Q. I have a question about "plantar fasciitis": How long should I expect to allow for healing, and should I experience some pain when I resume walking? And very important to me: Is prevention possible?

- M.H.

A. Advice on time needed to heal and pain while returning to action likely varies from person to person and foot to foot, requiring the attention of a physician or physical therapist. But a lot of info that might be helpful can be found at the Web site at www.heelspurs.com.

Fitness modeling

Q. Any ideas whom I might contact in the Seattle area regarding possibly modeling for health/fitness/exercise companies?

- C.W.

A. Though Seattle's modeling agencies can and do provide appropriate models for fitness-related work, the closest company actually specializing in that field is Sports Unlimited in Portland (503-227-3449; 1991 N.W. Upshur St., Suite B, 97209-1741). Prospective models can send in photos and résumés including sizes and athletic background or they can show up at "open call" sessions the first Tuesday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. - so the next one is this Tuesday. No experience is necessary and it's not essential to have professional photos taken just for the open call, said Molly Weiss of Sports Unlimited, though "it's nice if they can bring pictures," even if they're just snapshots.

Fitness news you can use What's new online • Free services at www.getfitnow.com include an e-mail newsletter and a variety of expert discussion forums, from "Beginners Only" to "Surfing" to "New Products" to "Navy SEALS Fitness." • The beats go on at www.heartzones.com, which includes information, resources and an e-mail newsletter about using your heart rate to get more out of your training. • A new, 24-page Soyfoods Guide, with photographs and recipes, is available free from the Soy Protein Partners at www.soybean.org. Young and fit "Getting Kids to Eat Well & Be Active" is a free 14-page color brochure to help parents talk with children and be more effective as educators and role models. It's available at participating Weight Watchers locations (800-651-6000) and can be downloaded from www.weightwatchers.com. Ask more Questions on equipment, training, nutrition? E-mail mmartin@seattletimes.com or write Ask Molly, Pacific Northwest magazine, The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. I can't promise personal responses, but include your phone number, just in case.

If you decide to stay local, Weiss and others suggested understanding two things: the difference between agencies and schools ("If they offer workshops or classes, I'd be a little wary," Weiss said) and that, other than covering the cost of professional photos, you shouldn't need to give money to anyone until after you've done work, since agencies are paid by commission. Three established agencies are Heffner Model Management (206-622-2211), Seattle Models Guild (206-622-1406) and TCM Models and Talent (206-728-4826).

Tai Chi recommendation

Q. Could you recommend a good Tai Chi studio or club? I live on the Eastside but am willing to go into Seattle to enroll in a program.

A. It's not easy to single out a particular class - especially since I haven't taken any - but it'd be hard to go wrong with Madame Gao Fu, who has been given the title of Master of Martial Arts and National Living Treasure in her native China. Now 85 and living in Seattle, she teaches Mondays at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church (1625 S. Columbian Way), with Chi Kung from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and T'ai Chi Chuan from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. She also holds other classes and workshops. For information: 206-322-4099; www.wuji.com/gaofu/

Trainer studies

Q. I am currently working on home study to become an ACE certified personal trainer. Do you know of any local instructors or persons who might teach a review or study class for ACE certification or do you know of any other trainer certifications that may have local training?

- E.M.

A. You can search for exam prep courses for Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Clinical Exercise Specialist certifications within ACE's Web site. The next Comprehensive Personal Trainer course in Seattle is scheduled for October (the date listed on the Web site, Oct. 20, is only approximate). It's $189. For information, call 800-244-1344.

Also, a four-day workshop preceding the American College of Sports Medicine's August certifications for Health/Fitness Instructor and Group Exercise Leader will be at the downtown Seattle Athletic Club Aug. 20. It's $300. For information: 800-486-5643 or www.acsm.org/certification_applications.htm.

Q. Where can I find more information regarding "SuperSlow" strength training?

- M.R.

A. The bible for this approach is "SuperSlow: The Ultimate Exercise Protocol" by Ken Hutchins ($25; 407-862-2552). The Web site for Hutchins' SuperSlow Exercise Guild is www.superslow.com. The only local certified club is Ideal Exercise (14032 Aurora Ave. N.; 206-364-9944). Other clubs that don't use the registered SuperSlow name but do employ high-intensity training include X Gym (www.xgym.com) in Belltown (206-728-9496) and Alki (206-938-9496).

Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. You can phone her at 206-464-8243, e-mail mmartin@seattletimes.com or write P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.