How do you lose fat without gaining muscle - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

underthehorizon · 10-10-2004, 08:00 PM

I have a lot of muscle... especially in my legs. Im short, and it doesnt look right, and i really want to lose weight in my legs. Im going to quit soccer and join a gym soon. Im scared that by training im going to get bigger because of the muscle... How can i make sure that i am losing weight and results show by working out and eating healthy

never2L8 · 10-11-2004, 01:02 AM

Cardio training that does not rely on strength - walking, jogging, swimming - will burn fat without adding any real muscle. Things like cycling and rowing will build muscle to a certain extent so avoid them if that is a concern.

Naxis · 10-11-2004, 09:26 AM

In conjunction with cardio, diet will help tremendously. Eating not just "healthy" but properly.

surrealmeal · 10-11-2004, 12:47 PM

What exactly do you mean by properly, Naxis?

Naxis · 10-12-2004, 08:59 AM

Getting enough protein, getting the right carbs and eating them at the best times (around activity), getting enough healthy fats, timing your meals every couple of hours, etc. If you're on a calorie deficit it can be easy to LOSE muscle and you don't want that. So you want to eat and work out to preserve what you have or it will atrophy and your metabolism will slow which is counterproductive.