Quick Weight Loss Tips

Physical Activity Myth

Myth: Lifting weights is not good to do if you want to lose weight, because it will make you “bulk up.”

Fact: Lifting weights or doing strengthening activities like push-ups and crunches on a regular
basis can actually help you maintain or lose weight. These activities can help you build muscle, and muscle
burns more calories than body fat. So if you have more muscle, you burn more calories—even sitting
still. Doing strengthening activities 2 or 3 days a week will not “bulk you up.” Only intense strength training,
combined with a certain genetic background, can build very large muscles.

Tip: In addition to doing moderate-intensity physical activity (like walking 2 miles in 30 minutes) on most
days of the week, try to do strengthening activities 2 to 3 days a week. You can lift weights, use large
rubber bands (resistance bands), do push-ups or sit-ups, or do household or garden tasks that make you
lift or dig. Strength training helps keep your bones strong while building muscle, which can help burn calories.