By Dave Patania

Question: I exercise three times per week but have no desire to look like a model. I feel bad about that sometimes because I see so many people out and about that are gung ho about fitness. What direction should I go in?

Answer: There is no reason for you to feel bad for your personal preferences. If your desire is to participate in basic fitness activities in order to ensure a healthy, well-functioning body, that is just fine. The beauty of fitness is that it is for everyone on every level of interest, motivation, ability and desire. You should be proud of yourself for working out three days a week because far too many Americans don't exercise three times in a month. Now, if you come to me and say that you want to train for the Olympics, yet you only want to do basic fitness activities, we would definitely have to increase the duration and intensity of your activities.

Since it is quite evident that you just want to maintain a good level of conditioning, I would recommend that you keep doing what it is you are doing. Just be sure that you warm up and stretch before every exercise session and cool down and stretch after. This will ensure safety, increase blood flow to your working muscles and increase your flexibility. Be sure to switch your routine every 6-12 weeks to avoid boredom and to provide variation. I like to call this format a "fitness cast of characters."

Your most favorite activity is your leading cast member and then you find supporting cast members (exercises/activities) to support the main cast member.

For example, if you love to take brisk walks, that is your leading activity. You then use strength training, swimming and yoga as your activities that support your favorite activity. You can switch activities, exercise duration and intensities around every 6-12 weeks as you see fit. You are already doing what most people in our country have such a hard time doing - making the time to exercise. Keep up the great work.

Contact personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com.