Will exercise help turn your fat into muscle?

Jacquie Dale of Real Nutrition reveals the truth… Exercise will help strengthen or build muscle which in return will increase your metabolism, but fat will only disappear when your body uses it as an alternative fuel source. This means your energy output has to exceed your energy input and fat will then be used as energy. A safe permanent way to lose fat is to gradually lose 250g to 500g per week, this equates to an energy deficit of about 400-600 calories per day. This can easily be achieved by cutting down on high fat or energy dense foods and drinks. If you have joined the gym to lose weight you must look at your food intake. Some studies have shown that the average person burns only 150 -180 extra calories per hour when exercising.

Do the sums, with a kilo of fat containing 8000 calories to burn off, it’s easy to see how exercise alone can be a waste of time. My advice is to use exercise to keep strong, fit and flexible. Don’t use exercise to burn fat or calories. If your body composition needs to change, focus on your eating habits. It is much easier to eat or drink 500 calories less a day than to try to burn them off.