After years of yo-yo dieting, do you feel that your metabolism is much slower than before? I think we can all relate. It was MUCH easier to burn fat when we were in our 20’s and early 30’s. But now, the struggle is real! Fact – as we age, our bodies aren’t burning calories as efficiently as they used to! So what do we do about it?
The good news is that there’s a powerful solution: strength training. While it’s often associated with building muscles and getting stronger, it offers so much more, especially when it comes to revving up your metabolism.
Here's How It Works:
1. Muscle Burns More Calories at Rest: One of the key benefits of strength training is that it helps you build lean muscle mass. Unlike fat, muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even when you’re not exercising. So, the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate (RMR) becomes. This means you’ll burn more calories just sitting or sleeping!
2. Boosting Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Strength training not only increases your muscle mass but also enhances your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR represents the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic functions like breathing and digestion. By increasing your BMR through strength training, you naturally burn more calories throughout the day.
3. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: As we age, our bodies often become less responsive to insulin, which can lead to weight gain. Strength training helps improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to manage blood sugar levels and reducing the likelihood of fat storage.
4. Post-Exercise Calorie Burn: The energy expenditure doesn’t stop when you finish your strength training session. Your body continues to burn calories as it repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue post-exercise. This process can last for hours after your workout, contributing to additional calorie burn.
Adding 2-3 days of strength training into your fitness routine is a fantastic way to counteract the effects of a slowing metabolism. It not only helps you burn more calories but also offers a host of other benefits, like improved bone density, posture, and overall strength.
If you’re new to strength training, don’t worry; this is exactly why our semi-private personal training sessions can be tailored to every fitness level! Remember, consistency is key, so make it a part of your weekly routine.
Embrace the power of strength training, and watch your metabolism soar!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance on getting started.
