Expert: Ken Alan - 4/29/2004

Question
im 16 years old... about 1 and a 1/2 years ago I started running because i was really out of shape. i lost a lot of weight and my family thought i was anorexic, but anyway... My workouts(mainly running) aren't helping me lose weight anymore(which means i gained weight and fat too). I'm eating well, but my runs dont seem to be effective. I'm still trying to lose weight, after my 15 pound weight gain. I run on my tredmill. I ride my indoor bike, but I noticed that the bike was making my legs bigger, like big muscles, and i dont like big muscles; I want long lean muscles. I also use my workout ball and lift weights(like 5 pounds each arm), but i noticed that my arms were getting big muscles too, and i dont want that either. Please help me figure out a good plan that'll work. I really want to run more than biking, the workout ball, or the weights...but i dont know, so... thanks. =)  

Answer
Thanks for your question.

It's a complicated question you have, and there is no simple answer without knowing more about you.  I'd suggest that you work with a personal trainer once or twice to assess you and set you up on a program to meet your goals.  It's worth the time and money, though that may be an issue for you.

Without knowing a lot more info about you, it's silly for me or anyone else to recommend that you do this or that, as it would be just guessing that it would be appropriate for you.

Hope this helps.