Toning up (gaining muscle) vs. Losing weight

Question
I've read tons of articles about the importance of gaining muscle and toning your body to burn calories and keep the fat off, but when it comes to actually getting there, which should be the first priority? I'm 5'6" and currently 180 pounds. I was 159 a year ago as a senior in high school, but I dieted the wrong way by under-compensating my daily caloric intake for my intense work out routines(it worked, but then I put the weight right back on). The routines I did in high school were mainly to lose weight, not burn fat. I want to have a healthy BMI, be toned, and get back down to my goal weight of 150, but which step should be the first one taken?

Answer
There's no reason you can't do both at the same time.

Eat healthy, lift weights to build muscle, and do your cardio to burn fat.

When you hear about BODYBUILDERS cycling their workouts, they first eat like crazy and lift real heavy weight to BUILD muscle, then they "cut" calories, lift lighter weight, and do tons of cardio to get that "shredded" look with very low body fat.

For the AVERAGE person, however, you don't have to worry about that. Just do the best you can every day.

For specific information and step-by-step guidelines on how to lose weight and be healthy, visit my web site for all kinds of details about proper diet, nutrition, exercise, weight-lifting routines, and more.

Most importantly, make sure to download my FREE eBook, "Rick's 18 Tips for Healthy Weight Loss."

Richard Rost
http://www.RicksWeightLoss.com

P.S. As a disclaimer, I'm not a doctor or health professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before implementing any of my recommendations.

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