Amy Alberson, a personal trainer in Alexandria, is a fitness veteran—she’s been in the business almost 30 years. Her clients include Laura Bush. She trains the First Lady three times a week. They met through the President’s brother Marvin Bush, also a client.

“Most of my clients are very busy people, but fitness is important so they make the time,” says Alberson, who travels to see clients and teaches classes at the Belle Haven Country Club fitness center.

Alberson, 56, talks about how she stays in shape and offers some tips.

Why she loves exercise: “I sleep better, stand taller, and have more energy.”

Her exercise routine: “Yoga and Pilates two to three days a week, two days of free weights, and I aim to squeeze in two days of walking or the recumbent bike. I also stretch every day. Stretching is important—it helps elongate muscles so they’re long and lean and keeps you flexible.”

Where she shops for workout gear: “Pacers in Old Town is excellent for shoes, and I love Target—it has great fitness clothes.”

On fitness gadgets: “With my clients, we use free weights, stability and medicine balls, and Pilates rings, but you can also get a good workout with core strengthening exercises like pushups, sit-ups, lunges, and squats.”

Her morning energy boost: A protein shake with skim milk, whey, flaxseed meal, and cinnamon.

What she eats: “In the morning, two hard-boiled eggs or oatmeal with fruit. Lunch is usually on-the-go, so it’s cottage cheese and fruit or whole-wheat bread with peanut butter or tuna. For dinner, I love steak but try to stick with chicken or fish. I’ve cut out most simple carbohydrates. During the holiday season, I plan ahead—eating something before going out to parties helps me pass on caloric hors d’oeuvres.”

On getting in shape for the new year: “It’s good to make resolutions, but don’t set your goals too high. Be realistic.”