I had my first in-home personal training session. After interviewing Michael Stoltzman, owner of HomFit Personal Training for a Minnesota Bride story, he offered to give me a session. He promised to be able to work around my big stubborn dog Apollo and my cat Tiger, who turned out to be gone for the session. In fact, Stoltzman is quite accustomed to working around -- or with -- pets, children and assorted interruptions that occur when one turns one's living room or basement into a temporary workout studio. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. Working with a personal trainer in any capacity is vulnerable work; you expose your imperfections, your weaknesses, physically and emotionally. Having a personal trainer in your home doubles that feeling. But Stoltzman's professionalism, combined with his genuine warmth and encouragement, instantly put me at ease. It was an hour well-spent. I learned new exercises, new techniques and ways to improve my slightly heart-protected posture. And he's great with dogs...maybe next time he'll have Apollo doing some core work. He could use it after that pan of brownies he ate the other day.