Bob Greene recently told us why we should all consider working with a personal trainer. And his reasons are great. A trainer can help hone your workout, so you're getting the best results for your efforts. In addition, a trainer will verify that your workout is safe and is in line with your fitness goals, and a trainer can help keep you motivated.

I have to admit, even though I work in the health and wellness industry, I've never had a dedicated session with a personal trainer. But there have been many occasions when I called up my friends who are personal trainers and asked them for advice ... and their expertise has been a great help. How about you? Have you worked with a personal trainer?


Speaking of fitness goals, swimsuit season is right around the corner.

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If you think of personal trainers as a luxury only pampered celebrities get to enjoy -- think again. Hiring a trainer isn't as pricey as you might think. You could spend more on a pair of shoes than you would for several sessions with a fitness pro.

So, what are some of the benefits of using a trainer? He can fine-tune your workouts so you'll get results without wasting a lot of time or energy. He can ensure that a routine is safe, effective and tailored to fit you and your needs. And most important, he will help you set realistic goals and keep you motivated.

Trainers charge a wide range of fees for their services. Typically, they can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour. But there are a few ways to minimize the fee: Round up a couple of friends to work out with and split the cost (many trainers allow group sessions). Or you can also spring for a few sessions to get you started with a new routine. Then, you can just treat yourself to periodic check-ins to make sure you're still on the right track. You shouldn't commit to a number of prepaid sessions with a trainer until after you've worked with him for a while and know that you connect with him. Instead, pay as you go.

Incredible abdominals are on everyone's wish list, right? Who wouldn't want a flat belly which is bumpy only because of amazing musculature? Sounds sweet, right? Eating right plays the largest role in your weight management, but without exercises like the ones shown here, incredible abs will never make their debut. Train like this several times a week, watch what you put in your mouth and enjoy your amazing transformation!

For more innovative training videos and waist-slimming recipes from my new book, The Everything Flat Belly Cookbook, visit Fitzness.com.

Find both a BOSU and a Medicine Ball at Power-Systems.com

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. 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 one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. I have a question for you. A while back you answered a question from a man who had been slacking off and needed to shape up fast for a beach trip. I printed out your advice, and started doing it (lots of push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, squats and cardio). But then I wondered if you would give different advice to a woman. So, what's a fast shape-up program for a relatively thin and healthy woman? And especially one that can be done at home with a minimum of equipment. Thanks! Judy

A. Thanks for the great question, Judy. I'm so happy to hear that you've printed out my advice and have been using it. Makes me feel worthy! I don't, however, have a more "female" workout for you. Look, everyone is different and often a woman's needs are different than a man's. But usually, they're only different when dealing with pregnancy, postpartum or menopause-type issues.

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If you understand the function of the muscles in your back, you should be able to train them in the fanciest gyms in the world -- or even in the desert or lost at sea. Here, Fitz teaches you about what your back does and offers some neat exercises you can do with a variety of equipment.

The cliff hanger in this lesson: How do you use another person as a prop and how do you use this technique to get a kiss?

For more fun training videos with fresh ideas on how to use all sorts of training equipment, click here.

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Last week, I wondered how That's Fit readers felt about seeking the advice of personal trainers and/or nutritionists. After all, nobody thinks twice about calling a plumber for a leaky faucet ... but are we as likely to consult fitness and nutrition professionals for help?

• 49 percent of you think personal trainers and nutritionists are important to a healthy lifestyle. This is great to hear! Qualified professionals can really help you meet your fitness, nutrition and weight goals.
• 24 percent of you, however, admit that you wouldn't see a personal trainer or a nutritionist.
  
• 16 percent would seek the help of a personal trainer, but not a nutritionist.
• 9 percent would see a nutritionist, but not a trainer.

PersHaving a personal trainer can be a real boon to your workout routine. A properly trained professional can help you decide what exercises are best for your fitness goals as well as motivating and encouraging you.

However, there are no federal or state requirements for personal trainer certification. Case and point -- a friend of mine lost his corporate (completely non-fitness related) job a few years ago. He went to his gym, asked if they were looking for more trainers and was hired right away even though he had no experience, no training and no qualifications other than being familiar with the gym's equipment. (My friend is a hard worker, however, and he immediately began getting his personal trainer certification. He has multiple licenses now).

So how do you know if you can trust your personal trainer?

• Do your research. Ask the gym what their hiring practices are and if their trainers are certified. Also, ask for personal trainer recommendations. Even trainers with the same qualifications may not be right for you.
• Check for certifications. You wouldn't go to a doctor who didn't have a medical license, so why not check into the certifications your potential personal trainer has. Some reputable organizations that certify trainers are the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and ACE Fitness. Your trainer may also have received a related college degree.
• Ask for referrals. Trainers worth their salt will have a number of clients who are willing to talk to you and give you a referral.
• Trust your instincts. It's a trainer's job to push you and encourage you, but good trainers will not push anyone beyond safe limits. If your gut instinct is telling you something is wrong, trust that.

Just like personal trainer certifications, yoga instructor certifications are essential to making sure that you're working with professionals who can help you.

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Using a small fitness ball, Fitz demonstrates three simple ab training exercises that will leave your entire midsection trembling. The workouts are simple, but intense!

For more innovative training videos, healthy recipes and Celebrity Fitzness interviews visit Fitzness.com.

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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.

If a faucet is leaking, most people have no problem calling a plumber. If your car is squeaking and squealing, you visit your mechanic. If you have a cough that just won't go away, it's off to the doctor you go. But how do you feel about consulting fitness and nutrition pros?

At the start of the new year, you were super excited to get in a workout groove. You set some goals and hired a trainer to help you meet them. And, while your trainer is definitely holding you accountable, maybe something is missing -- it's not quite the relationship you signed up for. What do you do?

According to Fitness magazine, your best bet is to dump him or her, face to face. Jodyne Speyer, the author of Dump 'Em, suggests you tell them their style isn't what you're looking for and you'd like to give another trainer a try, adding, "This is a professional relationship, and you don't owe more of an explanation." In other words, don't get all sappy, and don't pull any lame lines or turn on the waterworks.

If you can't quite bring yourself to do that, a small lie isn't so bad -- you could say your schedule has changed, or that you'd rather have a trainer of the opposite sex. Just make sure you follow through -- don't say that, and then meet up with another female trainer at the same time at the same gym! As a last resort, you could talk to the gym manager, but unless you've had an actual problem with your trainer, you need to make sure you're not placing blame. No need to get any one in trouble, right?

Have you ever had to change trainers? Share your story in the comments!

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. 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 one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I keep hearing both you and other people say I should do push-ups, but I'm a small woman and don't want to bulk up. Push-ups are hard, so should I do them if I want to stay toned yet trim? Alyssa

A. Great question, Alyssa! This common question is on the mind of many women, and I'm happy to give this answer as many times as there are women who need to hear it. What you need to know is that it requires extraordinary effort for most women to put on any sort of bulky muscle. That means: protein shakes, supplements and insane amounts of heavy lifting. Of course, there are a few rare women here and there who pack on muscle quickly, but if you're already telling me you are small ... you are not one of those rare women.

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Ever wonder how much exercise you should really be doing and why? This Fit Kick has your answers.

For more quick and fun fit tips by degreed experts in the field of health and fitness ...

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind. And to reward you for your efforts, Everlast and Everlast Woman have provided gorgeous T-shirts to bestow on our featured members.

Name: Candice Miser

Age: 22

Occupation: Student/ PCA

How often do you exercise? Not enough!

What type of exercise do you do? Yoga and ab training.

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Actor Eric Stoltz and I just had one of the most interesting and funniest conversations I've had in a long time. He's presently guest starring on ABC's hit show Grey's Anatomy as a Death Row serial killer. Charming. While interviewing my guests for Celebrity Fitzness Report, we always talk fitness, but we also talk about the projects each celebrity is working on at the moment.

So first Eric and I talk fitness. Eric is a guy who works out not because he's desperate to get big, he just really wants to be healthy and fit. He makes a habit of doing cardio and strength training on alternating days. Great! He's also a vegetarian who loves a healthy meal of pasta with eggplant and mushrooms.

Now to the serial killer/last meal part. I asked Eric what his favorite not-so-healthy food is, and he told me he loves pizza. So, going back to his role on Grey's Anatomy, I asked him if pizza is what he'd choose for his last meal.

Each muscle has a function, and the pecs are no different. Watch this quick video and never forget how to work your chest ... even if you're in the desert with Bear Grylls!

Visit Fitzness.com for more training videos, celebrity interviews and delicious low fat recipes!

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