Big question: How do I eliminate the extra "padding" on the inside of my knees? I am 5'4", 140lbs., and I workout about 40 minutes five times a week. I've been doing step aerobics and walking, but have recently added weights to my regimen. The excess in my knee area doesn't seem to be taking a hike, even though I've lost about 15 lbs. in 15 weeks. Any suggestions?

--sebring76

Hey! You lost 15 pounds in 15 weeks? That's to be commended. A pound per week is a sensible rate of weight loss, and you shouldn't have a hard time keeping that weight off or losing more if you need to.

What exercises are you doing, Sebring? I would recommend leg extensions and leg curls, as well as the leg press. They work all of the big muscles of your legs and making these muscles stronger should give you better definition and help you "cut" your legs up more. I've also found that using a stepper seems to work my legs harder than walking on a treadmill. Cycling and in-line skating are aerobic exercises that impart more "tone" to the legs than fast walking.

As we lose weight, sometimes it takes a while for our bodies to start reflecting the changes in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Tweak your routine and see what happens in four-six weeks, Sebring.

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