Is it better to exercise in the morning or in the afternoon? Does walking two miles burn the same number of calories as running two miles? What’s the best mix of cardio and strength training for a person your age?  

Those are the sorts of questions, says Chris Bosch, associate director of programs for Penn’s Department of Recreation, that are likely to be posed at a free lunchtime forum designed to shed light on the basics of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Titled “Q&A With a Fitness Professional,” the workshop is scheduled to be held at noon on Thursday, April 19, at Houston Hall’s Golkin Room/223.

“Last year we had a Q&A with a nutrition expert and that was quite popular,” says Suzanne Smith, the health promotion program administrator for the Division of Human Resources (HR). “We thought of doing this workshop because we realized that people might have general questions about fitness.”

Bosch has pulled together a group of professionals from Penn Rec to answer the queries. On the panel will be Chris Policastro, assistant director of fitness and wellness; Katie Huber, assistant director of group exercise and instructional classes; and Dan Bradley, assistant director of recreation at the Fox Fitness Center.  

“This will be an opportunity to ask whatever you want,” Bosch says. “We hope to be able to address whatever concerns people have about exercise programs, and maybe bust some fitness myths. Sometimes, people get stressed out just trying to get started.”

The workshop is free, but because of limited space registration is required. Those interested in attending can register online using the HR course catalog. Select "Health Promotions" under "Browse By Category."