It really seems lack of knowledge is the real problem with too much focus being placed on dieting and doing long, slow, boring cardio type activity such as walking, jogging cycling etc and not enough importance placed on proper strength training exercise.

Most people don't understand that strength training is how they can shape their bodies, into the lean, firm shapely bodies they really want.

Why is muscle so important? Muscle burns fat and is the driving force behind your metabolism which is your body's engine. Beginning in our mid-20s, we lose 5-7 pounds of muscle tissue and gain 10-15 pounds of fat every decade. So, by our mid-40s, we will have lost almost 15 pounds of metabolically active muscle tissue and replaced it with as much as 30 pounds of sluggish fat if you are not strength training and working at keeping it.

While the scale may tell us that we are only 15 pounds heavier, what has actually happened on the inside is quite catastrophic. Our metabolism our body's engine has been dramatically reduced and is now storing body fat instead of burning it. The entire body composition has changed in unfavorable proportions.

Unfortunately it gets worse, especially for women as after menopause the rate of muscle loss doubles going from 7 pounds a decade to 14 pounds. By the time a woman is in her 60's she can have as little as 20-30 pounds of muscle left so not only is she displeased with her figure, she is very likely to be over fat even if she is not any heavier on the bathroom scales.

The muscle loss also has other disastrous consequences on health such as lowering the effectiveness of the immune system exposing us to major disease risk. Bone weakening along with muscle loss causes the likelihood of falls and the breaking of bones.

It is hard to imagine why people are afraid of muscle. It is their very best friend as it can give the slimmest, sleekest, leanest, strongest, healthiest body you could ever wish for. And it can also fight the aging process like nothing else delaying its effects for 20 or more years. Where else can you get results like this?

There is no pill, no injection, no medication and no doctor or surgical procedure in the world that can give these fantastic benefits. And all it costs is a little money for a gym membership and some time and effort on your part.

The bottom line: The more muscle tissue you have on your body the more fuel and fat you burn and the less you store as excess body fat. You will also be able to eat more food without gaining weight. This is called a good metabolism and a good metabolism doesn't happen by accident and is affected by your life choices.

Keys to a good metabolism:

1. Proper strength training exercise 2-3 times per week

2. 5-6 small nutritious meals with protein at each one

3. Interval (short burst) training

4. An overall active lifestyle

5. Consistency in all of the above

A big part of learning to value your health is learning to value your muscle tissue and how it affects your metabolism. It is easy to take it for granted until it is gone. Then you will realize that muscle is the key to so many aspects of your well being, without it you will feel fat, old, tired, weak and less attractive. Working to keep it with proper exercise will ensure you are lean, energetic, youthful, strong and confident.

Pretty easy choice don't you agree?