How to build muscle and burn fat

Most people beginning an exercise program have the twin goal of building muscle and burning fat. Some experts say these goals are incompatible. This article describes how you can build muscle and burn fat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. A well balanced diet and a thought out exercise plan are necessary. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories that you consume. This does not mean that you should be on a restrictive diet. Muscle, which helps you burn fat, requires nutrition to grow. Your diet should cut out the junk food and focus on whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and quality protein sources.
2. Many people who want to both build muscle and burn fat are unsure if they should focus more on weight training or on cardiovascular exercises. Both are important, but emphasis should be places on strength training. This is because as you build muscle, you will be burning fat at a faster rate. However, you should make time in your weekly routine for both strength training and cardio.
3. If you've been exercising for awhile and you aren't building muscle or burning fat as quickly as you like, it's time to step up your routines. Don't make the mistake of doing strength and cardio one right after another. If you do this, you probably aren't giving them your all. When you strength train, you should not be comfortable with the amount of weights you are lifting. If you have no problem doing the reps, increase the weight. New muscles are built only when you push past the comfort point.