Does it really matter if my personal trainer is certified? I just want someone buff to get me through the workout. – Karen Astor, Kingston, New York

There are many reasons to hire a personal trainer. Maybe you haven't done anything physical since you climbed the ropes in elementary school gym class, or you have a specific goal in mind like running a marathon or finally dropping those excess pounds once and for all. I suppose wanting to stare at an Adonis or Athena for an hour isn't the worst reason in the world to plunk down $50-$100 an hour, provided it comes with the added benefit of raising your fitness level. Just make sure you hire someone qualified.

Problem is, plenty of gorgeous and maybe not-so-gorgeous trainers out there don't know the difference between a push up a push up bra. They don't even bother to demonstrate the minimum qualifications and knowledge to ensure a safe and effective workout. And believe me -- a bad trainer can turn what should be a fun and positive experience into a nightmare -- or at the very least, waste your time without bringing you any closer to achieving your fitness goals.

Last week on "The Biggest Loser," Amanda switched trainers. She had been struggling with Jillian and posting modest four pound losses. On her first week back with Bob, her trainer at the start of the season, Amanda lost a whopping seven pounds. She credited shedding more weight entirely to working with a trainer that she "clicked" with.

Amanda perfectly demonstrates that the right personal trainer often makes all the difference. I'm not talking about a trainer with the best certifications and education -- although you should always seek that -- I mean those trainers that will "click" with you. If you resonate with a certain instructor, you'll have a better workout and, ultimately, better results.

Not everyone can afford or even wants a personal trainer, but we are constantly seeking fitness advice and leadership. When you search for your fitness guru, look at all the options: group exercise teachers, yoga instructors, even fitness DVDs and books. Somewhere out there is a person who delivers the message, just the way you need to hear it.

Here's how to find that "click."

Unless you believe that old fountain of youth legend, there really isn't any way to turn back the time. But Madonna's personal trainer-to-the-stars Tracy Anderson thinks she can keep the Material Girl looking like she hasn't aged a day since the first time she sang Like a Virgin.

"I want to keep her body looking like it's 20 years old," says Tracy. "Because you don't have to have saggy arms, or poor skin tone in your 50s, or not have cute hips. It just doesn't have to happen. [A superfit body] should start being your standard when you're young - and after that, why should you ever want less?"

Though I can get behind the whole "age gracefully" movement, I like Tracy's line of thinking. We can't all have our 20-year-old bodies back, but growing older doesn't have mean giving in to gravity. Fitness is just important at age 50 as it is at age 20 ... why let those kids have all the fun?

Has your workout routine helped you defy the effects of aging?

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Recent photos of Britney Spears in a bikini in Mexico show that the starlet is doing well with her healthy makeover -- she looked trim and healthy, and, most importantly, happy. However, getting to that point came with a hefty price tag. Britney has reportedly spent $22,000 a month to get back in shape!

So what does this $22,000 go toward each month? Britney is paying a nutritionist, buying diet supplements, and has a personal trainer and private dance choreographer on call. One thing she's not spending her cash on: Red Bull. She has switched it out for a much more healthful option, and now drinks lots of water.

Additionally, she's sticking to a 1400 calorie per day diet, though she allows herself one "cheat day," and snacks on edamame beans. Her meals are made of fresh foods, and she's only eating two-thirds of what's on her plate. It sounds like she's got a very healthy system in place, and while most of us couldn't afford her "people," all of us can load up on fresh foods and eat in moderation. It's great to see her doing so well!

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I'm going to be traveling a few times this month for various reasons, so I'm already looking at my schedule to figure out when I might be able to squeeze in my workouts. According to the website of one of the hotels at which I'll be staying, they have a "fully functional fitness facility." Apart from informing me of their apparent obsession with the letter F, this statement tells me very little about the place itself.

"Fully functional" can mean a wide variety of things. And when it comes to fitness centers, it could in one situation mean that it rivals Gold's Gym, while in another it could mean that there's a clunky exercise bike from 1978 and a set of sand weights similar to those that came in the Hulk Hogan Hulkamania Workout Kit I had when I was 10 years old (which also included a jump rope, motivational cassette tape featuring the voice of the Hulkster himself, and -- of course -- a tear-away, kid-sized Hulkamania T-shirt. Thankfully, no pictures remain). If the hotel's definition of "fully functional" is closer to the latter, I can pass on the gym altogether and still get a great body weight workout in my hotel room. However, if the fitness center happens to at least have the very basics (treadmill, weight bench, some free weights), that's more than enough for me to complete the following workout, designed for an on-the-go That's Fit reader by Greenwich, CT-based personal trainer Adrian Garce.

30-minute workout

1. Before beginning, be sure to do a few minutes of simple stretches.

2. Walk on the treadmill for one minute, increasing by one degree of incline every 20 seconds, walking at an average of 3.1 speed.

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Getting a workout in at a gym is as easy as finding a reason to buy a hybrid these days. With hundreds of machines and free weight stations from which to choose, it's pretty much paint-by-numbers from that point forward. However, all this reliance on fancy equipment and an almost limitless selection of pre-designed exercises can sometimes take the ingenuity out of the process. And, when you find yourself outside of your element -- such as when you are traveling and don't have access to fitness equipment -- you have to be able to think on your feet.

Greenwich, CT-based personal trainer Adrian Garce tackled this very issue in a travel-specific workout he designed for one his on-the-go clients, who also happens to be an avid That's Fit reader. It's a great way to keep your regular workout from falling to wayside and, unlike some other workouts of this kind I've seen over the years, does not let you off the hook while you're away from the gym. In fact, never mind the travel aspect of the workout -- this program is so well designed, you may even consider doing it at your gym instead of your usual workout!!

Let's get started, shall we?

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I almost hate to write a story about Britney Spears. I think the media attention she has gotten is nothing short of disturbing. But it looks like Britney is starting to take positive steps to get herself well again and, for that, I give her kudos.

After an overwhelming dose of Britney at gas stations and convenience stores and malls, it's been good to see that she's been staying out of the papparazzi's camera lenses for a while. And more recent reports show her doing things like going to dance classes. Now, Bally Total Fitness representatives have stated that Britney is working out at two LA-based Bally's gyms.

The 26-year-old singer has hired the company's two top trainers -- she is currently their only client. She's been working out for the past three weeks. The Bally's rep stated that she's been working out up to three times a day. That seems potentially excessive to me, but if she's under the guidance of experienced trainers I'm sure it's all kept in balance with her overall health in mind.

Check out AOL Body for more celebrity fitness scoops.

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Is there a fishbowl sitting on the front desk of your local gym? Instead of having actual fish inside it, are there instead a pile of business cards, all of which were seemingly dropped inside with hopes of winning "A Free Personal Training Session?" Well, chances are, every single one of those people who left their card in this fishbowl will end up being winners of that contest.

This really isn't trickery as much as it is smart business for in-house trainers. In order to build their client base, trainers employ techniques like this to help get them some "face time" with gym members. There's nothing duplicitious about it, really, as you do get the free training session. But, you do so at the risk of being asked if you'd care to join up for additional sessions after that free session is completed.

Obviously, if you were very happy working with that trainer, signing up for additional sessions will be mutually beneficial. If you're not interested in much more than the freebie, however, know that you will likely have to endure that slight discomfort that occurs when you have to say no to someone's sales pitch.

A few weeks ago, I listed some attributes and qualifications you should look for when searching for a personal trainer. If you're not the type who wants someone screaming in your face, don't hire the drill sergeant trainer. If you feel more comfortable working with a credentialed and seasoned trainer, don't settle for the fly-by-night, wacko who is only certified by his psychiatrist.

Just as you should look into a potential trainer's background (certifications, degrees, etc.), you would also do well to check his or her references. Also, it wouldn't hurt to take a test drive before you buy the car, so to speak. Buy a single session with the trainer, which should be more than enough time to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Lastly, never let a gym assign a trainer to you. While this may not apply in all cases, more times than not, gym owners will throw lagging trainers a bone or two. There's probably a reason why these trainers don't have many clients, so don't waste your money finding out why. Instead, make the decision yourself with regard to which trainer with which you would like to work.

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Have you resolved to get fit in 2008? Good -- you've come to the right place. Chances are, I'm a lot like you -- a couple of years ago, my biggest source of exercise was walking to the store to get a slushie. I've never been overweight but I'd like to be toned and fit. Being out of shape is kind of a drag, you know? So in early 2007, I signed up at a gym near my house, picked up a schedule of their drop-in classes and I've never felt better.

For many people, working out at home or in the outdoors is the way to go -- but for the majority of us, we need a structured environment like a gym to work out in. But the gym you choose can make a big difference in your results. Here are some tips for picking the right place:

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If getting into better shape is high on your priority list for this year, joining a gym may be a smart move. While it is completely possible to get a great workout without ever stepping foot inside one, gyms offer a wider variety of workout options. Another benefit that gyms offer is one that you may need more than anything else: Help.

Personal trainers can provide a great deal of assistance when it comes to helping you reach your fitness goals. Armed with knowledge that you probably don't posses, good personal trainers will lead you through appropriate and effective workout sessions, ultimately bringing you to the point where you able to continue training all on your own. But, just as there are good and bad versions of workers in just about any profession, there are some fantastic trainers and there are some, shall we say, not-so-fantastic trainers.

Here are a few tips that can help you make a more informed decision when deciding whether or not to hire a particular trainer:

Check references. Talk to people who have worked with this particular trainer. Ask them about their experiences and level of satisfaction.

What's his/her training style? For example, are you looking for a drill sergeant? Someone to yell and scream at you in the middle of a crowded gym? If not, make sure your trainer's style is far less in-your-face. Also, if you're not looking for a paid gym buddy (follow the link and search for the "A Bit Too Personal Trainer"), be sure to find a trainer who clearly will be all business.

Check qualifications. Someone with at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a similar field would be ideal, but this shouldn't be a deal-breaker if they don't. However, they should be certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as ACE or ACSM.

The days are getting colder and shorter, and outdoor exercise isn't just as simple as throwing on your running shoes for a brisk run anymore. If you love outdoor workouts, or if it's just mentally hard to get yourself going when it's dark outside, then you might find yourself slipping into an wintertime exercise funk. It's true that motivation can wane in the dark winter months, but exercise is important year-round.

Ediets has some excellent suggestions for keeping yourself physically fit through the winter. In many cases, it may mean adapting or reducing your routine, but as long as you keep moving, you'll stay fit. My favorites include:

• Find a workout buddy who shares goals similar to your own.
• Treat yourself to a few sessions with a personal trainer.
• Plan a vacation to someplace warm so you can enjoy your favorite physical activities.
• Buy a piece of home equipment, or invest in a handful of fitness DVDs.

Visit eDiets for more wintertime workout tips!

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The computer can be an effective weight-loss and fitness tool. No, you're not going to get fit simply by reading blogs or typing emails to your friends, but you can use it to get started on an effective fitness program. Actually, you probably already know that, which is why you're here!

Online fitness training is less expensive than personal training at a gym, but it has its disadvantages too. For one, there's no one present when you're working out to critique your form. There's also no training appointment that you need to leave your house for, and for myself at least, I know it would be hard to find motivation if I could stay at home. But if you want to work out at home, or you want guidance on your own schedule, online training might be for you. eDiets has a guide to online training that will help you decide if it will suit your lifestyle.

Do you use online training?

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If the gym isn't for you then you may have automatically ruled out the option of hiring a personal trainer, but you really don't have to. A study shows that people who work with a personal trainer in their home get just as much benefit in the way of physical results and mental motivation as those who work with their trainer in a gym setting.

One down side of having a personal trainer come to your home is cost, however. It may not be true in every case, but generally speaking I would guess having them travel to you (as opposed to you traveling to them at the gym) has got to cost at least a little extra (if not a lot) -- but maybe it's worth it?

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I've got my cardio workouts covered; I have a good routine that is manageable and enjoyable. But I knew my strength training was weaker than it should have been so I called a friend (who also happens to be a personal trainer) for advice. He asked me some questions about what equipment I had in my house and so forth. The next thing I knew, I had a straightforward and effective strength training routine designed specifically for me waiting in my email.

Strength training is an important component of any fitness routine. It can reduce the signs and symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. It plays a key role in development of bone tissue and encourages balance. Strength training also helps manage weight because people with increased muscle mass have higher metabolic rates. Of course, it has to be said that strength training helps you look great -- toned arms and strong abs are certainly a welcome attribute when beach season is here! But maybe the most important benefit of all is that strength training helps you feel strong, capable, and just plain great.

Consulting a personal trainer is a great way to get started with strength training, but if budget doesn't allow, you can get the ball rolling (or get the muscles moving) with these 10 simple exercises from the Mayo Clinic.

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