Muscle mass and weight loss go hand-in-hand as long as it's done properly. Muscle weighs more than fat, so as muscle mass is increased, the dieter notices weight gain. This can lead to frustrations for most people. However, if cardio exercises are combined with free weights and resistance training, fat is burned along with an increase in muscle mass. This can have a net result of weight loss and muscle tone for the dieter.
Muscle Gain
Cardio exercise may put a little muscle tone on the body, but resistance training with machines or free weights is the key to gaining muscle. Even a small amount of weight can help a person build muscle. The weights tear the muscle and cause it to heal. The healing process builds muscle mass and increases the tone of the body. Muscle is more dense than fat, so the body will gain weight even though muscle also burns more calories than the fat pounds on the body.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is difficult when a person uses resistance training along with standing on a scale to watch the progress. If the dieter only builds muscle, then clothes become tighter and the net change is an increase in weight measurements. However, adding cardio workouts to a weight loss regimen burns fat, so muscle is gained while fat is still burned. Cardio workouts that raise heart rate and improve cardiovascular health also burn fat. Just 30 minutes of hardcore cardio workouts can help burn off the fat pounds.
Effects
The combination of the two workouts lead to a gain in muscle mass, but the body is more tone since fat molecules are burned. This reduces the chance of feeling heavier and areas like the waistline won't increase in diameter. The net effect of losing weight is also good for motivation, and it keeps people from quitting their exercise routine.
Diet
Diet can play a role in the increase of muscle mass and weight loss. Too much fatty foods can lead to weight gain. The muscles will still grow, but fat stores will also increase. The net effect of poor diet and muscle gain is a large amount of weight gain. People who want to lose weight along with build muscle should carefully plan a low-calorie diet. The body needs carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables to maintain health. Plan low-calorie meals that don't go over the caloric limit of the diet.
Considerations
Initial weight measurements may go up when a dieter begins a weight loss and muscle building routine. It is more motivational and less frustrating to stay off of scales for several weeks. When dieters weight themselves every day, the fluctuation in weight may cause frustration, and he may quit. Realize that muscle weighs more than fat, and the initial change in the body may be a slight weight gain before the fat is burned.
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