“How can I build muscle and burn the fat at the same time?” That’s right up there with “How do I get ripped abs”? as one of the frequently most asked exercise and health questions ever!
The dilemma is, when that question comes up, you get all kinds of conflicting answers – even from so-called “weight loss experts” who are supposed to know all about gaining muscle and losing fat. So what’s the “real” story? Is it even realistic to pack on muscle and burn fat simultaneously?
Short answer: Yes it’s possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time.
The general rule is that it is extremely challenging even under the best of cicumstances to pile on lean muscle mass while losing belly fat at the same time – they typically oppose each other.
When it happens it’s the result of “strange conditions” – I have named them X factors.
The 4 X-Factors – The Secret Factors To Peeling Off Fat and Packing On Muscle Simultaneously!
The first X-factor is how long you have been lifting weights for otherwise known as “training age”
Have you ever heard of someone brand new to training who sees impressive gains? The less used to training your body is and the further you are from your genetic potential, the smoother it is to gain muscle.
The opposite is also true – an advanced bodybuilder with 19 years experience would be blown away just to pack on a couple pounds of solid muscle mass in one year!
The 2nd X factor is muscle memory – which basically means your body’s ability to ‘remember’ prior training levels
It’s far easier to rebuild muscles mass you’ve lost than it is to pack on new muscle in the first place ergo, the overweight deconditioned semi retired weight lifter who starts working out again and blows up and gets jacked “overnight”.
The 3rd X factor is your genes or somatotype. Ever heard of the “genetic freak?” That’s the dude who packs on muscle like weeds even when he’s on the “50-50 diet” 50% Burger King and 50% pizza… and he never puts on a single pound of fat That guy chose the right parents!
The fourth X factor is drugs. It would shock or sadden you if you only knew how many people take physique-enhancing drugs. I’m not just talking about professional athletes, I’m talking about “Freddy Six Pack” in the gym – not to mention those fitness models you idolize in Men’s Health. How did they achieve large muscle gains with simultaneous fat loss? Chemicalsthey cheated.
I’m not a betting man, but I’ll place a bet on this any day: I’ll bet that in 99% of the cases of extreme muscle gains with concurrent big fat losses, one or more of these x factors were present.
But wait, there’s more! There are actually 5 more X factors related to your fat to muscle ratio and diet status the X2 factors. But I’ll have to chat about those later.
The Secret to gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time: fluctuating carbohydrate intake and purposefully alternating or “zig zaging” your way through periods of surplus and deficit and create very specific hormonal responses that lead to teh fat loss results you want. The end result will be: lean muscle building and fat loss during the exact same time period! – The “Holy Grail” of body transformation that everyone is searching for.
About the Author:
Fat Loss Expert Tom Venuto is a super lean bodybuilder, strength and conditioning specialist and a certified personal trainer.
Tom is the creator of the “Burn the Fat Inner Circle,” the best Weight Loss Support Community which teaches you how to get lean without expensive drugs or gimmicky supplements.
If you want to discover how to get rid of stubborn fat and increase your metabolism by visiting Fat Burning