Question: I am in my 40s, fit and active, with a small frame, and I'm tall. But I am four pounds heavier than I would like to be with most of the flab being in my lower stomach and upper arms. I have been lifting but still see a little wiggle. Is this a sign of excess weight, or not enough exercise? Any suggestions?

        Answer: You need to look at your body as a whole system rather than pinpointing areas to target for improvement. All our bodies have have strong and weak points. Our bodies will take excess calories (from carbohydrates, proteins and fats) as a system and stores fat on the body — based on genetics — unless we give it a reason not to.

        To make sure your body uses calories efficiently — and to try to get rid of your wiggle — try using an instinctive approach. Look at your genetics and habits and ask yourself: Am I naturally thin and burn calories quickly, or do I tend to gain weight very easily? What are my activity and dietary habits?

        After an honest self-assessment, you will be able to form a plan of action. Too many people mimic what they watch on TV before doing this self-assessment. There is so much fitness news in the media that it is hard to figure out what may be best for your particular situation.

        Because nobody knows you better than yourself, a personal fact-finding mission will help you narrow your focus to information that is more suited for you. Once you find this information I am sure that you will find success.

        As far as my advice, try to increase your cardiovascular activity — whether it be in intensity, duration or both. Get at least two days of strength training a week to stimulate an increase in lean muscle mass, and set up an eating plan that is focused on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lots of water.

        E-mail davpatania@aol.com.
       

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