Expert: Ken Alan - 5/20/2006

Question
I have been a cardio junky for many, many years but never really did any
strength training. After the birth of my son I found that I went back to my
pre-pregnancy weight but had lost muscle tone (since I was unable to
exercise during my pregnancy). So, I incorporated strength training into my
regimen. Over the course of the past year and a half, I am definitely firmer
now but also (in my opinion) too big. My shoulders and waist are too different
sizes now and my jeans are too tight around the thighs. In the past couple of  
months I have gone from 119 lbs and 19% body fat to 124 lbs and 16% body
fat (using my at home scale). This is in spite of going down to using only 5lb.
weights for shoulder exercises and 8 lb. weights for squats & lunges. I think
my body just naturally develops muscle (that and the fact that I lift a 30 lb
toddler all day!) My question is: how can I reduce my overall size but stay
firm?

Answer
Hi Angela,

Been trying to respond for a few days, but the site was not accessible, so apologize for the wait.

Glad you're interested in exercising.  
Without knowing anything about you, what exercises you are doing, how you are doing them, reps, sets, rest, nutrition intake and know what your physique looks like, there's no way I can suggest what is appropriate for you to meet your goals.  If I, or anyone else for that matter, were to recommend something, it would be just a shot in the dark at best.

Consider hiring a qualified Personal Trainer in your area.  If you're serious about wanting to make changes in your body, it's worth it for a couple of sessions to get you going on the right track.  Very worth it.  

Let me know if you need help finding someone in your area.
Hope this helps.