Thousands of PARADE readers have signed up for our fitness plan and asked questions of our experts. Here are two:

How does aerobic exercise strengthen my heart?

Physical activities that raise your heart rate, like jogging and biking, force the heart to beat faster as it pumps blood throughout the body. (The heart, a muscle the size of a grapefruit, pumps about a gallon of blood a minute.) The more you exercise, the more your heart acclimates to that physical exertion by beating fewer times per minute. This results in a lower heart rate—and a heart that works more efficiently—whether you’re on the move or not.

What are your thoughts on working with a trainer?

A trainer can make your workouts much safer and help you reach your goals sooner. Some people need the added incentive of a trainer while others easily can work alone after only a few sessions. Either way, it’s smart to use one if you’re coming back after an injury or from a long layoff. To reduce the cost, more trainers are offering a small-group option, with three to five people exercising with one trainer.

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