Boost your Metabolism with Exercise!

What is metabolism/metabolic function?

Your metabolism is responsible for converting the food and beverages you consume into energy and fuel. Your body depends on a consistent supply of food to maintain essential bodily functions. People’s metabolisms may vary depending on factors that may or may not be controllable. These factors include age, sex, genetics, and thyroid function (a gland located in your neck that is responsible for hormone production). Although these are factors that we cannot control, one thing that we have direct control over that has a major influence on metabolic efficiency is exercise.

How Does Exercise Help?

When we exercise, not only are we burning fat cells, but we’re also building muscle. This is very important when it comes to metabolism. Muscle cells require far more energy to maintain. This means that even when you’re not exercising, your body is burning more calories (fat) to maintain that muscle mass. This becomes even more important as we age due to muscle mass decreases and a decrease in metabolism function. Although cardio exercises burn a lot of calories while you’re doing them, they do not produce the same amount of muscle gains as resistance training. Both are great options if you are looking to make some positive changes in your lifestyle habits and being able to vary between both methods of exercise is important!

Other ways to help boost your metabolism on top of exercise include:

• Eat protein
• Drink lots of water
• Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and green tea
• A good night of sleep

Although some of us have been blessed with a naturally fast metabolism. These are all factors you can include on a day-to-day basis to encourage your body to function at its highest possible level!