Hey everyone, as you may recall, back in May I bought Tom Venuto’s new 74 page ebook “Holy Grail Body Transformation Program – How to Build Muscle and Burn Fat at the Same Time.” Basically I bought the book after seeing these inspiring 7 week body transformations -
Take a look, each person above is within a few pounds of their original starting weight, but they completely changed their body’s ratio of muscle to fat! Usually after people diet down they end up looking either skinny or flabby – not too attractive.
Basically, I could not resist and I bought the book (even though I kind of have a personal rule not to buy anymore fitness ebooks as I really don’t have the excuse of “learning” anymore for the most part.) It was just too tempting. Sigh.
Book Introduction
Why did Tom Venuto write this guide? Basically for two reasons 1) On going demand for science based techniques that will maximize muscle gain and fat burning without resorting to drugs, lies, or tricks. 2) The desire for a scientific explanation for why so many of his Burn the Fat Body Transformation winners were able to burn fat and build muscle at the same time (when really they shouldn’t have.)
Part 1: The Science and Theory Behind Building Muscle and Burning Fat
The first question is – is it even possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time? In general, its not uncommon to see small muscle gain (2-3lbs) with large fat loss OR small fat loss (2-3lbs) with large muscle gains, just seldom (not not NEVER) LARGE fat loss (10-20lbs) and LARGE muscle gains(6-10lbs) at the same time.
Many people also think that when they are on a diet or muscle gaining program that their bodies spend 100% of their time building muscle or burning fat. In reality that is not how the body works. Your body cycles between muscle building and muscle burning, fat burning and fat storing on a daily basis. That’s just normal and how your body handles the daily functions that keep you alive. The end result you get from your diet and exercise plan is then dependent on doing more muscle building that breaking down, and more fat burning than fat gaining.
Most people with lose muscle along with fat when they diet, or gain fat along with muscle when they bulk. Some people will not, and some will even do the opposite – gain muscle and lose fat. Who are these people?
- Total beginners. This means people who have never lifted weights at all. The longer you have been training the slower your muscle gains come.
- People who used to be in awesome shape but lets themselves go (think Britney Spears.)
- Those who are genetically inclined to be muscular and lean (you know we hate you.)
- People who take drugs. See this clip (starts at 1:44 sec) on fitness model Christian Boeving from the documentary “Bigger Stronger Faster” -
Tomorrow I will talk about more variables that will affect your ability to gain muscle and lose fat simultaneously…
Click here to read part 2 of my review, read more about how to lose fat while gaining muscle…or go straight to the book here.
