Lots of students ask themselves this question when they don't see an increase in time at the gym lead to a decrease in the numbers on the scale. But before the discouraged throw in the towel, they should examine their workout to see what important fat-burning techniques might be missing.

Spending half an hour on the treadmill is great aerobic energy; it kicks up a person's heart rate and fulfills the USDA's suggestion for daily physical activity. It's also helpful that the machine's calorie counter, although not completely accurate, measures how many slices of pizza a person is burning off from the night before. But while aerobic exercise does its job in burning calories, it also burns away a key tool in the fight against fat: muscle.

People worried about losing weight often ignore the fact that building muscles is one of the best ways to burn away fat because muscle is what eats the body's stored calories. High repetitions with light weights will tone muscles and jumpstart a body's metabolism. The magazine Men's Health suggests doing a series of weight lifting moves that flow from low squats to overhead lifts because the combination allows a person to do a lot of work in a short amount of time, keeping up their heart rate and burning plenty of calories.

Once people start a weight lifting schedule, they shouldn't worry if the scale doesn't show a drastic change. Their pants' waistline soon will. Although muscle weighs more than fat, it takes up less space.

Another workout tip for the determined is to switch up their daily workout routine. Not only do workouts become mundane, but the women's magazine Shape also advises against doing the same activity day-in and day-out because it can lead to strained muscles and a weight loss plateau. If a person continually works at one fitness level, his or her body becomes used to the activity and figures out how to do the least work at the same pace.

To avoid workout slumps, rotate all of the machines in the RecPlex. Try 40 minutes running hills and lifting weights one day, and 20 minutes on the rowing machine followed by crunches the next. Or opt for camaraderie and activity on Stuart Field. Get out a football and start throwing it, ending with an abs session in front of 'Grey's Anatomy' that night.

Whatever activity you choose each day, make sure you are giving each muscle group one day in between to rest. When people target their muscles, they are actually tearing the tissue. The day in between is when the torn muscle rebuilds to a stronger state than before.

Building muscles and revamping an overplayed workout routine will give your metabolism a new kick. The time spent in the gym will start to pay off and, in Shakira's words, your 'hips won't lie.'