Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 12/13/2006

Question
Will strength training redress the redistribution of weight  I've seen in the last
year post menopause?  I've always been fit (resting pulse 58 bpm) through
hiking, biking and stair stepping, but now although my ribs show front and
back,  there's fat (and cellulite) on my bottom and thighs! It has totally
changed the way my clothes fit. I've never been very sucessful with free
weights or machines (hard to measure the right weights/# of reps), but if it
actually works, I'll learn how.

Answer
Hi Lynn,
Menopause tends to cause many changes in our bodies.  Being fit throughout your life is great!  Weight training can build muscle tone but it won't get rid of cellulite.  You can build your upper body a bit to make your body look more proportioned.  
Look at your Mother to see if any of this is hereditary.  Continue to work out and enjoy life.  You might want to try pilates as it does wonders in lengthening and strengthening the body.
If your ribs are showing then you might need to add some weight and shape the rest.  Good luck and stay healthy!
Linda