A workout routine is something that should be a part of every woman’s daily schedule. Whether you are lifting weights for an hour a day, or running for just 10 minutes each morning, make sure you get the most out of your workout. Crystal Gaynor works with Identity to help readers make their fitness routine ‘Crystal Clear.’
Crystal Gaynor, Making Fitness Crystal Clear
Dear Crystal,
I injured my knee badly, but don’t have health insurance so I can’t do much right now. Are there any at-home knee exercises I can do for therapy/protection and strengthening? -Diane J. / Cherry Hill, NJ
Dear Diane,
The best suggestion that I can make for your knee is to GET TO A DOCTOR ASAP!
 A doctor is the only person that should diagnosis an injury of this type. Not your best friend, not the Internet, and not your trainer. A doctor has the ability to conduct x-rays, tests and whatever else may be needed to make a full and proper diagnosis for treatment.
It may cost you a little extra up front, but it will save your knee in the long run.
Dear Crystal,
Do you have any fun abdominal exercises that require partners? I’m sick of doing boring floor exercises by myself. -Catherine T. / Parsippany, NJ
Dear Catherine,
It’s fun to exercise with a partner, so buddy up. One suggestion for you and your partner to try from LiveStrong.com is The Sit-Up Pass.
Sit face to face with your knees bent and your feet touching your partner’s. Perform a sit-up, tossing the ball to your partner as you rise to the top of the sit-up. Your partner catches the ball and performs his own sit-up. Complete a full sit-up when you have the ball and another when your partner has the ball. Repeat for 15 to 20 reps.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/111778-medicine-ball-exercises-couples/#ixzz1mxPAkuiK
Dear Crystal,
What are some at-home exercises for cardio that don’t include jumping jacks? -Nicole P. / Danbury, CT.
Dear Nicole,
There are plenty of at home cardio workouts to choose from. If you live in a home or apartment with stairs, try running the stairs for 3-6 cycles. All the way up and all the way down counts as one cycle. Work your way up to 20 cycles. 

Also consider full body exercises like “Burpees” for a great cardio blast.
Start in a squat position, hands on the floor in front of you. Then kick your feet back to a push-up position. Next, bring your feet back to the squat position and finally leap as high as you can from the squat.
This takes a little practice, so start off with 5 and work your way up to 10 or more.
Dear Crystal,
What are your thoughts on P90x? I’m debating whether to invest or not because I love yoga, and I am athletic so I will be able to handle it. -Taylor J.
Dear Taylor,
If you’re up for the challenge and you sound like you are, P90X is a great way to go. The workouts are designed to challenge your body in every way.
Physical fitness is defined as cardiovascular strength and endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. P90X has done a wonderful job of combining all of the aspects on training into a systemic workout program and since you already love yoga, that’s included too.
I strongly suggest you make the investment. It’s a workout program that you will use over and over again.
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