Please wait...| First Name | Last Name | City | Question |
| Concetta | Montana | Gloversville | I recently lost 120 pds through gastric bypass. I have had the extra stomach skin removed as well as a breast reduction to fix that area. I do not want another surgery. I only had those two because the extra weight was causing my back to hurt more. I need to tighten and tone my arms and upper thighs as well as lose some inches on my hips. I have incorporated lunges and squats into my workout. I am not noticing any improvement. The surgeons tell me I will not be able to tone it up without removing it in surgery. I do not know if its true or if he is saying that to make some more money off of me. Please help. How can I tone my arms and legs as well as lose a couple inches in my hips? Are there any specific exercises I can do? How many of them and how often? If you could help me I would be so grateful. You would be saving me from a couple painful surgeries as well as hours in front of the mirror being disgusted at the extra flab. Hi Concetta Unfortunately the human skin is only so elastic, it varies from person to person and with age. Exercise does not improve the elasticity of the skin or can remove it. For excess skin you will have to see a plastic surgeon. There are definitely exercises you can do to increase the muscle size underneath the skin, filling up some of the spare room. I will have some exercise programs people will be able to download from the website coming up later this summer. For the time being try moves like overhead tricep extensions and barbell bicep curls for your arms. For the legs lunges and squat variations are the best. Depending on your fitness level a volume of 10-15 sets for the legs and 6-10 sets for the arms are sufficient. The reps should be in the 8-12 range achieving momentary muscular failure in good form. Good Luck Paul |
| Bev | Weeks | Halifax | Why do the muscles on the insides of my legs get sore when i run outside but not when I run on the treadmill. I want to do the Bluenose Half marathon in May and need help. Thanks Hi Bev It is possible that the treadmill you are using has a flex deck that absorbs some of the impact of running. You may also have weakness in your outer hips and core that permits your femur to internally rotate with each stride impact. If your knee goes inside your toe when you land and if you excessively pronate at the ankle joint a great deal of stress is placed on the inner thighs. I would recommend getting a run gait analysis performed. Paul |
| Michael | de Koning | Newmarket | Hey Paul. I was talking to my sister about doing a body detox/cleanse and she thought you had mentioned something about them being a waste of time and money. I am a healthy 33 year old male who is very active in triathlons and many other sports, and thought this would be a good idea. What are your thoughts? Thanks very much. Hi Michael I would question why you would spend money to detoxify your body. Our bodies already have a built in detoxification and cleansing system. Your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and intestines do this job already. If you are eating clean healthy organic foods, avoiding processed foods, drinking distilled water regularly, and eating lots of fiber you are good. Spend your money on healthy food choices. Many programs want you to fast, force you to drink silly useless concoctions and may interfere with the healthy bacteria in our intestines. Paul |
| Gr√°inne | Murphy | Dublin, Ireland | Thanks for answering my question! Good motivation to keep going and keep up my circuits. I really enjoy them. Things are looking up-under 20% BF by calipers again now. Phew! Next goals: lose a bit more...and do some pull-ups :-) I was glad to see you allowing a bit of chocolate too. I think not completely banning it has helped my compliance. This has felt more like eating proper nutritious food than deprivation. Thanks again. Looking forward to my move to Toronto in July. Never know-might see you sometime! |
| meghann | nickason | breton | i am a mother of two and a stay at home mom and i would like to not necessarily lose weight, i am 5'2 and 125lbs, but i wouild like to be in shape. my question is this, are protein shakes and powders and bars good for you and a good way to increase muscle mass or not? Hi Meghan I would recommend to avoid protein powders and bars. Eating healthy protein is not hard to do. Eggs, lean meats, lentils, beans, quinoa, fish are all excellent choices that not only give you excellent protein but energy to exercise and fantastic vitamins and minerals for cellular health. Companies that sell protein product exaggerate their benefit and often put preservatives, coloring and artificial flavoring in their products. If your goal is to focus on muscle building and you want to gain weight a protein shake maybe okay. People drink shakes that have trouble eating enough solid food to gain the size they want. Paul |
| Sheryl | Brooks | Toronto | Hi Paul, Just wondering if it is possible to rejoin a separated rectus muscle after pregnancy. I'm 38, 5"6, 122 lbs with 5 kids the youngest of which is two years old. I do yoga for my sanity, I walk and do an at home weight circuit. I'm not concerned about loosing weight but would really like to tighten my "internal corset". It seems that my abs are getting stronger but my rectus muscle is still separated and my waist line is shapeless. Is this something that has to be surgically repaired? Or, should I be looking for a trainer to help me. Thoughts? Cheers, Sheryl |
| Steph | Hink | Ottawa | Hi Paul, I notice in your show you tailor exercises for people to improve specific activities. I'm new to running and I was wondering if you had some ideas for strength training I should be doing to improve my running. I'm following a couch to 5k plan. I'm struggling a bit with the program, I don't think it's an aerobic problem, as my breathing is ok during my runs (I'm a pretty active person, but running is new to me), but my legs burn fairly quickly into my runs. Would strength training help? Thanks. Hi Steph Absolutely strength training would help your running. Focusing on hip/core strength will not only make you a stronger runner but more efficient and have a less chance of injury. Exercises like squats, lunges, lateral tube walking, side planks and weighted torso rotations are some moves that would benefit you. I will be listing different exercise programs on my website (one being for runners specifically) coming soon. In the meantime try ordering an exercise program from me and I can design something specific for you or work with a trainer who specializes in strength training for runners. Paul |
| Amilcar | Velarde | Lima - PERU | Hello Paul: I have 40 years old, I am taking a Fat burner product of GNC's with CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid 1500mg). Would you please inform me if you know about some effects of this product or component. You can give me some advices to eliminate the fat of the abdomen. Thank you very much. Amilcar Hi Amilcar I would avoid any “Fat Burner” product especially if it contains ephedrine and caffeine. The side effects are high blood pressure, increased heart rate, restlessness, dizziness, anxiety, stroke and even death. It is a temporary fix. Once you stop taking the product your metabolism returns to its previous level and may even drop. You can not do any specific thing to remove fat off specific areas of your body. Only liposuction does this. When you eat healthy and exercise fat comes off your body wherever you are genetically predisposed for it to come off. Paul |
| Nerea | Vera | Ecuador | I saw you on XWeighted and love you!! i want to ask: what would be the result if i do 2 hours of cardio everyday? is that too much for my body. My Height is 1.63cm and Weight 65 kilograms. Thank you a lot! |
| Christine | Schultz | London, UK | Hi Paul - although emailing you from the UK, I am Canadian and used to watch X-weighted which is how I know about you and respect what you do. Now, with hubby I live here and love it. Moving on... I am just in the beginning phase of my Personal Trainer course with the YMCA here (first ever in the world, yeah okay I'm impressed with it!) and upon conducting a postural assessment of hubby I notice a slight lordosis curve on him. Hips are forward, shoulders forward, back curved more than normal at lumbar area. (He does sit a lot for work) My question is what are the best exercises, in your opinion to correct/help this? He is athletic, cycles 15 miles a day, walks plenty, no weight trouble, used to play soccer, no longer. He does plenty of push ups so the upper body is strong but some muscles aren't. I have researched and know that perhaps his gluts and abs need work along with stretches of hips but what would you recommend to begin with? Thank you - I look forward to your reply! Hope all is well! Cheers, Christine Hi Christine Your husband shows the classic signs off upper/lower cross syndrome. The sitting position your husband is in at work is probably the cause of this. Prolonged sitting causes a collapse at the thoracic spine and excessive curvature at the lumbar spine. The first thing I would do is avoid the push ups, this will only make things worse adding to an already tight chest/shoulder area. Focus on stretching the chest and doing external rotations of the shoulder plus a cobra type exercise for the mid back. The posterior needs to be stronger than the anterior of the body. Stretching the hip flexors and hamstrings can help create better movement at the hip so the lower back does not have to compensate by going into excessive lordosis. Cycling probably adds to the problem putting him in the same sitting position he is already at work. Your husband is in fetal position for a good chunk of his day. He needs to do extension type exercises at all the joints with good core engagement. Try to do movements in an upright position that involve lengthening and opening up the body, the exact opposite position his body is in most of the day. Paul |
| Rachel | Laxer | Toronto | Hi Paul, I started running half marathons (currently training for a full) after my best friend passed away in August 2007. Since then, I have been interested in studying health behaviour and physical activity. Since completing my bachelors degree in science (psychology and kinesiology) at McGill, I have been working at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, spending my free time either at the gym or reading about childhood obesity. I have been obsessed with your show from day 1, and am especially loving the family version. I am starting my Master's degree at Queen's next year, focusing on childhood obesity and physical activity epidemiology. I would LOVE to have a chance to speak with you, meet you, or volunteer with you somehow, as I am taking this summer off before going back to school. You have inspired me to want to help others. Thanks for all of your hard work. I hope to be able to inspire others and make a difference like you. Rachel |
| Flo | Russell | Staten Island, NY | Hi Paul, I am a very big fan of X-weighted! I feel my question is unique and I am hoping you can shed some insight . I am now 41 years old. At 26 I was diagnosed with being POST Menopausal. ( I stopped getting my period at age 17 ) Currently , and for the past 12 years ( on and off) I have been on hormone replacement therapy. My question to you is this : Does being post menopausal, for over 20 years now, put me at a definite disadvantage for losing weight than other women my age? I have struggled with trying to lose 15-25 pounds since my mid twenties . Each time I have actually had some success, it has taken an extremely LONG time and if I have a slip up, the weight comes rushing back. I am a lover of fitness and nutrition and strive to live healthfully and very fitness minded. Thank you for reading and helping, Flo |
| Andrea | Bader | Richmond Hill, Ontario | Hi Paul, Just wondering what your opinion is on eating organic? Is there a huge difference between eating organic and eating just the regular foods? Ps. Please keep my info anonymous Hi Andrea The big difference eating organic is the foods are supposedly grown in a rich nutrient soil with no pesticides. If you can afford it I recommend organic. Some food purchases make more sense buying organic like strawberries versus bananas. The peel offers some protection against invading pesticides. I would focus on organic free range meats. I saw a documentary called “Food Matters” and “Food Inc.” if you watch these shows you will see how companies treat our meat supply. I almost became a vegetarian. I have definitely cut back on my meat intake. Paul |
| Melanie | Smithson | montreal | Hi Paul, I'm a trainer and have been passionate about fitness since I was 17 (25 years ago!). I love your show and even watch re-runs because your style inspires me everyday. I have a strange question! While I am not an exhibitionist by any means, I'd like your critique on my physique. A photo with appropriate workout attire can be provided. I believe the human body is an amzing machine (for performance) and a work of art as well, which can be molded like clay. My job requires me (in my opinion) to be a walking advertisement for health & fitness, so I would value the input of a professional like yourself. Let me know if this is feasible! Have a great day! Hi Melanie Sure send me a picture if you want the honest truth. |
| Freedom | Bannerholt | Kelowna | Hi Paul, I'm not sure if you would even consider it but I was hoping I could convince you to make a trip to Kelowna for a couple days; rumor has it Kelowna is a great place to visit. Honestly, I need some help getting myself and my son on track with a couple of items and I believe you're the man to hire....your advertising must be working. Let me know your thoughts on the idea. Thanks, Freedom Bannerholt |
| Carolyn | Gilpin | Halifax | After a painful divorce then messy rebound relationship I went from 120 to 138 lbs. I want it off once and for all. Are the diet plans actually developed by Paul? I watch him on a regular basis and think he is the only one that can help me! Hi Carolyn Yes all the eating plans people sign up for on my website are set up by me. No better way to get back at the EX than developing a rock hard, lean and fit body. Paul |
| Krystal | Van Ryswyk | Westlock | HI Paul... I have to say that i am a huge fan of yours and just recently found out that you lived in Edmonton. One of my friends saw you in the grocery store and i was so mad that she didn't get an autograph or pic!!! Anyway i have been working out for awhile now and actually competed in 2 comps. recently for figures.... but this year i'm taking it easy with NO trainers and (trying) to incorporate my own excercises. When i was competing, the diet and excerice i was doing was layed out for me and i am finding that i need a challenge. I work out 6 days a week, 5 being weight training... and instead of isolating muscle groups i've been trying to do full body training with at least 45 min of cardio (intervals) so my question is simple, what are some key excerices you do to stay in shape? and if there is any nutritional tips you may have... that would be great! I find that without competing, i have motivation to stay eating healthy but once a week i have to have something! Hahaha Hi Krystal When I work out I love integrating the entire body into one exercise. This is how the body functions in our day and especially during sports. I do moves like – forward lunges with bent over rows, squats with dumbbell or cable machine wood chops, reverse lunges with a cobra, rollout planks with a push up, etc. The best advice I can give on nutrition is; eat high nutrient dense foods specific in quantity to your metabolic rate, daily activity level and body fat level goal. Paul |
| Krystal | Van Ryswyk | Westlock | HI Paul... I have to say that i am a huge fan of yours and just recently found out that you lived in Edmonton. One of my friends saw you in the grocery store and i was so mad that she didn't get an autograph or pic!!! Anyway i have been working out for awhile now and actually competed in 2 comps. recently for figures.... but this year i'm taking it easy with NO trainers and (trying) to incorporate my own excercises. When i was competing, the diet and excerice i was doing was layed out for me and i am finding that i need a challenge. I work out 6 days a week, 5 being weight training... and instead of isolating muscle groups i've been trying to do full body training with at least 45 min of cardio (intervals) so my question is simple, what are some key excerices you do to stay in shape? and if there is any nutritional tips you may have... that would be great! I find that without competing, i have motivation to stay eating healthy but once a week i have to have something! hahaha |
| Jamie | Huskins | Airdrie | I'm running my first 10k in June & I've never done a run before at all. I'm running a couple of times a week outside & doing a couple of times a week on my treadmill to build up to it. I was wondering what should I be eating so I don't crash during the race? It starts at 9:30 am so I was wondering the night before & the day of what should I putting into my body to fuel it? Thanks so much. Jamie |
| anna | massimiliano | barrie | Paul you are fantastic on your show - love your reality checks with your guests and your unwavering commitment to a healthy lifestyle - do you ever come to Ontario?? Would love to see you in action. Anyhow, about 15 years ago I was about 210lbs. Through diet and exercise I am down to 185 and at times throughout the years I have been 165 - however it is extremely difficult for me to stay there. I have ran numerous half marathons and exercise at least 40 min. daily! I run, bike, pilates (class twice a week sweat big time), walk, hike. My diet is very clean - typical breakfast oatmeal with yogurt, lunch simple sandwich no butter, mayo, just slice of cheese and lettuce, dinner is usually a meat of some sort, vegies/salad or pasta and a salad! So really it is pretty good - no drinking unless I am out with the girls then I will have a few glasses of wine - depending on how much i am running the next day? I fear that perhaps my food intake is too much - but God - I am Italian and I like eating and it is good food, no junk!!!! I am 45 and need to get 20lbs. off me - HELP!!! Ciao. |
| Ute | Stroud | Edmonton | A friend of mine has recently been bragging that he has lost over 100lbs. since February of last year. He sent an email of his results and in it he mentions "isogenix". I'm curious as to what exactly is the "gimmick" with this product as I do not believe anything works other than healthy choices, portion control and regular exercise. Can you tell me what your take on this product is....for curiosity sake. Thanks a bunch. Ute |
| amber | teed | Prince George | I have recently had a major surgery (blocked bowel) anyway it gave me a lot of time to think about my health... too bad we have to get sick before we wise up...anyway I am really wanting to get in shape now. I am 44 and weigh 188. In six weeks of hospitalization I only lost 12 pounds. My question is what do I do to get into some kind of fitness program? How does one start a fitness routine after surgery? I have been home now for 4 weeks and feel ready to do something. Thanks for your time...and thank you for your efforts in helping people get fit! Hi Amber I really recommend working with a trainer in your area for a few sessions to assess your body and design a program specific for you. Find someone who has experience working with people post surgery, can cooperate with your doctor’s advice and has the personality to be patient with you as you begin the road back to health. Don’t just go and do random exercise you see other people doing. Maximize your time exercising and avoid injury. Paul |
| Rosy | Borkowski | Edmonton | Paul, I love your show and I'm a fan of it. I just was wondering, do you have training groups? a place where i can train with you? My goal is to lose weight this year... please let me know, Rosy |
| Misty | Holloway | West Hills, CA | Hi Paul, First of all let me say that I love your show. I learn something new each episode. I am 35 years old. I am 5'6" and weigh around 135 lbs. I'm not really trying to loose weight, just maintain it as I get older. I have learned from watching your show that there are things that I thought was "healthy" all to learn that it really isn't. One of my weaknesses is soda. I've been trying to give it up. I recently dicovered LaCroix Pure Sparling Water. It claims to be calories free, sugar and sweetener free, and sodium free. It taastes really good. So, I figure it to good to be true. Is it? Thanks you, Misty |
| David | L. | Chicago | Paul, I was interested in what your diet consists of for a week. Do you happen to follow most of the same portion advice and daily eating schedule advice that you give to the participants on the show, or do you have a different regimen because of your fitness/workout level and body size? Thanks, and much continued success to you, X-Weighted, and the past and future participants. Hi David An eating plan definitely has to fit daily activity level and the size of the individual. My day typically looks like this.
I will eat hamburgers, pizza and have the occasional root beer but it is either homemade or I go to a restaurant I know has fresh quality ingredients. Paul |
| Po | Ra | Canada | Hi Paul, Sorry for my english, I'm french, What do you think of the supplement industry ? I recently wanted to buy three things (musclepharm Combat protein, musclepharm recon after-workout, and allmax vitastack) There's also BCAA, Omega3's, etc. There's so much supplements out there ! Do you think that it works and worth the money (hundreds of $ - needless to say that it would cost alot) ? Of course all the ads says that they works. Even for a normal person ? (i.e not an elite athlete). I rarely see trainers and dietitians speaks about supplements. The supplements seems so effective, that I don't know if it's worth it to get a gym membership without them ! I've also heard that supplements are only 5% of the results. Why pay hundreds of dollars ? As most people, I am really confused about supplements. Thanks ! P.S: I really like the show ! Hi Po I personally do not take any supplements of any kind. I have confidence in the food choices I make to give my body the nutrients it desires. Everyone wants a quick fix or magic pill, it does not exist. I have tried many products promising great results, I have never personally experienced anything that improved me in any way. Mankind has been trying to do a better job than Mother Nature. So far I believe he has failed. The obesity rates and the amount of money people spend on drugs/medication are increasing every year. The diet/supplement industry is a 40 billion dollar per year industry. Companies just want your money, not the improvement in your health. Save your money and spend it on good food. Plus who likes eating pills. Paul |
| Tanya | Priest | Edmonton | I emailed you, even ran into you at second cup.. im not going away lol.. the problem is im a poor starving nursing student (single mom of three) and cant afford a trainer.. ive lost 50 lbs on my own but IM STUCK I need to know how to build an ass first of all.. second how to get wayyyyyy more fit.. without being scrawny.. i just want to build my muscles.. 30 years of not using them has done its share of damage.. ive come a long way but i need guidance so i can do things to work specific areas properly.. ;) T |
| Tanya | Priest | Edmonton | ok. so i figured out your bodcasts and im going to try the exercises. man i thought i was fitter than i was but those river valley death stairs hurt my lungs more than my legs the other day.. ill keep u posted .. please keep posting the stuff on your site its very helpful and im going to try the recipes for my kids and I too. ps.. id have given the shopper a c-.. lol.. Tanya Priest |
| Tanya | Priest | Edmonton | Its me again!! ok so ive spent hours piling over your info.. I believe you have such amazing info and i agree with all the insites into bernstein and eliptical esque.. weight loss. I know I have to increase the intensity of my workouts.. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO to get you to teach me a one hour workout that will kick my ass but not kill me .. as i still have some giggly parts that get in the way of working out... PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE let me know how i can do this.. watching the bod casts is going to be my start.. but i also take my kids to the Y and while they are baby sat i work out.. i want to make the best of what im doing there however i feel lost most of the time.. last week i wanted to work my bum and my quads burned for a week.. etcetc.. Tanya Priest... 780-233-4801 |
| TIM | nICKERSON | Mt Uniacke | My girlfriend was in contact with you via email last night. Sheri Mosher. She wants to get the plan immediatly and not have to wait. Can this plan be purchased by visa at this point or just by paypal and cheque? |
| jessica | schlombs | Hi Paul, My boyfriend has been working out for years and been athletic his whole life. He weight trains a lot and is well built. However, we disagree about one thing and that is protein drinks and supplements. He's convinced they are necessary and says he could never eat enough protein in a day based on how much he trains. He spends hundreds of dollars a month on them! I think it's a load of crap. Who is right? |
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| Natasha | Newman | Ridgetown, On | Dear Paul, I watch your show whenever I can and I really like it. I myself have taken my own weight loss journey and very much enjoyed it.I have 2 sisters one is 10 and the other one is 9. There both gaining alot of weight and i fear for them. The 10 year old is about 5'2"-5'3" and weighs 196. I fear that it could get worse then it already has because her weight goes up not be the number of years but by the number of months. I also fear my youngest sister is going to end up the same way, and i dont know what to do. Due to living at two different houses i cant controll what there eating and what kind of activity there doing. It worries me that its going to progress and get worse. I also fear that living in the same house hold that im going to gain all the weight i lost back and i cant take the stress anymore. Do you have any advice on what i could and should do? beacuse ive tried and its not easy trying to make someone exercise and eat proper when you almost dont have the motivation to do it yourself! I look forward to hearing back from you and i hope you can respond! Hi Natasha You have a real predicament. I would try to spend more time with your sisters and just play with them. Play is the most important thing children can do to maintain a health fit body. Use your imagination, go to a playground, kick a ball around, play tag, just enjoy each others company. The food thing is a tough one. You are going to have to talk to your parents or care taker about healthy food choices. Try finding some recipes in a cookbook or on the internet that are nutritious and you may enjoy cooking yourself. Maybe you will make something so good that other people in the family will be receptive to it. Good Luck Paul |
| Mark | Newton | Calgary | Hey Paul, I am interested to hear your thoughts on Crossfit, and it benefits? I have been Crossfitting for sometime now and have found it to be an excellent program. I was just hoping to hear your opinion on it. Thanks Mark Hi Mark I think Crossfit does have some great attributes. They do mostly movements that involve using your body weight and free weights. The workouts are intense. Many of the moves are functional for improving your fitness and energy for daily life activity and sports. Where Crossfit lacks is that many places do not do kinetic chain assessments on each individual person. Some moves may not be appropriate because of postural dysfunctions of the participants. These dysfunctions need to be identified first before a program can be laid out. Many trainers just post a workout and have anybody try it. The amount of reps for exercises can be outrageous and pointless depending on the goal of the client. Cross fit has become an ego thing where people try intense programs that fitter people have done and see if they can match or beat their times. Form on the exercise begins to suffer, the workout may not be appropriate for your body and injury can occur. Paul |
Tuesday, 26 April 2011 14:08
Custom Fit Trainers Q & A
We received some great questions from readers all over the continent.