slightly bent. Grab the bar with almost straight arms and pull it down toward your thighs. You'll have to engage your abs to go through this motion, as well as your lats. Choose a weight you can repeat at least 20 times.

Safety first always. Hate to call you 'fragile', but you do have to be extra cautious right now. If any exercise feels bad at all to you, stop doing it. You and your child's health comes first. Even if you had to ignore your ab strength for the next five months, you'd be able to regain it one your child is born. Good luck Kristi! I wish both well. Fitz

Q. Hi Fitz. I want to lose weight quickly. What weight loss drugs do you recommend.? Eddie

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