Q: Hello Mike! I am a 5'3", 38 y/o female. During puberty I got up to 185 pounds even though I was very active and ate properly. When I turned 19 the weight started dropping off with no change in diet or exercise. I worked out in the gym with weights and cardio faithfully. My body was very toned. Before my 2nd child was born in 1999 I took a Depo Provera shot that put 30 something pounds on me in a matter of months. During that time, exercise was increased and dieting was very strict, however I could not lose the weight from the shot. After it wore off I got pregnant and on top of that weight I carried the pregnancy weight, which put me up to 195 pounds. Whoo! Eventually the weight came off, but left me with loose skin on my abs and thighs. I had a thigh lift in 2005 which helped tremendously. I have continued to work out mostly with weights and occasional cardio. My problem is even with a thigh lift, working out and dieting, my legs are getting flabby again. Its the jiggy type fat and I can not stand it. Do you have any idea of what I am doing wrong? What I can change? This is one of those situations that after awhile, it starts playing with your mind. I need advice, suggestions, anything really bad.

A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately I'm not sure I can suggest much that you don't know about already. As we age it definitely gets harder and harder to stay in top shape, even with hard work in the gym and good nutrition. Short of surgical intervention best you can do is optimize your workouts and diet. Make sure to read my Nutrition and Weight Training articles to see if you can pick up anything you don't already know. For cardio, consider HIIT in addition to your regular cardio. Finally, if you post your detailed diet and/or workout routine I might be able to suggest some improvements. And stay positive and not get down on yourself!