Does Muscle Burn Fat?

Our bodies naturally burn more calories each day to maintain a pound of muscle than it does to maintain a pound of fat. Therefore, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will naturally burn while resting. This means by building muscle, you will increase your metabolism and turn your body into a better calorie burning machine.

Below are some facts:

• FACT: Your body burns more calories maintaining muscle than it does maintaining fat. One pound of muscle burns approximately 5-6 calories per day at rest whereas 1 pound of fat burns about 2 calories at rest.
• FACT: The more muscle you have the more calories your body will naturally burn each day on its own. For example, five pounds of muscle will burn about 25 calories at rest whereas five pounds of fat will burn about 10 calories.
• FACT: Building muscle does increase your metabolism.
• FACT: Building muscle definitely has the potential to help you lose fat.

All this just provides you with more reasons to exercise regularly (resistance work and cardiovascular work) and eat a healthy, low calorie diet.
To find out information regarding a good resistance workout routine, contact Janet Hunt an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. A Certified Trainer can measure your percent body fat and follow your progress to lower your body fat with regular measurements throughout the year.
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.
By: Janet Hunt