While biking, running, and walking are great for your heart, "research suggests that it's difficult to lose fat when you do only cardiovascular activity," says Jeff Halevy, CEO of a health and fitness service company in New York City. Although aerobic exercise will burn calories, it doesn't really change your metabolism. What does. . . .lean muscle mass. "Muscle helps you burn more calories even after your workout is over," says Halevy. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate (the baseline amount of calories you burn in a day), says Wayne Wescott, Ph.D., the director of fitness research at Quincy College in Massachusetts. Women tend to lose five to seven pounds of muscle in each decade of adulthood – one reason why the pounds creep on as we get older.
Action Plan: Keep doing cardio three times a week, but add two or three strength-training workouts. Aim to work all the major muscles over the week. Complete 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions of each exercise.
reprinted from: the Health Guide/January 2012/ realsimple.com
If you need help getting started or renewing your weight routine, see the Front Desk and ask for an exercise instructor. Remember, this service is provided for free with your membership. Personal trainers are also available for assistance (fees apply).