BASIC TRAINING.

Q: I'm 36 and have two kids. Over the years I had put on some weight. I had a tummy tuck on my lower abs that left me with fat on my upper abs. What can I do to get rid of this?

-- Tanya Bailey

Los Angeles 

A: Plastic surgery and liposuction are quick fixes for one area. If you don't incorporate a healthy lifestyle, the body fat will return or move elsewhere. If you're going to invest money in surgery, you should also invest time into taking care of your body. To get rid of the fat that is now storing in your upper abdomen, I suggest a healthy eating plan and an exercise program. Focus on what is necessary for a healthy life and everything else will fall in place. It's fine to do a little extra work for your problem areas, but don't miss the big picture -- an overall lifestyle change.

Bicycle crunches can help with the upper abdomen. Do three sets of 20 reps.

ABOUT THE TRAINER: Jeanette Jenkins, founder and president of the Hollywood Trainer fitness company, has a bachelor of science degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa. A 14-year industry veteran, she has worked with actors and professional athletes, including Queen Latifah, Taryn Manning and Terrell Owens. A resident expert on the Food Network's weight-loss show, ``Weighing In,'' she is also the official spokeswoman for the BET Foundation's ``A Healthy BET Campaign,'' and is one of 17 experts chosen for Nike's Elite Athletes program. For more information, visit her Web site at www.thehollywoodtrainer.com

Do you have a question for a personal trainer? Send your fitness and nutrition questions to jeanette.jenkins(at)dailynews.com and check here in coming weeks for the answers.

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