That's Fit

Golf professional Gary Player's schedule last week included traveling from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Hawaii back to West Palm then to Philly, on to L.A., then to Bangkok (for only five hours), to Beijing, then to London, Morocco, Casablanca, Germany, and finally back to West Palm Beach.

And, in case you didn't know, the man is 72 years old.

Early on in his career, Player devoted himself to fitness (which is what he credits with the fact that he's able to manage such a schedule). The golf world called him crazy for lifting weights and adhering to a strict exercise routine, and many believed he wouldn't last on the pro tour. Not only has he lasted, but he continues to be strong and healthy. Plus, he's set a fitness standard for guys like Tiger Woods, who Player ran into at the gym in Dubai.

Player is adamant that people, including those joining him on the PGA tour, realize that fitness isn't just important for your golf game or so you look better -- it's necessary for a long, healthy life. And he's some of the best proof of that I've seen.

I love to sweat. So does Anna Kournikova.

"I feel great when I sweat and get all the negative energy out," says the tennis pro who spends much of her workout time using weights and machines so she can maintain her muscle mass. She doesn't devote much time to cardio but does do a little so she can relieve stress and sweat.

On the internet speculation about her weight loss, Kournikova says: "You know that you're a public person. You know what you're getting yourself into and you just have to be okay with yourself. It's just somebody's opinion and you just can't focus on that."

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

I just got done chatting with myself....I think. No, it probably wasn't me. The person on the other end of my conversation is world famous and has a couple of of Olympic medals. Nope...it couldn't have been me. But! The other person sounded like me. I asked her questions about health and fitness, and she spat out the same stuff I've spent my professional life teaching. This person raved about the benefits of produce, lean meats and frequent challenging exercise. Yes. It could've been a brilliant fitness expert I was conversing with, but it wasn't. It was champion ice skater and Olympic Sliver Medalist, Sasha Cohen.

I chose Sasha to interview, because of her elite success in athletics. She's also touring with Smucker's Stars on Ice and puts on one heck of a show. She's one of the strongest, most flexible and entertaining athletes on earth. Beyond that...she turned out to be one of the best people I've ever talked fitness with. The girl gets it. I mean, she really gets it! She's a chic who seeks out highly nutritious, low fat, high fiber foods whenever she picks up a fork. She also pursues a well-rounded workout routine outside of skating. I loved what she had to say. I want you to pay close attention as well. She's physically small, but not just because of good genes. She works at it, and I believe she'll always be fit. It's a lifestyle for her, and that's what it should be for you.

Fitz: You're a brilliant skater and make a tremendously difficult sport look effortless. Do you remember when skating was hard?

Sasha: Oh Gosh! Skating is always hard. Sometimes it's a challenge to simply put one foot in front of the other. Every day requires effort just to get through it.

Want to know what professional trainers like me wish for, for Christmas? Sing along!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, one water-based heavy bag.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two boxing gloves.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three ropes for jumping.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four Body Buggs.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five Versa Steps.

One of my favorite colleagues in the fitness industry, Tracy Benham, M.E.S.S. has just launched a spectacular program designed to keep you on track and maybe even get you fitter for the holidays. HolidayBootCamp.com offers a free e-course jam packed with the best information from degreed and experienced fitness professionals (including myself) who are dying to change your life.

You'll receive a daily Kick in the Butt via email to keep you on track, and train your brain to make the best of your body. Ready for real-deal gimmick free fitness advice? Sign up at HolidayBootCamp.com,

If cardio and strenth training were to face off in a head-to-head battle for "who's the best overall" which one do you think would win? Is it that simple really? Well Women's Heath set out to find out, comparing the two with good old fashioned 'pros and cons' lists based on what your goals are. Weight loss? Strength training is best (really? I'm surprised). Stress relief? Cardio. To live longer? Cardio. To look sexy in front of a mirror? Strength training.

Surprised by any of these? It looks like overall they pretty much even out, so the best advice might be to mix it up and do some of both as part of a consistent routine -- why not get the best of both worlds?