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Fat Loss and Muscle Building

November 14, 2010 Print This ArticleShare

Author: Michael Greeves



Fat Loss when Building Muscle Mass

When you burn fat with strength training you also build muscle mass. This is why strength training is so successful. When you begin losing fat, you may find you aren't actually losing weight. This is because you are gaining muscle mass which weighs more than fat. This is why many people feel as if they aren't losing weight when in fact, they are experiencing fat loss.

The key is to continue burning calories and going for a lean body. You will find it easier to continue on with your fat loss plan once those first few pounds are shed.

Strength training is so popular because it burns calories and stored fat while building muscle mass. When you gain muscle mass you lose inches. Your weight might stay the same, at least at first, but you will wind up with a leaner body shape.

Strength training is most effective when barbells, dumbbells, or cable exercises are used. This is because these options activate the most muscle groups and provide the most natural form of resistance on the body. This is what helps you to gain strength.

Strength training is performed in sets that contain a certain number of repetitions. For example, you can do two sets of ten reps a piece. You perform the sets of each exercise to benefit a particular muscle group before moving into another exercise. Each exercise will target specific muscles. You always need to rest between sets for approximately 30 seconds. This gives your muscles time to recover a bit before the next set is performed.

The reason you don't strength train everyday is because it is a rigorous routine that, when performed frequently, can overwork your muscles. Because of this, you only need to strength train three to four times a week. This will give your muscles sufficient time to recover between workouts.

Strength training boosts your metabolism which, in turn burns calories and replaces fat with muscle. Even when your muscles are at rest you are still burning calories because your metabolism remains increased. You've probably seen bodybuilders who eat frequently and have a bulky shape. They eat to feed their muscles and are rewarded by bulk because their metabolism continues to work for them.

Fat loss and muscle building go hand in hand. You need to burn calories to lose fat, but strength training will actually provide you with the lean body you've always wanted. In fact, you'll find yourself losing inches in no time and will get the ripped body you've always dreamed about. It's never too late to start burning fat and building muscle.

Check out our sample fat loss workout for men and fat loss workout for women.



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