Magic of Metabolism

      One of the questions I get asked as a fitness trainer is about metabolism. People hear about it however not many know what it is or its purpose. So i will speak to you about the Magic of Metabolism. Metabolism is the amount of energy( calories) used by the body to maintain itself. Whatever you are doing, sleeping, walking, eating, or sitting your body is burning calories. Our metabolism is affected by our body composition. What this means is the amount of fat vs muscle you have. Muscle uses more energy to maintain itself than fat does, so those who are muscular and have low body fat tend to have higher metabolism than someone who isn't as muscular. So you ask.....well how can i tell if mine is slow? Some symptoms of a slow metabolism is, fatigue, dry skin constipation and low blood pressure. NOW I AM NOT A DOCTOR , AND THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF SOMETHING ELSE SO IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS PLEASE GO SEE A DOCTOR. Now that I have clarified that let us continue. ....

So lets look at how to increase that magic metabolism and get you functioning at a different level and move you towards that targeted weight loss goal. STOP DIETING! What is meant by this, don't starve yourself, but be more mindful of what you eat. Not including an exercise routine with healthy eating habits is going against the purpose of the diet. Remember the body will assume its going to starve so it will store the calories and not burn them. So when you add fuel and don't burn any, you in essence begin to hoard and that is what you see when you look at yourself in the mirror.

So now you ask how do I increase my metabolism? To gain muscle mass you can do resistance training like weights, dynabands or hand weights. In conjunction with resistance training you can decrease body fat by doing aerobic exercises a minimum of 3 days a week for longer than 20 minutes. Aerobic training can consist of walking, jogging, swimming or bike riding. This will elevate your heart rate and hold it there in the target zone to start the fat burning process.

Let me note that genetics plays a part in your metabolism as well. We are genetically made different, with mesomorph, ectomorph or endomorph body types and structures. It isn't safe to assume we can all achieve the same body as Lee Haney or a Demi Moore as GI Jane. However with weights and aerobic exercises you can get the body you desire based on you makeup.

So lesson today, exercise regularly, eat healthy and you too can get increase the magic metabolism!GET AKB FIT!

"TEACHING A HEALTHY APPROACH TO A HAPPY EXISTENCE"