AdvertisementShe said her goals are to lose fat and gain muscle. Building muscle requires enough rest and recovery time between workouts, Ward added. While strength training is essential for muscle building, exercise is not a prerequisite for fat loss. AdvertisementConsider separate fat-loss and muscle-gain phasesWhile it's not impossible to lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously, doing so in separate cycles can be more effective. "Losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time is possible, but is definitely sub-optimal and arguably better done in phases, i.e.

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Persons: Ciara, Rebecca Ward, Ward, Hayley Madigan, she's, Jaclyn London, it's, I'd Organizations: BI's Nutrition Clinic, Insider's Nutrition Clinic