Expert: Ken Alan - 9/3/2005

Question
Ken
I am a 46 year old male.I work out regularly with weights and a stationary cycle.
First question:
I have a stubborn belly that wont shrink.It looks kind of comical as the rest of me looks pretty good but my belly is quite round.
Is there an aerobic exercise that might work better than others at targetting this?
Second question:
I play rec hockey and am looking for something to augment my bike to condition my legs.I was thinking of step aerobics with weights in my hands? I would be doing this myself-no classes in my area.How would I keep from getting bored?  

Answer
One kind of aerobic exercise is not better than another, despite advertising to the contrary.  It's how hard an effort you put into the exercise that counts.  No one type of aerobic exercise is better than another for targeting the belly.  Choose an aerobic exercise that you like or enjoy the most, or alternate different aerobic exercises.

It's a challenge to not get bored doing step aerobics by yourself.  But it could get boring doing a treadmill or bike or rower, too.  Watch TV, listen to music, get some step videos, use it for think time to solve a problem, get a workout buddy.   Be careful if you're moving your arms while holding weights.  The heavier the weights the slower you have to go.

Hope this helps.