Gain muscle and lose fat at the same time: Is it possible?

This article is inspired by a lot of the questions people have e-mailed to me since I've had this group up. I must have answered this question 100's of times by now. The questions are usually something like "How can I gain muscle and lose fat at the same time?" or "I want to lose fat but gain muscle at the same time, how can I do it?" If you went into a gym and took a poll of what everyone's goal was, I can bet that most, if not all, would say to gain muscle and lose fat. I doubt there is anyone who just wants to lose fat, they want to gain muscle while they are at it, and visa-versa! So, is it? Is it possible to both lose fat and gain muscle at the same time? No, it is NOT possible, and I will not only tell you why its not possible, but I'll also tell you how you can do both, just not at the same time.

To lose fat, what do you have to do? You have to do lots of cardio, eat a low carb/low fat/lower calorie diet, and of course, lift weights. To gain muscle, what do you have to do? Do little or no cardio, eat a high calorie/higher carb/higher fat diet, and again, lift weights. Did you notice something there? Yup, they are complete opposites. Trying to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time would be like trying to sit and stand at the same time. It just can't be done. This is why most people who are trying to do both at the same time see no results and give up. So, then how can it be done? How can you lose fat and gain muscle if you can't do both at the same time? Simple, you don't do them at the same time. You do them in phases.

What works best for me is going hard on weights for about 3 weeks, then move to lower weights but more repetitions and at the same time I slowly increase my cardio workouts.
I keep up that routine for about 3 weeks before I move back over to the heavy weights. I keep on cycling this pattern,...

Concerning Cardio;
If you are in shape or already have a build up condition, you should do interval cardio. A 30 to 45 minute session with at least 5 to 10 peaks build in. The results are astonishing!
If you are older or your condition is not as strong, you should try longer sessions at a very low pace. It will strike you how fast it is possible to build up your condition tremendously.
Whatever you do, use a heart rate monitor, it is essential!

Last but not least;
Weight training is for ALL ages, if you don't do weights, your results will be inadequate! Building muscle through weight training is the best kept secret for an overall healthy, slim, fat burning body!

If you have any questions; don't hesitate to shoot them in my direction.
Live live fully!

Leo
Licensed to Thrill