Most experts agree, muscle burns more calories than fat. Muscles are more compact and look better than fat. It is important to rev up your metabolism by regularly working your muscles.

When exercising, it is important to always use a controlled motion.

Even if you can’t get to a gym, there is plenty you can do at home. For example you can use gravity, isometrics, bands or even weights. Be creative.

A great example of gravity exercises are push-ups and sit-ups. You can even do incline push-ups by placing your hands on a couch instead of the floor; a simple variation to this popular exercise. Push-ups challenge your arms, shoulders, abdominal muscles and chest.

Isometrics are when you press two body parts against each other, like pushing you hands together.

You can use elastic bands to work muscles. Stores sell a variety of elastic bands in different colors to represent the resistance. There are both lower and upper body exercises one can do with a band.

And finally, you can also use dumbbells or even common household items like an iron to work arm, back, chest and abdominal muscles. I recommend you pick up one of the numerous books on the subject to regularly challenge your muscles.

Tom Thompson can be emailed at tomskilaw@gmail.com

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