Habitually, I hear the phrase "muscle weighs more than fat." Really? Are you sure? "Muscle weighs more than fat" has been used over and over and over by people; including extremely misinformed fitness enthusiasts. When I correct someone for using the phrase it often becomes an argument starting with "You're wrong!" "How can you tell me that?" and, of course, "You're telling me everyone else is wrong?" Since I'm going against the common misconception I must be wrong, and shouldn't be working in this field; or so the thought goes. However, the fact is, muscle DOES NOT weigh more than fat. It is dense and compact, but it does not weigh more. Once more for good measure: Muscle does not weigh more than fat. One pound of muscle = One pound of fat 16 oz. of muscle = 16 oz. of fat 453.59 grams of muscle = 453.59 grams of fat The difference is volume- not weight. It's the amount of space that fat and muscle take up in the body that leads to this misconception. It is why fitness educators are consumed with body composition. It's also why so many of us loathe scales. Read Weighing in: What does the scale offer? It explains how someone with a lot of muscle can look very small, lean, compact and in shape, while someone who weighs the same, or less, without as much muscle, can look soft, overweight, or very fat. High muscle content also explains how someone who weighs more can wear a significantly smaller clothing size. The picture below is a great representation of the concept. Now that you know muscle does not weigh more than fat you should make a conscious effort to continue strength training. If you're not doing it already; get started. It's never too late.
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If you are looking at this website because you want a healthier lifestyle; good for you! You've already taken the first step to change your life. Although the choice to live a healthy lifestyle is more than researching the Internet; you are headed in the right direction. Healthy lifestyle changes involve exercise and good nutrition. Exercise? Weight lifting? Losing weight? Does it scare you? Some dread weight lifting or changing their nutrition program. Nightmares of lifting heavy weights and becoming an oversized, square jawed "neanderthal" is enough reason for many to shun exercise. Maybe you had a personal trainer, and it was the worst exercise experience in history? They trained you so hard during the first session that you did not go back. Perhaps you were out of shape and the simplest exercises created soreness, fatique and humility? Don't give up Regardless, don't quit. Try new exercise approaches such as spin classes, MMA training, aerobics classes, Zumba or beach boot camp. Find other ways to add healthy lifestyle changes to your busy schedule. If you're still debating; ask yourself these questions.
Break free from the misconceptions People commonly misconceive healthy lifestyles as one that involves food deprivation and excessive exercise. Or, there is the notion that you must be a bodybuilder to enter a health club. Unfortunately, misconceptions like these are caused by the hype of numerous fad diets, propaganda and marketing strategies from large corporations in the health & wellness and fitness industry. Luckily, they are misconceptions. However, being healthy is harder than it looks. Like anything else; it takes work to stay healthy. Instead of believing the misconceptions dedicate a few days a week to exercise. Create a healthy nutrition program to reduce your chances of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high cholesteral, as well as to lose weight. |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
I'm a firm believer food is love, and love is food. Categories
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