Increase Your Metabolism

What is your metabolism? Just until recently I believed the metabolism was a body function that was working magically inside my body. I had no clue what it was or what it did. It turns out that your metabolism is actually a number of things combined and the actual word “metabolism” is used to describe a process.

The textbook definition of metabolism is: “The chemical process occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for life.” In other words how much energy/calories your body needs to function. This process is very complex and for a deeper explanation of how it works and what’s involved please refer to the links at the end of this article.

Your metabolism is also known as your BMR (basal metabolic rate) this is the amount of calories your body uses just to exist. Even when you’re not working out or exercising your body is still using calories to perform basic functions. All of the organs in your body are using calories and every move you make no matter how small requires energy/calories to do so, from a blink of your eye to digestion of food which happens without any thought whatsoever. All day every day we as using calories and everyone is using energy a little different.

Your metabolism isn’t some random occurrence where people who were lucky enough to be blessed with a good metabolism are skinny and others who got a slow metabolism are fat. In reality your metabolism is also combined with your lifestyle and body composition. Generally speaking someone with a fast metabolism is a more active person, they exercise regularly or move more. A person with a slow metabolism doesn’t exercise regularly and is more sedentary. Also your body composition will change your metabolism. A person who is very tall and has more muscle mass will use more calories and someone who is shorter and has less muscle mass will use less calories.

Can you change your metabolism? Yes you can! You can’t change how tall you are or how fast your organs use calories but you can exercise and lift weights which will both increase your metabolism. Exercises like running and cycling will increase your metabolism right away as you are moving your body will use calories instantly. Lifting weights will help your metabolism over time, as you increase your muscle mass you will also increase your metabolism as muscles use more calories than fat. This doesn’t mean you have to turn into a huge body builder to have a fast metabolism, but building some extra muscle will help burn those extra calories.

Finally your lifestyle is a huge factor in your metabolism. If we know that people who are more active have a faster metabolism and that is something that we want to achieve ourselves then we need to incorporate those changes into our everyday lives. Having a higher metabolism means having a more active life and better overall health. If that’s your goal then finding active hobbies such as weightlifting, hiking, running, cycling, tennis, racquetball and many other sports and activities might be something to think about to include into your life. Also at Under Ten Fitness we love the gym and have put together a free strength workout for you to help you get started or continue with your fitness needs.

SUMMARY – INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM IN TWO BASIC STEPS

Have an active lifestyle.
Build some muscle.

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Also try a two week free trial at Under Ten Fitness for circuit workouts under ten minutes that are perfect for the busy person who wants results fast!

References –

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Metabolism.aspx