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Bodybuilding/Fat/Muscle Paradox?

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Expert: - 7/26/2009


Question
Hi Brad,

If muscle burns fat, how come there are so many people that have a lot of muscle but are also overweight?  I want to gain muscle but I also want to stay slim.  Will working on my abs help me with this goal?  Also, what happens to muscle if you gain it by working out but then don't work out any more?  Will it break down into fat or just not become lean anymore?  And will it still continue to burn fat?  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,

Don't take offense here, but you have a lot to learn.  I could literally type for hours trying to answer your question so you can understand the metabolic processes of the body and the paradox you mention.  I just don't have the time for that though.

First off, muscle does not burn fat, it burns calories.  Muscle needs fuel and food is it's fuel.  Your body will burn fat as energy when you exercise if the conditions are right.  Muscle does not burn fat directly though.

People, such as my self, that are overweight but have lot's of muscle are so because muscle is a very dense material.  There is nearly twice the wieght in a cc of muscle as there is in a cc of fat.  So that is why when you take someone like myself who is overwieght by most standards at 175lbs, but yet 8% body fat which is below normal according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

I don't really understand your abs question.  Working your abs will give you strong muscular abs.  It will most likely do nothing to gain muscle in the rest of your body.  Just because you work your abs, does not mean you will stay thin.

As far as what happens to muscle when you dont work it any more, it's simple, you lose it.  Muscles are quite simply made to be used and worked.  So if you are not using them, your losing them.  People simply do not understand the importance of exercise.  The human body does not maintain muscle.  If it does not see a need to have it, it will burn it for energy.  Every day we are growing older, and every day we are losing muscle, unless of course you are forcing your body to keep it.  Lifting weights every day is a reason to keep muscle.  With out that stimulus, the body will find another use, using it for energy.

Hope that helps Ben.  What I have said may not be what you wanted to hear, but it is the truth.  Good Luck.

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Brad J Loomis

Expertise

I am a WNBF professional bodybuilder and fitness trainer who is well versed in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. I am equally well versed in muscle hypertrophy and fat reduction. I have coached male, female, and teenage competitors all to top 5 finishes, 2 with class wins. Competition prep and posing are other subjects I love to teach. I am very good with nutrition, but will admit that I am not a dietician. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Science, a Personal Training Certification with the IDEA Health and Fitness Association and am a certified RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) Instructor. I am most knowledgeable in Anatomy, kinesiology and Exercise Execution, especially Compound and Isolation free weight exercises. I also love to answer questions about motivation.

Experience

I have won 3 overall titles with the ABA/INBA and several class wins. In August 2008 I won the Overall title for the INBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Championships earning my WNBF Pro Card. I have owned and operated "Healthy Bodies Fitness" in Portola, CA for 6 years. During that time I have taught literally hundreds of clients in nearly every way. You name it and I have used it as an avenue for coaching/teaching. One on one personal training, seminars, 10 week challenges, week long courses, group training, step aerobics, what ever it takes to spread the word of health and fitness and keep my business thriving in a small community. I have also authored a book "Design your own NUTRITION" which is being represented by ST Literary Agency.

Organizations
Sponsored by AST Sports Science - www.ast-ss.com W.N.B.F (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) RKC I Certified Instructor(www.dragondoor.com) A.R.R.T (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)IDEA Health and Fitness Association

Publications
May 2009 issue of Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine, January 2009 issue of Mountail Lifestyle Magazine March 2007 Issue of IDEA Fitness Journal (Member Spotlight)AST Sports Science Website (Interviewed by IFBB Pro Jeff Willet)Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine (www.exercisegroup.com)www.bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/healthybodies,www.inbf.net,www.californianaturalmuscle.org,www.youtube.com/healthybodys Local Paper "Portola Reporter"

Education/Credentials
My background is in Health Care. I earned my Bachelors in Radiologic Science and have worked in Diagnostic Imaging for 13 years, thus my vast knowledge of anatomy. I also hold my personal training certification with IDEA Health and Fitness Association. The rest of my knowledge comes from frequently reading the journals of The American College of Sports Medicine and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. There are other journals out there, but those are my favorites.

Awards and Honors
As I mentioned above, I am a 7x Natural Body Building Champion. 2003 Novice Overall Champion ABA/INBA Northern Nevada Natural 2004 Open Medium height division winner ABA/INBA Western USA Natural 2006 Open Overall Champion ABA/INBA Naturals Nationals 2007 Open Short class winner ABA/INBA Mr. Millenium and Mr. Reno 2008 Open Overall Champion ABA/INBA Mr. Millenium 2008 Open Middleweight winner INBF Capital City Naturals 2008 Open Overall Champion INBF Washington State Naturals(Earned WNBF Pro Status)

Past/Present Clients
To many to list, but I am especially proud to have done consulting with Tony Bennett.

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