There is a common misconception in the fitness industry that aerobic exercise tones and firms muscles. Actually it accomplishes very little toning and firming. If you run for an hour every day and have no muscle, that makes sense. You've done nothing to build muscle.
If you want to be lean body, and who doesn't, weight training needs to be part of your routine. Doing aerobics and lifting weights is the optimal way to lose fat and gain muscle. If you are trying to lose weight, studies show that weight loss increases by 56 percent with aerobic and strength exercises combined. So, why waste all that time on the stair stepper and spend no time on the squat rack?
The body is an amazing machine. When you increase your muscle composition, the body is able to burn more fat, even at rest. Your metabolism is higher. A pound of muscle will use 350 to 500 calories per week to survive, while a pound of fat only needs about 14 calories per week.
The aerobic exercise will help strengthen your heart and lungs and help your body utilize oxygen more efficiently. Lifting weights helps develop muscle, reduce body fat and maintain bone mass. Choose a cardio activity you like but change it up as often as possible so your body doesn't adapt.
