GETTING STARTED

Whether your goal is to burn fat, build muscle or just be more healthy, the advice in this section will help to ensure you execute everything with precision and get the most out of your workouts

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THE TRUTH ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS

The no-nonsense facts behind the most common fat-burning myths

1. You can turn fat into muscle

Fat and muscle are two totally different types of tissue, so it's impossible for one to turn into the other. Muscle is active tissue that burns calories, while fat tissues store excess energy. When you train hard it is possible to burn fat and build muscle at the same time, giving the appearance that one has turned into the other, but this isn't the case.

2. Cardio training is best for fat loss

High-intensity cardio, such as sprints or hill runs, is great for fat loss. Long and slow steady-state sessions, however - while good for aerobic conditioning and heart health - aren't very efficient at burning fat. In fact, long sessions increase the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which actually encourages it to store more fat. Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to burn fat and build muscle, and should form the core of your programme.