Exercise and Metabolism

Want to kick your metabolism into high gear? Your next workout could be the key to revving up your body’s calorie-burning engine, boosting your metabolism through exercise

Your metabolism is like your body’s energy factory, converting food into fuel to keep you going. Some folks naturally have a faster metabolism, but factors like age, gender, and genetics play a role in determining its speed. Sometimes, issues like an underactive thyroid can slow things down. However, once you’ve ruled out medical concerns, you have the power to give your metabolism a boost, and it all starts with exercise.

Here’s the scoop: muscle cells are hungry for energy, gobbling up calories like there’s no tomorrow. They’re even more voracious than fat cells, churning through calories even when you’re not breaking a sweat. This means that the time you spend working out pays off long after you’ve hit the showers.

As you age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly vital since muscle loss can put the brakes on your metabolism. Regular exercise becomes your secret weapon against this natural decline.

So, how do you supercharge your workout to turbocharge your metabolism? Here are two simple strategies:

1. Step up the intensity. Whether you’re jogging or salsa dancing, any form of aerobic exercise burns calories. But if you crank up the intensity, your body will torch even more.

Ever tried intervals? They’re a game-changer. Whether you’re cycling or swimming, the idea is to alternate between periods of high and low intensity. Push yourself to the limit, then ease off, and repeat.

For instance, go all out with jumping jacks for a minute, then slow it down with a brisk walk for two minutes. Repeat this cycle for about 15 minutes.

2. Pump some iron. Muscle beats fat in the calorie-burning department, so strength training can transform you into a lean, mean calorie-burning machine, even when you’re chilling on the couch.

And here’s the kicker: boosting your metabolism isn’t the only perk. Your heart, bones, and mood will also thank you. It’s a win-win situation all around.

By ramping up your workouts and incorporating strength training, you’re not just sculpting a fitter physique—you’re also firing up your metabolism for maximum calorie-burning power.

Sources:

• National Health Service: “How Can I Speed Up My Metabolism?”
• Perry, C. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, December 2008.
• American Council on Exercise: “Trimming Off the Fat.”
• Lee, P. Cell Metabolism, February 2014.