Have you heard of the term 'skinny fat,' or ever wondered how someone who appears to be smaller or more toned than someone else can actually weigh more? It can be very deceiving, and one reason why weight alone should not be an indication of overall health. Weighing less, is not always healthier. An individual can appear to be skinny and have a low weight, but have an unhealthy amount of fat with little muscle. Vice versa, another person could look similar but weigh much more because they have more muscle tissue and less fat. Weight training they can change body composition (muscle to fat ratio) while keeping someone the same exact weight!
so having a greater amount of muscle mass burns more calories than the exact same amount of fat. So, while you have been reading this, your muscle is hard at work burning calories, while your fat has been relaxing. Check out the photo of me holding 5lbs of muscle and 5lbs of fat, I don't know about you, but that muscle looks more appealing to me. Let's build those muscles!
Muscle is more dense than fat, 18% to be exact, therefore taking up less space in the body. Think of it this way, would you rather carry around a pound of marshmallows, or a pound of apples? Both weigh the same; however, the apples, similar to muscle mass, are denser, more compact, and easier to carry because they take up less space than the marshmallows, or fat.
I often tell clients and friends to gauge their progress on how they feel, how clothes are fitting their body and how their body looks by taking progress photos or healthy selfies, as we like to call them.
Live Well!
Coach Kenna, MS
Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Worksite Wellness Coordinator