Body Fat Because Muscle Weighs More Than Fat
When losing weight is desired because of pounds showing up on a scale, it might be time to take a closer look at body fat. Overall, weight is a rather deceiving determination for the need to lose pounds for a number of very compelling reasons. The simple truth of the matter is that people in fantastic shape, who are well muscled, proportioned and take care of themselves might show on a scale as "overweight."
How can this be? This results simply because muscle weighs more than fat. When a very well muscled person steps on a scale, it is going to tip higher than many people of roughly the same size who are out of shape. But, does the person who weighs more really need to lose weight? Chances are no, if the cause is muscle and not an overly high fat proportion. The key to determining if weight really needs to be lost is to look at body fat percentage instead. This is a specific measuring of the body and its size to determine the percentage of fat. The percentage of acceptable, or healthy, fat tends to vary depending on a person's sex and activity level. Women tend to have a greater physical need for fat than men do, so their percentage is higher. When body fat indicators point to a need to lose weight and burn fat, there are some great ways to go. Just working to build muscle under the fat is typically not the solution. The smartest way involves incorporating a more holistic approach. When a balanced, healthy diet is used in conjunction with fat-burning exercises, the results can work wonders. The key is to pick the right exercise to burn the fat and keep motivation high. Some of the tops in this arena include running, jogging, swimming, aerobics and machine exercises, such as elliptical devices, rowers and even cross-country machines. The idea is to pick one or several different types of cardiovascular exercises and to work them into the daily routine so they help balance out food intake and get the body to burn up its reserves. When this is done, body fat percentages will generally drop over time. It might take a bit of effort and some stick-to-itiveness, but burning body fat is possible. When the right diet and exercises are put together, it is a powerful combination not only for tipping the scales, but helping a person feel great. If building muscle is also desired, this can be done in conjunction with body fat burning exercise. One or the other on its own is almost never recommended. For regular toning, rather than building, most cardiovascular choices work well for many parts of the body. |