Losing fat and gaining muscle should always go hand in hand. Unfortunately, if you only practice aerobics, such as walking, using a treadmill, etc. you will only lose weight and not gain much muscle at all. That is why it is so important to add weight training to your workout routine. Aerobic exercise combined with weight training is the key to losing weight and gaining muscle. Your body will do this simultaneously when you regularly (at least three times a week) practice weight training and aerobic exercise.

1) How fat loss and gaining muscle are essential to maintaining the ideal body weight and for a great physique - Fat loss and muscle gain are essential for getting you to your ideal body weight and maintaining a great physique. For each pound of muscle you gain, you will increase your metabolism, which is highly important in losing weight. The more muscle you have in your body, the more weight (fat) you will lose, even when you are doing nothing at all. When you increase your metabolism in this way, your body will help you burn off unnecessary fat even while you are sleeping.

2) Fat loss and muscle gain are best done in two cycles: muscle gain in the first cycle and fat loss in the second cycle. Since gaining muscle boosts your metabolism you will have more energy to workout and maintain your exercise regimen. Start off slow and keep increasing the weights or sets to help your body to keep gaining muscle. This doesn't mean that aerobic exercise is not important, it is. You should keep up with your aerobic exercise as well.

3) Tips and strategies to gain muscle mass through diet, exercise and supplementation - There are many ways to gain muscle and lose fat. One is through your diet.

You will need to make a lifestyle change in your eating habits. Make plans to clean out your kitchen of processed foods and other unhealthy foods and go grocery shopping. Shop around the perimeter of the store first. This is where most grocery stores keep all of the healthy foods such as dairy, fruits, vegetables, fish and meats. Use this space to do most of your grocery shopping in. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and fend off unnecessary hunger.

Second is exercise. You must maintain a healthy routine of both weight training and aerobic exercise in order to boost your metabolism, lose fat and gain muscle.

Third are supplements. These are important because they will help you get all of the nutrients you can from your healthy foods. Start with a daily multivitamin, but be sure to check with your medical professional as some have added herbs that can interact poorly with your body or medicines.

Fat loss and muscle gain are possible provided you are willing to put in the effort required in this endeavor. I'm not going to tell you it's easy and you will see results overnight. You won't. You need to work hard at this and stick with eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis.