

Myth : Muscles will turn into fat if you stop exercising
False. Muscles will never turn into fats, neither will fats be converted into muscles. You simply lose muscle mass dur to reduction of physical activity.
Achieve that tones body
Muscles tend to be denser and heavier than fats, as such, a person with lean muscle mass who has the same weight and BMI compared to a fatter individual will look slimmer and toner than the latter.
Muscles Burn Fats
Muscles are more metabolically active than fats. People with higher muscle mass find it easier to lose fats. They can continue to burn calories even at rest and hours after exercise!
Afraid of the bulk? Don't Worry!
Bulking with excessive muscle mass requires training and diet that needs to be carefully crafted and catered for.
The general rule of thumb for building a slim and toned body with lean muscle mass would simply be mixing aerobic (swimming / running) with adequate amounts of resistance training (higher repetitions per set). High Intensity Interval Training can strike a good balance between both. Also, focus on eating foods that are high in complex carbs, fiber, good fats and protein.
There are 2 types of Fats
Subcutaneous Fat
Fat that is under the skin and makes the individual look obese.
Visceral Fat
The is the invisible fat that surrounds itself around organs, considered the most dangerous as it is associated to many diseases.
An individual who can look relatively slim, can still be much unhealthier due to high levels of these invisible, visceral fats.
Myth : I get fat because I eat too much fatty food
Even though this can be true to a certain extent, the number 1 enemy to fat build-up in the body is over consumption of simple carbohydrates such as sugar. Sugar can be easily processed by the body and stored as fats when not being utilised.
By : Alvin Ho
B (Eng), MBA, Certified Allied Healthcare/Fitness Professional (EIMS), Master Fitness Trainer / Fitness Nutrition, Resistance & Endurance Training Specialist (NFPT)