subject: Increasing Metabolism Through Proper Exercise [print this page] Increasing Metabolism Through Proper Exercise
Most of us would like to burn more calories while doing very little, like sleeping or just sitting watching television as we know that is the way to get and stay slim and trim. There is only one way to do this and that is with proper strength training exercise that directly works the muscles causing them to become stronger. There are three ways strength training exercise can work its magic:1) During the workout session itself2) Increased oxygen consumption following the exercise session3) The toning and rebuilding of lost muscle tissueThese benefits will occur if enough intensity (degree of effort) is put into the program. Low intensity activity of any sort will burn small amounts fuel but will not re-tone and restore muscle tissue and that is what you need to do to increase the metabolism enough to make a difference to your metabolic rate (the rate your body burns fuel).The point of proper exercise is not just to 'burn off' calories during the session but to tell your body to build new fat burning tissue. Only then will your body run at a higher metabolic rate all day and night long. This extra calorie burning is how you can lose weight and more importantly keep it off for the long term.Working your larger muscle groups through their ranges of movement with adequate resistance works best for weight loss. Think of squats that involve the leg muscles as opposed to bicep curls just using the arms. How much you influence the metabolism depends upon the amount of muscle tissue involved in an exercise and the level of intensity that is generated. A greater number of calories are utilized at increased loads and a good guide is to exercise at 60-80 percent of your own one repetition maximum. This means what you can lift for one time is your maximum. If you wish to make body composition changes that will create weight loss that is the sort of effort you will need to put into it.Your body will love this. It is built to be strong and will respond instantly gaining strength and chewing into the stored body fat. The human body is not meant to be overweight and lacking energy. Give it what it needs and it will amaze you at how quickly you will get into better shape. Firm toned muscle tissue is 100 times better than flab and fat that hangs and sags spoiling your body shape and appearance and putting your health at risk. Just 2-3 sessions are needed each week as it is very effective exercise done properly. If you can do more sessions you are simply not training hard enough.You will need to eat properly to support the exercise program. Get rid of as many processed foods from your diet as possible and replace with natural whole foods. Try and eat 4-6 small meals each day each with a source of protein.In a few weeks you will notice changes, in a few months your body composition (muscle/fat ratio) will have improved considerably and in 12 months and beyond you will have a body that most people only dream of.
