If I stop working out, will my muscle turn to fat?

Never. Muscle never converts to fat, and vice versa. Fat is your bodys fuel reserve. Muscle uses fuel to function . When your food intake is less than what your muscles need to function, your body uses its fuel reserves-your body fat. When you stop working out you decrease the use of your muscles. If you do not decrease your food intake, you will store the extra fuel in the form of fat.

What is better: jogging or walking?

Aerobic exercise serves one purpose, and that is to increase heart and breathing rate. The type of exercise that you do, whether it is walking or jogging is irrelevant, provided that the exercise you choose increases both heart and breathing rates. Do not make the mistake of working too hard (which can lead to injury and burnout) or not working hard enough.

Am I too old to start a strength-training program?

No. If, however, you have medical problems get your doctors clearance first. Otherwise, there is no age limit on starting an exercise program. The improvements you see will include improved balance and coordination, increased strength and flexibility, and weight management. The risks associated with not exercising are greater than a safe strength-training program.

Will lifting heavy weights make me bulk-up?

No, moderately heavy weights will not make you bulk-up. Lift heavy-enough weights that your muscles fatigue between 8 to 12 repetitions. With a moderate strength-training program, both men and women develop tone, not bulk.

Should I lift weights before or after cardiovascular exercise?

I tell my clients that if they lift after a cardio-vascular workout, they will not have the same power than if they lifted first. To burn more calories, I recommend lifting first, cardio second. However, this may not hold true for someone who needs to improve cardio-vascular endurance for say, a triathlon. To improve endurance, I would recommend cardio first.

Grace Soong, owner of Xtreme Health and Fitness Center & a certified personal trainer in Rochester. She has over 3 years experience in Rochester weight loss programs

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