Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you’re looking to gain more muscle, more than likely you will gain some weight too.  That is just the nature of the beast though.  If you want to gain muscle and lose weight, you will need to focus on one goal at a time.  First, lose the weight.  The best exercise for weight loss is cardio, about 45-60 minutes for 4-5 days a week.

Once you start shedding the pounds you can add strength training to your workout, about 2-3 days a week.  If you are happy with your weight but want to tone up, gaining muscle will definitely help you achieve a leaner look.  The scale may show a slightly higher number, but your body will not look like you have gained the weight because of the muscle.  The best way to gain muscle and retain or lose the weight is to combine cardio exercise with free weights or training machines.  You can also try resistance workouts or using your own body weight for exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and squats or lunges.  Also, eat a healthy diet rich in protein, drink a lot of water and make sure you get plenty of rest every night.