Fitness experts weigh in on how to burn fat and maintain muscle
From low carb diets, to intermittent fasting, to replacing meals with protein shakes, fitness fanatics around the world spend their whole lives searching for the correct answer to this question: how to burn fat and build muscle at the same time.
Well, according to our local experts, there’s a reason the answer is so elusive: you really can’t build muscle and burn fat at the same time. You can, however, burn fat and maintain muscle.
“Burning fat and building muscle really are two different goals,” says Jackie Keigley, Group Exercise Director at Twin Arbors Gym in Lodi. The reason for this is that, to burn fat, you must be in a caloric deficit, while to build muscle, you must be in a caloric surplus. You see the problem.
“If you’re in a caloric deficit and burning fat, you’re not going to have the extra energy and fuel to fatigue and build your muscles,” states Jackie. “But, by having protein in your diet and choosing the right workout, you can maintain muscle while also burning fat.”
Many people opt for sticking with either cardio or weight lifting, but the truth is, you really need both. “A great opportunity to burn fat and not lose any muscle is interval training. When you hit the interval, you’re asking your body to exert more oxygen which makes your body burn more energy than long, steady burning that going on a jog would induce,” explains Jackie. At Twin Arbors Gym, they offer a diverse array of classes, several of which focus on this type of training, such as “Stacked Intervals”, or “Max 30” that push members to their limits in a fun, group-setting.
Not a fan of the group workouts? Not a problem. “What sets Twin Arbors apart is that our health clubs are broken up into studio type spaces so you’re not exercising in one giant group space all the time,” says David Claxton, Co-Owner of Twin Arbors. “We’ve got a full-on free weight room, several cardio areas, a stretch studio upstairs… if you want privacy, you can find the space to have that.”
If you’re looking to get in shape this summer, take it from Kay Claxton, Co-Owner of Twin Arbors, and David’s wife. “Get in the door, we’re here to help!”
Feel the Burn:
Twin Arbors Sports Club
1900 S. Hutchins St., Lodi
(209) 334-4897