Metabolism is so much more than maintaining a healthy weight, a strong metabolism helps to support your immunity, hormone balance, detoxification, fertility, longevity and so much more. It is one of the keys to a vibrant lifestyle, so experiencing how resistance training can boost your metabolism is a great investment in your own wellness.
Why Resistance Training?
Metabolism includes complex chemical processes that happen within our bodies to convert the food we consume into energy. It is influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, age, body composition, and physical activity. While aerobic exercise, such as running or spinning, has long been championed for its calorie-burning effects, resistance training offers a unique benefit to building metabolism.
Increased Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
Resistance training induces a state known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), commonly referred to as the "afterburn effect." After an intense resistance workout, your body continues to consume oxygen at an elevated rate for several hours, even when at rest. This increased oxygen consumption translates into more calories burned, as your body works to restore energy levels, repair muscle tissue, and return to homeostasis. Over time, the cumulative effect of resistance training on your resting metabolic rate can lead to a higher baseline calorie burn, even outside of your workout sessions.
Muscle Tone
Resistance training is fundamental in building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Unlike fat, muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it requires more energy to sustain itself. As a result, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn daily, even during periods of no exercise. This effect is particularly significant when compared to cardio exercises, which primarily focus on burning calories during the workout itself. By building muscle tone, you will burn calories long after your workout has ended.
Hormonal Harmony
Resistance training stimulates the release of various hormones. One such hormone is growth hormone (GH), which promotes fat metabolism, muscle growth and has anti-ageing benefits. Additionally, resistance training enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use carbohydrates more efficiently and preventing excess glucose from being stored as fat.
Resistance training is a powerful tool to supercharge your metabolism and achieve sustainable weight management. Beyond the aesthetic benefits of building a strong and toned physique, the metabolic benefits derived from resistance training support hormone balance, immunity, detoxification, fertility, longevity and so much more.