Megan,

Do you listen to music when you do your weights or when stretching? Do you think it’s beneficial? I always see people jamming out but I’ve never been one to wear an iPod but wonder if you think it would help keep me motivated.

Read more: Q&A with Megan Jendrick: Is Music Motivating?

Megan,

I read one of your columns where you answered a new years-resolutioner that quit shortly after she began. Well, I wasn’t a New Years person, but after reading that I decided to be a late starter. I’m a little “soft” but totally dedicated. I felt really sore after my first week, and thought it was because I was new to it all, but now it’s a couple more weeks in and I’m still super, super sore. I was hoping you could critique my routine and let me know if you think anything should change?

Read more: Q & A from the Pool with Megan Jendrick - Help! Will You Critique My Workout?!

As a group fitness instructor and personal trainer I often hear “I do not want to build, I want to tone.”   To me, this translates in to, “I want the absence of fat and the presence of muscle.”  I’m sorry ladies but there is no such thing as “Toning” a muscle.  You either build it, or leave it in atrophy.  That hard and lean look is possible and achievable only through the incorporation of heavy weights.

Read more: “To lift or not to lift”? This is the question

Megan,

I’m now a recreational masters swimmer but had the same dilemma that follows when I was a pretty serious tennis player. When should I lift weights? Before my main training or after?

Read more: What's the best time to lift weights? Before or After cardio/training?

Megan,

I keep getting encouraged by my volleyball coach to lift weights. I consider myself pretty average but unfortunately I realize that now-a-days pretty average also means a little overweight. I’m somewhat self conscious but overall I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I know that lifting weights can help me lose the extra weight but I’m concerned that I’ll bulk up and you won’t even be able to tell I’ve lost it. What kind of sets and stuff should I do to stay looking like a woman?

Read more: If I Lift Heavy Weights Will I Lose My Femininity?