Many fitness experts' eyebrows shoot up when first-time exercisers who are on the hefty side suddenly ask how they can turn fat into muscle.
The right way to phrase it, actually, is how a person with excess pounds can effectively burn most of the accumulated fat and build muscle.
Well, it won't happen overnight.
It takes hard work, plus a healthy diet, to transform your body into a well oiled, finely tuned machine.
You can pave the path to a fitter body beginning with some simple steps.
Feed your body well, then incorporate a weight training program to build muscle and strength.
Anyone who's been advised by a doctor to shed the excess pounds to reduce health risks may be desperate enough to seek ways to turn fat into muscle.
Even if you've piled stores of fat and it seems like an uphill struggle, you can achieve a trimmer body if you put your mind to it.
Kick-start your weight loss goal by cutting the carbohydrates and empty calories (white rice, pasta, sweets, junk foods) from your diet.
Work on losing the fat first.
This may be done through regular cardio exercises or high intensity workouts.
Once you've gotten off the carbs and ready to build muscle mass, feed your body enough protein.
Check with a nutritionist if a whey protein shake may be suited for you.
You'll be needing plenty of amino acids to build muscle fast.
Around five to seven healthy meals each day may be necessary.
Load up on meat, fish, eggs, beans, dairy and nuts.
There are many modern ways for people yearning to turn fat into muscle.
What they may accomplish, really, is shed excess pounds and build lean muscle mass.
Some women have discovered that kettlebell workouts (using a heavy metal ball with a handle) can be a solid foundation for strength training.
Others choose traditional strength training exercises that include crunches, squats, and pull-ups, guided by a fitness expert.
Combined with a healthy diet, these can lead to a better physique.