Muscle Metamorphosis

To begin our discussion on Muscle vs. Fat, it is essential to clarify that it is a complete myth that you can turn fat into muscle with training. Body fat and muscle are two completely different tissues. They have different structures and functions, they react to training in different ways and, simply put, one does not have the capability to turn into the other. Let’s look at each individually, starting with my personal favorite:  MUSCLE!

Unlike fat, strength gains are not related to calories; changes in the muscle physiology and the resulting increases in strength do not occur as a result of dietary intake. Assuming you are eating a well-balanced diet, changes within your muscles are most influenced by the direct stresses that you place on each of them individually. These stresses can be through job-related activity, daily chores, aerobic activity or strength training. The key factor is that the muscle will only react if the stress placed on it exceeds the everyday stress it is accustomed to.

Again, this doesn’t necessary mean you need to get to the gym and start lifting weights three times a week; however, muscle is often associated with weight/resistance training because this is the easiest way to control and monitor the stress being placed on the muscle. Strength training is also very effective because you can isolate any muscle and do so in a safe environment. If you’re interested in a personalized strength training plan, consider meeting with a Personal Trainer, or... (shameless plugh for the Twin River's Y) if you’re around the Eastern Carolina area and would like to try weight/resistance training in a group with a certified instructor, check out our Be REAL! Boot Camp or Morning C.R.U.N.C.H classes… We have a lot of ways for you to start building muscle the right way!