Does Exercise Speed Up Your Metabolism?
Health care professionals have studied the effects of exercise on our metabolism for years. Exercise increases the amount of calories that our body uses daily, but the impact that it has on our other calorie burning functions still remain unclear.
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Identification
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When we begin to exercise, our body requires extra energy expenditure. There are several factors that contribute to this, such as intensity and duration of exercise and the type of exercise being performed. A recent study conducted by James Timmons, Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland found that exercise performed in intervals helped to improve metabolism. The study involved 16 normally sedentary males, that used a stationary bicycle at 30 second, high intensity intervals. This dramatically improved their metabolism in just two weeks. Timmons added that any type of exercise done in this manner, should help to boost metabolism.
Function
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When we exercise blood flow is increased throughout our body. This blood carries the much needed vitamins, oxygen and nutrients we need to get through a workout and recover afterward. Mitochondrion are present in our blood cells and is what our body uses as energy during exercise. Our bodies metabolism is increased when the mitochondrion generates energy from other sources in our body.
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Types
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Strength training is one of the best ways to increase metabolism. The reason for this is that while muscles are working hard to contract lifting heavy weights, they produce heat. How much this type of training increases metabolism is affected by the amount of weight used. It is important to note that increasing the amount of lean muscle mass that your body has through this type of exercise, will cause your body to burn more calories, even while resting. The more muscle mass our bodies have, the more oxygen is consumed during and after exercise. This means more calories burned after exercise is complete.
Significance
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Genetics play a role in how our metabolism works as well. Someone that has a genetic predisposition to gaining weight and having a sluggish metabolism, can combat this with regular exercise. Taking time to increase daily activity at intervals during the day, can also boost metabolism. A walk at lunch time, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking down the street from your destination can all help increase metabolism and energy.
Considerations
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It is important to consider the types of foods that you are eating while exercising. Eating small, frequent meals will help keep metabolism elevated. Foods that are rich in protein also have a positive effect on metabolism, as well as green leafy vegetables.
Green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties, and has been found to raise metabolism.
Benefits
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Exercise can help to speed your metabolism by raising your heart rate and oxygen consumption after exercise. It is also beneficial for the reduction of stress, improved cardiovascular health and increasing lean muscle mass. Cardiovascular exercise combined with strength training is a good way to help speed metabolism.
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