Here at That's Fit, we're constantly telling you what we think about things, but sometimes it's nice to know what you think. So from time to time, we'll ask you a question. Don't be afraid to speak up -- we love feedback.

When you think of working out, what does that entail? Going for a run? Visiting the gym? Following along with a fitness DVD? Whatever your favorite activities are, the best workout routines are those that are well-rounded. I know that I love cardio workouts. There's something about huffing and puffing at the end of a routine that makes me feel like I really accomplished something. But I know how important -- and effective -- strength training is for my body. So I wonder ... is strength training a part of your workout?

If even one small iota of your body has been feeling a bit stiff, you need to check out this video. Fitness expert Fitz (that's me!) and Anthony Field, the newly-ripped Blue Wiggle, demo some of the most fun and effective stretching and strengthening exercises you've ever seen. This stuff is so much fun, you'll actually look forward to doing it!

For more fun, innovative and effective training videos ...

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Looking for a new way to work your body? If you want to be on the cutting edge, you might want to try GST. No, it's not some weird diet drug -- GST stands for Grace Somatomorphic Technique, and according to the website, "is comprised of three unique components that use dynamic movement, oppositional force and friction to achieve radical body transformation."

Riiiiight. So, what does that mean? Essentially, we're talking about a mixture of yoga, Pilates, and Capoeria. Rather than holding specific positions, in GST, you move your body through positions using equipment providing oppositional force. From what I can see, it's a tough workout, but I, for one, would love to give it a try!

It's great for dancers and people recovering from injuries, but GST Body encourages everyone to give it a try. Once you learn the movements, you can start doing them at home and even incorporate them into your workout. You can see a video of some of the moves here, and learn more about GST here.

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I used to work in a pharmaceutical company. Safety measures were a major part of day-to-day functioning at that company. There were signs posted all over and emergency medical stations scattered throughout the campus. We'd celebrate when long stretches of time went by without any job-related injuries.

Now that my work consists of sitting in front of a computer all day, I still wish there were signs about potential dangers posted. Sure, we desk jockeys aren't risking our lives ... but there are potential health hazards none-the-less.

Fitness Magazine has five simple exercises you can do from your desk. Try this routine to help keep your shoulders, upper back, thighs, triceps, and more. Want some more ideas? Bethany has 10 more exercises you can do from your desk.

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OK, I may have been a bit hasty in my zeal to run on the beach during my vacation last week. I was so enthusiastic that I even wrote a Fitku about beach running. But the results weren't pretty.

Actually, I slightly exaggerate, because I wasn't all that sore, but I could tell my ankles and calves weren't used to the workout that they got from running on the sand. So I began wondering: Is there a way to prepare your calves and ankles for running in the sand?

I have a pretty good cardio routine that I like and never seem to tire of, but I'm always on the lookout for new toning and strengthening exercises to try. I'm quickly heading toward 36 (gah!) -- a number that's officially, undeniably, can't-fight-it-any-longer, my later 30's. So toning up and keeping fit is more important than ever to me.

Fitness Magazine share five flab-fighting moves. Using only a beach towel (or large bath towel) and a decent amount of balance, you can tone and strengthen your arms, core, and legs in this quick and fun 15-minute workout. I tried it out this morning and really enjoyed it. Give it a shot!

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I wasn't sure what my physical therapist meant when she told me to "zip it up" as I was exhaling during an ab exercise. So she explained: Suck in your stomach just like you would if zipping really tight jeans. Aha. We all know how that feels, right? My exercise suddenly became easier.

Here it is, a little something designed to strengthen the lower transversus abs.

• Lie on your back.
  
  

• Place hands on your lower abdomen.
  
  

• Inhale and feel your abdomen expand. Your tummy should pushed out and full of air.
  
  

• Exhale as you pull your lower abdominals in, just like you would when zipping tight pants. The more forcefully you exhale, the stronger the transversus abdominus contraction.
  
  

Do 10 to 15 reps twice daily and before you know it, those tight jeans won't be so tight.

A reader commented on my post The Core: All it's cracked up to be with a question about the specific exercises I mentioned -- push-ups, pull-ups, dips, squats, lunges, touch-downs, and planks. He wanted to know how to do some of these since the names themselves are not so self-explanatory. Since I neglected to include the how-to details, I'm back, this time to clue you in on how exactly to strengthen that core of yours. Here goes.

Most of you probably know how to do push-ups, but click here for a refresher. As for the rest, you can find them by clicking on the name of each exercise. The only one I've omitted is the touch down. When I find a good tutorial link, I'll pass it on. For now, though, the following line-up will keep you plenty busy -- and plenty fit too.

Pull-ups
Dips
Squats
Lunges
Planks

For more how-to tips for almost every exercise imaginable, visit this site.

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Ouch! I have shin splints. It's a common running-related injury with the official name medial tibial stress syndrome. This highly medical term really just refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia), the long bone in the front of the lower leg. The pain is caused by an overload on bones and tissues. The bad news is that the discomfort I feel when I run is slowing me down. The good news is that my problem can be alleviated.

Rest is one treatment plan. I don't mean giving up on exercise altogether, but switching to a low-impact program is certainly wise. I could try swimming, biking, walking, and weight training, for example, while my legs heal. I can ice the affected area for 15 to 20-minute intervals, four times per day, for several days. I can elevate my shins above my heart, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, make sure my shoes fit my foot, my stride, and my sport, look into arch supports to disperse stress on my shinbones, strengthen the area with exercises such as toe raises, and then gradually resume running. I can also broaden my running horizons -- which I plan to do starting this week.

A free series is being offered here in town to prep area runners for a local marathon in February. I don't have any big plans to run 26.2 miles anytime soon, but there's no doubt I can learn a thing or two about proper running. So I'm headed to the first seminar on Tuesday. The topic: Core Strengthening, Form Running, and Dynamic Flexibility. I'll be back to report on what I learn. In the meantime, tell me what you do about shin splints. Any words of wisdom about how you prevent or treat this irritating injury?

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Are you looking to shape up your abdominal muscles? I remember the first time I realized the appeal of six-pack abs way back when I first saw Janet Jackson's video for the song "That's the Way Love Goes". Miss Jackson changed her look from the former Rhythm Nation-image of a youth in full-black commando outfits, to sexy and sleek wearing a short and slinky stomach-baring top. All the boys at my Jr. High were obsessed with that video, as were the females (for different reasons). Even as teenage girls, we all wanted to have those abs.

Years later, I still have never had a six-pack. I don't actually want them anymore, but I would love to lose a layer of fat and look more toned. While sit-ups were the way to go back in my Jr. High days, the ideal way to flatten your stomach now is through aerobic exercise (to burn off the flab covering the muscles underneath) and by toning through strengthening your core.

As this article discusses, poses like those utilized in Pilates -- ones that work your core muscles through repetitive reaching, bending and twisting movements -- are not only great for toning you stomach but also help strengthen your back. The piece gives instructions on how to properly execute an abdominal cycle, a series of movements that will have your abs looking fab in a mere 10 minutes a day. Whether you're still holding on to that six-pack ideal we all discovered thanks to Janet Jackson, or you're just looking to firm and tone, this is a good way to start.

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