Many people who say they want to lose weight really want to lose fat. Think about it: If forced to choose, what's more important to you -- seeing a lower number on the scale or a trimmer body in the mirror? In fact, the people who successfully slim down often GAIN a few pounds. That's because they've increased their lean muscle mass while decreasing their body fat. And lean muscle weighs more than fat does. (Lean muscle also has tremendous calorie-burning capacity, so the more muscle you have, the better!) The best way to increase your lean muscle mass: Strength-train at least 2 days a week, working each of the major muscle groups. Both cardiovascular and strength training workouts should ALWAYS be preceded by a warm-up. A warm-up is a low-intensity cardiovascular exercise performed for 5-10 minutes at a level just before perspiration begins. Exercising "cold" muscles will greatly increase your risk of injury.

For most of us, body weight is a poor gauge of fitness. But if you're working hard to lose fat but can't rely on the scale for some positive reinforcement, where do you turn? The closet is a good place to start. The first signs of success will be that your tight clothes feel more comfortable, look more flattering and even become loose. In fact, it's quite possible that your body composition may change so much (you've gained lean muscle mass while losing fat) that you have to wear a smaller size -- even though your body weight has remained about the same! As you continue to lose fat over time, another major change will be that your muscles are much more defined and visible. It's also a good idea to have your body fat percentage measured by a perst of us, body weight is a poor gauge of fitness. But if you're working hard to lose fat but can't rely on the scale for some positive reinforcement, where do you turn? The closet is a good place to start. The first signs of success will be that your tight clothes feel more comfortable, look more flattering and even become loose. In fact, it's quite possible that your body composition may change so much (you've gained lean muscle mass while losing fat) that you have to wear a smaller size . even though your body weight has remained about the same! As you continue to lose fat over time, another major change will be that your muscles are much more defined and visible. It's also a good idea to have your body fat percentage measured by a personal trainer . both at the start of your fitness plan and several months later. By then, you'll be looking and feeling better (with clothes and without).but it never hurts to have a good number, does it?nal trainer -- both at the start of your fitness plan and several months later. By then, you'll be looking and feeling better (with clothes and without)...but it never hurts to have a good number, does it?

Last month I said I would be highlighting a new product. This product is made by Met-Rx. everyone is always looking for a product or food that they can enjoy and help them loose weight. The Protein Plus Original, High Protein Pancake Mix is a hot and delicious breakfast alternative. If you follow an athletic or fitness lifestyle, you know that the choices available for breakfast can be limited. Just how many times can you eat egg whites and oatmeal? That.s why Met-Rx has brought back their high protein, low fat pancake mix. Met-Rx Protein plus high protein pancakes are sweet, light and fluffy, there. no need to add butter or syrup. Just add water, sir and pour onto the griddle. With more than twice as much protein compared to traditional pancakes, breakfast has never tasted so good.

So are you thinking to your self I don.t have time to make pancakes? All you need to do is scoop, mix with water, throw it on the griddle, and then flip it onto your plate and you are ready to enjoy a hot, delicious protein-rich breakfast which everyone needs even your grandma. You can pick up your 2lb buttermilk pancake mix at Sweeney's Gym for under $19.99. For more info about Sweeney's Gym and products go to www.sweeneysgym.com.