Mustering Up More Muscle

• Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to lift extremely heavy weights to improve your muscles. Incorporate 2- or 3-pound wrist or ankle weights into your daily activities. Then work your way up to exercising with heavier dumbbells as you become stronger.
• Lifting weights is not the only factor in building muscles. A good muscle-strengthening workout also includes aerobic activity and a diet that consists mostly of good-for-you foods.
• Don't ignore carbohydrates. While protein is indeed a key player in a healthy body, muscles need carbohydrates for fuel and repair. Read nutrition labels carefully, and make sure you are eating enough carbs to help your muscles grow.
• Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are working out regularly, eating right, feeling stronger and finding that your clothes fit better, higher numbers on the bathroom scale most likely reflect an increase in muscle…and that's a good
  thing!
  

Why put fitness on hold until quitting time? When you're at the office, consider these healthy hints from the American Heart Association. Not only will you keep your muscles moving, but you'll make physical activity a part of your daily life!

• Instead of calling or E-mailing a co-worker, walk over to his or her desk when you need to discuss something.
• Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator, or get off a few floors early and head for the stairwell.
• Bring your sneakers to work and take a stroll outside during breaks and lunches. If the weather isn't cooperating, make a few laps around the inside of the building.
• Park your car in the back of the company parking lot even if the front lot isn't full. Enjoy a brisk walk in the fresh air.
• If you ride the bus, get off a few stops before you normally would and walk the rest of the way.

Article first published in Taste of Home's Light & Tasty magazine.