Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Lanell Beckles
Body by Beckles
Let’s get one thing straight — whether you’re looking to find the best way to get in shape to look good naked, to have better overall health or to feel stronger and have more energy, losing weight can feel like a losing proposition
The truth is that most people wage their war on fat by spending endless hours on some cardio equipment in search of the magic “fat-burning zone.” This concept has been marketed and sold to millions of people worldwide, but what they don’t tell you is how adaptive the body is when searching for ways to “only” lose fat. Not all cardio enthusiasts lose weight successfully. So why do only some people succeed?
Those who seem to lose weight consistently have a healthy supply of muscle. Muscle is the real secret behind any successful fat-loss regimen. An increase in muscle mass has multiple benefits for both men and women (Contrary to popular myth, women will not bulk up and look “too muscular” if they follow a regular strength-training regimen). Here are some benefits of gaining more muscle:
* Gives you a more “toned” look
* Emphasizes the curves of both men and women
* Allows you to offset any “cheat meals”
* Slows down the aging process
* Better absorption of nutrients from food
* Higher energy levels
* Continued fat burning even when not exercising
Some keys to increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat are as follows:
* Begin a strength-training program focusing on large muscle groups. A good tip for exercise selection is to pick exercises that allow multiple joints to move. Lunges, squats, chest presses, lat pulldowns and shoulder presses are great exercises to implement.
* Aim for an increase in repetitions or weight in every single workout. The body is adaptive, and it needs stimulus to grow.
* Increase your protein intake around your workout. Muscle needs fuel. It is an energy-seeking organ and it’s imperative that you feed it adequate protein. If you fail to feed it with adequate protein, you will end up breaking down your own muscle instead. A plate with protein at the center is a great start.
An increase in muscle mass will help you begin your fat loss journey on the right foot. Once you have increased your muscle mass, the inches will begin to come off, the pounds will begin to shed, and most of all, you will need a new wardrobe. Enjoy the journey!
Lanell Beckles, owner of Body by Beckles, is a certified strength and lifestyle coach. Along with helping people and athletes function optimally through performance training, he also educates and guides people in revamping their metabolism through lifestyle choices to be the best version of themselves.
