Increase Muscle to Decrease Your Waistline

Losing weight and losing fat sound like the same thing. They can be the same thing, but sometimes they are very different. When you want to lose fat, building muscle is how you make this happen. You may see an increase in the number on the scale while you're seeing a decrease in your pants size. Confused? Don't worry, it'll all make sense in a minute.

Here's how it works.

Increasing your muscle mass can mean an increase your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). Your RMR  is the number of calories you burn in a day just existing all day long. Increasing this number means you'll burn more calories even when you're not exercising than you do right now. It's this increased rate of calorie burn all day long that results in weight loss. 

Fat does not weigh more than muscle.

This myth has gained more traction than any other misinformation in the fitness and nutrition world. One pound of fat = one pound of muscle. What's different is the density of fat vs. muscle. Muscle is more dense than fat. That means that muscle takes up less space than fat. This is why two people can weigh the same but look very different. The person who weighs 150 pounds and has more muscle mass will appear slimmer than the person who weighs the same but has less muscle mass.

Muscle-Building tips: 

• Work with a trainer to create a safe and effective, personalized program – When you are trying to tone up and lose fat at the same time, you want to use a multifaceted approach to exercise. A program that contains both cardiovascular and strength training exercises is generally best. On the strength training side, it is especially important to consult a fitness professional to make sure you're getting a program that is right for you. Overdoing or proceeding without proper form can lead to injury.
• Eat a healthy diet. When you want to gain muscle and lose fat, diet is especially important. Starvation doesn't work and could even cause you to lose muscle mass. A portion-controlled diet that is well-rounded and includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds is the way to go. 
• Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for hydrating the body and the muscles. Make sure to keep yourself well-hydrated while trying to build muscle and lose fat. Avoid sugary drinks with empty calories, as they can undermine positive efforts.
• Get plenty of sleep. Rest is important for good overall health. Make sure to get at least a minimum of seven to eight hours to prime your body for each full day ahead.

The Women's Wellness Academy puts all of this together for you so you can achieve maximum results in minimum time. Find out more and join us.