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If you diligently follow the recommendations outlined in this article, you will be amazed at the pace at which your body increases muscle size and strength. If you have been at a plateau and thought adding muscle was no longer possible, then rejoice in the knowledge that you have an arsenal of weapons at your disposal that can allow you to naturally maximize your muscle building physiology. More...
By Registered Dietitian
on October 09, 2008
Optimal athletic performance requires food and nutrient intake that is tailored to each athlete’s sport, training schedule and individual needs. The basics of performance nutrition are discussed here to help maximize your physical potential and reach your performance goals. More...

Why is it that increased muscle mass burns more calories?

Why is it that increased muscle mass burns more calories?


Answer: One pound of muscle burns approximately 5.5 calories per day at rest and can burn many times more while in motion (such as running, working out, hiking, etc). The more intense the activity, the more calories muscles will burn (running stairs, for example, can burn ten times your resting rate, weight lifting approximately four times, etc.) Additionally, adding muscle can increase your weight. Conversely, a pound of fat only burns approximately 4.5 calories per day and no matter what you do that’s all it burns because body fat doesn’t have anything to do with performing activities. Body fat is basically a storage device. Keep in mind that the total calories burned during movement is related to total weight; the more you weigh, the more calories you burn moving your body around.

One pound of muscle burns approximately 5.5 calories per day at rest and can burn many times more while in motion (such as running, working out, hiking, etc). The more intense the activity, the more calories muscles will burn (running stairs, for example, can burn ten times your resting rate, weight lifting approximately four times, etc.) Additionally, adding muscle can increase your weight. Conversely, a pound of fat only burns approximately 4.5 calories per day and no matter what you do that’s all it burns because body fat doesn’t have anything to do with performing activities. Body fat is basically a storage device. Keep in mind that the total calories burned during movement is related to total weight; the more you weigh, the more calories you burn moving your body around.

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