Paul Plakas Answers Your Questions

Dear Paul, how and where can I get my true body fat measured? I am hovering at the same weight but am seeing results (in my clothing, strength and appearance) but I want to get a true reading.

You need to find a place that will do a Dexa Scan for you. That is the best method of finding out your true body fat level. I’d suggest that you do a Google search to find one in your local area.

Dear Paul, now that I’ve lost weight, what can I do to tighten my loose skin up?

The only way that you’re going to be able to get that skin tightened up, if there is an excess of it, is by seeing a plastic surgeon and having it surgically removed. Your skin can only stretch so far, if you build muscle under the skin it can fill up some room but really if you have lost a lot of weight and your skin has lost its elasticity you are going to have to get it surgically removed. I do know some people that have had a tummy tuck, and the results of very successful but it does leave a scar.

Dear Paul, I am just getting back into exercise after having a lengthy illness that kept me sidelined for a year. Should I just start out with cardio only or should I be doing both cardio and weights?

You should be doing weight training too, you just need to find out what function and capability you have in all the joints in your body. You need to be assessed, and get set up on a proper program. You need to see somebody who is qualified to handle your situation, such as a personal trainer, who will get you on the right track.

Dear Paul, I tried running for a while and got shin splints very early on even thought I was stretching. Any advice on how to avoid this?

If you are having problems in your shins, this is because a problem exists somewhere else in your body. I would look at doing core specific exercises for running. I would also look at strengthening your gluteus medius muscle, which is on the side of your hip and is often weak for a lot of people. I would also focus on doing stretches for the calf muscles so they allow good ankle movement.

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