Building muscle is a self-fulfilling fat burning prophecy. The more muscle you build the more your metabolism increases to feed and maintain the muscle. This increase in metabolism results in more fat being burned at rest and during exercise. So remember this when you are attempting to determine your best cardio/weight training mix. Weight training over the long haul can be as effective as cardio for fat burning purposes. A perfect example of this theory in practice is Arnold Schwarzenegger as seen in this image performing seated dumbbell curls. Considering his large muscle mass plus his high caloric intake he was still able to maintain a very low body fat percent in part due to his high metabolism.
