Many people struggle with the question, how can they increase their metabolism and burn fat quickly? What you put in your mouth – your nutrition- and what you do to your body – exercise – are key factors in your fat loss equation. Many people struggle with the question how effective really is walking and can that elliptical trainer really help to achieve your weight loss goals?
A study done by Schuenke MD, Mikat RP & McBride JM on men doing a circuit of metabolic resistance activities for 30 minutes of high intensity workout intervals, found that 38 hours after they had completed their workout, their metabolism was still elevated.
This study should get you to re-assess your workout program and where you put your emphasis in general. Don’t give up your cardio program entirely but consider swapping out one or 2 of your cardio workouts for a metabolic resistance training session. Consider adding Kettle Bells, Circuit training, Skipping, Squats and other activities to your workout?
Our body needs change so adding this kind of circuit-style workout to your schedule will help you increase your metabolism. Consider laying out your 4 or 5 day workout plan to include at least 2 or 3 days of some kind of resistance training. Don’t forget to throw in a yoga class in the mix to make sure you are always improving your range of motion in all of the activities that you do.
Another exercise study completed by Tremblay A, Simoneau JA & Bouchard C at Laval University in Ste-Foy, Quebec. In this study they took 2 groups, one with a 20-week endurance (low to moderate) workout and the other group with a 15-week high intensity-intermittent workout. They found that the group that worked out for a shorter period of time at the higher intensity-intermittent training lost more body fat.
Bottom line- It’s time to ditch the lower intensity exercises if you don’t have a lot of time to spare and you want results. That means walking doesn’t count as an exercise and neither does a low-intensity elliptical training session. Unless you have a lot of extra time on your hands and don’t want to reduce your fat levels. It is time to start re-examining your workout and the results you want.
If you want to reduce fat & increase your metabolism, the choice is clear high-intensity intermittent workouts, paired with metabolic-resistance training and some other activities, like a yoga class to keep you limber is the way to go.
Davelle Morrison is a certified Yoga Instructor & Personal Trainer and Co-creator of FIT, FIRM ‘N FAB Fitness, Nutrition & Wellness for Women. Join the FIT, FIRM ‘N FAB team for the 8-WEEK ONLINE BODY TRANSFORMATION Program in February and Fitness Weekend Getaway in August 2010 and at www.fitfirmandfab.com where you will learn how to incorporate these resistance techniques to lose weight & increase your metabolism.
