Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hello Fitz. I am 29 years old. I exercise 3-4 times a week (running, biking, and pilates), which has been my routine for many years. No matter how hard I exercise though, my legs don't seem to get sculpted or gain definition (especially around my knees and lower). The rest of my body: abs, back and arms are in great shape and I am very happy with. This is very frustrating. Is there any particular exercises you would recommend? Maria

A. Ugh! Frustrating situation Maria, but probably not unsolvable. Oddly enough, you may simply be prone to storing fat in your lower legs. Some people get it in their tummy, bum, or thighs. Isn't it strange how we all have these crazy spots of aggravation with our bodies? Grrrrrrr! Doesn't mean you can't improve though, so have hope!

Few suggestions. First make sure your eating well. Any extra fat you gain or lose probably goes to or from your lower legs first, so that could start your journey to look leaner. As far as exercise goes I would definitely change things up. I adore running and cycling, but they're definitely more strenuous for the glutes and thighs. When someone asks to accentuate a body part I try to think of which athletes tend to have the best. Kickboxers and ballerinas come to mind when I think long lean legs, so give those a try. Both activities require lots of time up on the balls of the feet or toes, and lots of kicks. Sounds exactly like what you need. Jump roping also puts major stress on your calves and anterior tibialis, and burns about the same amount of calories as running. Jump for the same amount of time as you usually run. You'll feel it the next day for sure!

Add some strength training with weights too. Try squats, lunges, leg extensions, and hamstring curls; use weight that feels extremely hard to lift by the tenth rep and go for a few sets. Most women aren't capable of bulking up, but we are capable of gaining strength, firmness, and definition. Weights will help you build bone density as well.

Change things up and see what happens Maria. I'm glad you wrote and look forward to hearing how things go.

Q. Dear Fitz, I am a 22 year old male and love to run and push myself beyond my limits. Last year I had shin splints and it seems to be a reoccurring thing now. I am not very flexible which doesn't help my case. I was wondering if with some daily stretching this could possibly go away or at least reduce the risk of it getting more serious. Thanks, Jean-Robert.

A. Ouch! Shin splints hurt, and I know cause I've been there. In fact, while teaching 8 high-impact aerobics classes per week in college I ignored my shin splints and earned some stress fractures. What a fool I was! I wish I would've had the sense you have to pay attention and ask for some guidance. Shin splints are common, responsible for 13% of running injuries.

They can be due to increasing running distance (overuse), improper footwear, and changing running surfaces (going from grass to asphalt for example). If you value your running, I want you to take this issue seriously. First make sure your running shoes are either new or in great shape. You may even want to stop by a specialty running store to see if your feet over-pronate or anything else that may require custom footwear.

Second, back off of the run for a while and try something else. Your shins will only heal with proper care. Ice, anti-inflammatories*, and stretching are a great start. If you truly love to push your limits change things up. I bet your body is fairly accustomed to the motion of putting one foot in front of the other by now. How about boxing, (with little footwork) swimming or rowing? All three of those activities can be amazingly strenuous and will give your lower legs the rest they need.

Third, decide whether you officially have to be a 'distance runner' or someone who runs for fitness. I learned long ago that I just wasn't cut out for uber long runs. That doesn't mean I don't run. I just choose to be specific about it. I never go more than four miles. I can run as fast as I want for four miles, but if I dare go past that distance I feel it in my shins and feet. Not worth it to me.

Running is awesome. Inexpensive, challenging, and available on roads everywhere....just don't let it be the only thing you do. Allow your shin splints to heal now, ensure you're wearing proper footwear, and start back gradually. If things don't improve or the pain is unbearable, definitely see your doctor. I wish you a speedy recovery Jean-Robert! Keep me posted!

To learn more about shin splints click here.

*Check with a doctor before taking any medications.