How to Burn Fat Instead of Muscle

By Jordan Davis , last updated June 1, 2011

When it comes to weight loss, learning how to burn fat instead of muscle is a critical component of any successful weight loss program. To do this, you'll need to exercise regularly while making several diet adjustments as well. Regarding exercise, you should always add in resistance training when attempting to lose weight. For instance, if you’ve been doing a lot of cardio to lose weight, feel free to add in a weightlifting session three times a week and then do cardio on your off days. By regularly engaging in resistance training, your body will maintain muscle mass while burning excess fat. However, if you neglect strength training, your body will be more prone to burning muscle and fat at the same time. So, even if you are on a reduced calorie diet, strength training will prompt your body to burn fat over muscles.

Source:eHow

Next, you should avoid overly long cardio sessions. Unlike what many believe, running on the treadmill for hours is not the best way to lose weight and you will surely begin to lose muscle mass if you follow such a regimen. Instead, consider following a high-intensity interval training plan. Basically, high intensity cardio involves using short bursts of energy to complete your workouts. So, if you're on the treadmill, you may jog for one minute and then sprint all out for 30 seconds and then go back to jogging for a minute. Generally, your high intensity workouts should be roughly 20 minutes long. Finally, if you are following a diet, be sure to include plenty of protein in your diet. When it comes to preserving muscle mass, protein is the most crucial factor so you'll need to eat plenty of it.

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