Like many rookies coming out of college and going straight into a full WNBA season, Minnesota's Kristen Mann faced the difficult challenge of keeping her body in playing shape despite injuries and increasing fatigue. But as she enters her second season, Mann is hoping that her offseason fitness regimen and strict work ethic will enable her to play more minutes and make a greater contribution to the success of the Lynx.

Kristen Mann takes fitness seriously, and spreads the good word. Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images

Q. What's your favorite exercise for lower body? What results does this exercise help you achieve?
I'd say squats. It helps with strength, versatility and balance.

Q. What's your favorite exercise for upper body? Why?
I personally like the bench press even though I'm not very good at it. It really helps in rebounding and for my arm bar on defense.

Q. What's your favorite cardio exercise?
Put me on the elliptical and I can go for days.

Q. How do you work out on your off days during the season?
I don't' really have a whole lot of rest days - I'm usually just doing something for cardio.

Q. What do you do to stay in shape during the offseason?
I work out and this past offseason, worked out with my college team.

Q. What's your toughest fitness challenge?
The toughest challenge is doing the court workout. I don't really run or do line drills anymore, but anything that involves full court dribbling.

Q. Is there a fitness/exercise goal that you've set for yourself that you're working towards now?
I have a bunch of small weight goals just so I can be stronger, though those numbers vary based on the exercise.

Q. Is there a fitness accomplishment you're most proud of?
That would definitely take me back to college and some of the court sprints that we had to do. They ran us.

Q. Is there one exercise that you hate doing and have to force yourself to complete?
Yeah, running is hard.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into better shape for paying basketball?
Just think about how great you feel when you are done. That has always motivated me, as well as thinking about how I'd feel if I didn't work out when everyone else does.

Q. How would you describe the role/importance of fitness and exercise in your life?
Hello, I'm an athlete, so I need to be fit. But being healthy overall is really just so important.

Q. Is there a song/type of music that you listen to while you're working out?
I listen to everything, but lately I've been listening to electronica stuff.

Q. Is there a fitness product on t.v. (e.g., ab roller, thigh master, etc.) that makes you laugh the most?
Oh yeah, the Sauna Belt. It just works on your belly and heats it up so you sweat.

Q. Is there a certain food/meal that you like to eat before games or a favorite healthy snack??
I really love fruit, like a banana. Before a game I'll eat grapes and I also have to nap and shower beforehand. I have a whole set routine. Don't most players?