Sunday, January 18, 2009

Is There a Way to Burn the Fat and Keep the Muscle?

By Ricardo d Argence

The reason why most people choose to go on a diet or exercise is not because they are concerned about the amount of unsightly muscle on their body. It is a sad fact that this is the idea that most people bring to losing weight.

As a result, they drop pounds but those pounds come from losing muscle mass, which weighs more than fat. The good news is there are ways to maintain your current muscle mass while still losing weight.

The main mistake that most people make during an attempt at weight loss is to cut back on caloric intake too substantially. This is logical because you gain a pound in weight for every 3,000 calories you consume and don't burn. Unfortunately, this is the worst tactic you could try if you don't want to lose muscle.

When your body stores up fat in the first place, it does so because it wants to have a backup supply of energy in case you go through a famine period. That is a period when you don't have enough to eat to keep you alive.

You might think that when you stop taking in calories your body would automatically start using up these stockpiles but that's the case. Those are the emergency, last resort rations.

Your body will begin to turn your muscle into energy and then your metabolism will slow, meaning you'll need less calories, so it will be more difficult to lose weight.

A good plan to lose weight is by reducing your calorie intake and letting your body adjust to these changes. For example, one might reduce your caloric intake by 10% weekly until your goal is met.

You must perform the proper excercises in order to burn fat and not muscle. To focus on cardiovascular workouts, is what most fitness instructors and health advocates are going to tell you. It will help your heart and lungs get stronger so you can do more exercise without getting worn out, so it's a good way to start.

But, it will be great if you need add some weight training to that recipe at least 2 to 3 times a week. That way you'll be replenishing lost muscle and adding new muscle mass. Your metabolism is going to increase which means you'll burn off more calories and lose weight if you have a lot of lean muscle mass in your body.

Muscle tone is another benefit you will see if you add some weight training into the mix. Many people end up flabby because they do not exercise properly or lose weight too quickly.

Plastic surgery is always an option, but of course, this comes with risk as well as being expensive. The best way to increase your muscle tone and to prevent loose skin is exercising while you lose weight. - 16004

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