Expert: David - 7/5/2006

Question
Heyy!
Alright so Iam 16 and the last two years I have pretty well maintained a weight of 120-130 im about 5'4 5'5 in height.  

Im not sure if its just the whole "big boned" thing going on or if it really is i have a lot of unnecessary fat going on.  It only started in gr.9 being conscience about my body... Apparently I dont look fat but I feel fat.  From the top of my belly button to maybe about 4 cms down (thats a guess) I kind of have this buldge.. i know its fat.. but i want to know if its baby fat or anything.. and what i can do to get rid of it.. im scared im going to get fat n im a pretty active girl, i run lots.. into massive sports all the time, use my families new rowing machine alot.. i just want to know how to make me feel/look better and change my stomach appearence.. i know that sounds silly since im only 16 but i just hate how i look..
Also.. excersises for my inner thighs.. they are gettin beefy.. anything to tone them? If i lay on my sides and do leg raises will that help... and how long should i be doing exercises for.. im having a hard time getting into the routine!!!! Any suggestions?!!
Anyways thanks again.. hope i didnt ask too many questions!!!
Yours Truely
  Katie

Answer
Hello Katie

First, there NEVER is too many questions.

I do this for a hobby, so, I "live for questions."

The ONE exercise your body ALSO needs is to do some weightlifting. When you lift weights, you tighten up your muscles, and THAT makes everything more symmetric and you in the end, look a lot better. A plus; you also get healthier.

The easiest way to do weightlifting is to pick up and HOLD something heavy for 60 seconds. What to pick up? For people who do not have access to a gym, I recommend that they go and buy a couple of 5 gallon pails with lids.

What you do: put some water in the pails, put the lids back on. Squat down to pick up the pails. Instead of standing up straight, raise the pails up with your arms. So you will be standing, bent over, elbows bent, and knees bent. HOLD and wait 60 seconds before putting the pails down.

Do this exercise every OTHER day. Once a week, add a bit more water to the pails.

By keeping your joints bent, you make the muscles hold the weight, not your bones. By lifting and HOLDING, you do not grind your joints. By adding more water, you make your body stronger and your bones stronger. By resting every other day; your muscles grow stronger. They do not grow stronger when you are lifting. They grow stronger when they are resting afterwards.

And that should do it. If you have any more questions, please write again.

Have a great weekend.