Muffin Top-Less

I was just asked this question again, so I thought I’d post about it again, as it seems to be a pretty common question:

When it comes to getting in shape, what should I focus on first…. losing weight or building muscle?

Build muscle! Here’s why…. the more muscle you have on your frame, the faster your metabolism will be and the more calories you will burn JUST BY BEING ALIVE… NOT DOING ANYTHING! Muscle burns approximately 3x as many calories as the same amount of fat. So with that increased metabolism, it will become a whole heck-of-a-lot easier to lose excess body fat, because you will be burning a lot more calories even when you’re not exercising! With a faster metabolism, that also means you will be able to eat more without having to worry about “getting fat”.. this will make it easier to stick to… and more likely to become a LIFESTYLE.
Many girls falsely believe doing hours of cardio and starving themselves will result in fat loss. The weight they are ACTUALLY losing is water and lean muscle. Loss of lean muscle mass will result in a “skinny fat” look and a slowed metabolism. Once that occurs, it becomes MUCH more likely that the body will store fat! Here is what I suggest… if you are looking to “tone up” and lose body fat, begin by cleaning up your diet and lifting weights. Add in cardio about 3x a week (you can increase this as you become more in-shape). Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. Remember to be patient! It takes TIME and hard work.. but if you remain positive, you will get there! =)