Friday Fitness Tip

This week's fitness tip is to PUMP SOME IRON. That's right, if you want to see some serious results you've got to add weight to your workout routine. The more muscle mass you have on your body the more calories you will burn at rest.

What does that mean? It means that you have to have resistance, or weight, to build up your lean muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you'll burn while your sitting around watching "So You Think You Can Dance." Okay, that's what I sit around watching, but the point is that if you have more muscle on your body you will burn more calories at rest because it requires more energy for you body to maintain muscle than it requires to maintain fat.

Make sense? If not, just trust me that if you integrate some strength training into your workouts you will see greater and faster improvement in your overall physique. A common misconception among women is that if we lift weights we will get 'bulky' muscles. This is simply not true. As women we do not have testosterone pumping through our veins like men do. Testosterone is the hormone that facilitates 'bulky' muscles. So, have no fear. Pick up some weights...heavy weights...and start lifting. If you go too light on the weight you will not increase your muscle mass. It's got to be hard so don't cheat yourself and have fun!