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Q. I have worked out for years, aerobics and weight training. In fact I am a personal trainer myself but with a problem I cannot solve. I was 40lbs overweight until I was eighteen. I am now 49, fit and strong. My problem is very soft and flabby skin. The muscles are there, under the skin but my skin is loose and not toned at all. I try to be thankful that my legs are strong but I am terribly embarrassed by them. On top of the flabbiness I also have spider veins. I no longer work out at a gym but at home so major equipment is not available...of course. Here is another summer and shorts are out of the question. I am 5'4'' 110 lbs. Is there anything that can be done or should I really try to accept that this is the way it is? -- Cynthia A. After significant weight loss and fat elimination, skin can remain loose, saggy and even wrinkled depending on how long the individual was overweight and how far the skin was stretched out. I realize it can be discouraging. The best way to fill out those trouble areas is by building additional lean muscle mass. I realize that you are already on a fitness program, but maybe it is time to change what you are doing. To maximize the benefits of weight training, train all of your major muscle groups in a variety of ways. Don't let yourself get stuck on favorites. Change your exercise routine at least once a week. For best results, use lower weights and higher repetitions, fatiguing the muscles with about 15 to 20 repetitions. Finally, be realistic. As you age, your skin's elasticity weakens. Genetics also dictates how easily you will be able to tighten up loose skin with exercise. Regarding the spider veins, a plastic surgeon can eliminate them with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence in just a few treatments.
Good Luck,
Other recently asked questions: WorkoutsForWomen.com provides home exercise programs for today's busy women, under the guidance of a certified personal trainer.
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