Boost your Metabolic Rate by Exercising

There are a number of ways you can boost your metabolic rate.
Exercise, diet and lifestyle are all important areas in which you can
make changes and increase your metabolism. In this article I will
discuss how an effective exercise plan can help improve your
metabolism, how to implement such an exercise plan and the additional
benefits of maintaining such an exercise plan.

Exercise is a great way to boost your metabolism because it burns
calories both immediately and also keeps burning them in the long
term. The actual act of exercising will burn calories and over time
your body will adapt to your exercise regime and burn an increased
number of calories overall. Exercise can be split into two types both
of which assist your metabolism in different ways.

1) CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE:- Cardiovascular exercises include;
cycling, running and swimming. Alternatively, you can try a sport such
as football or tennis. Basically, anything which gets you moving and
gets your heart pumping can be classed as cardiovascular exercise. The
key is to find something that is fun and that will keep you
stimulated. Cardiovascular exercise helps boost your metabolism by
teaching your body to burn fat whilst exercising and over time whilst
resting aswell.

2) WEIGHT TRAINING:- Weight training includes; chest presses, shoulder
presses and lateral pulldowns. Basically, anything which involves
lifting relatively heavy weights for 8-12 repetitions in order to
build muscle mass can be classified as weight training. With weight
training you need to be a little more careful than with cardiovascular
exercise because there is an increased risk of injury. Start with
weights that you are happy with then increase them slowly. If you are
unsure about anything ask for advice from one of the trainers in the
gym.

The actual act of weight training burns few calories (in comparison
with cardiovascular exercsie). However, weight training will lead to
an increased muscle mass over time and maintaining your muscles will
burn an increased amount of calories in the long term. You must be
aware that the additional calories that you will burn as a result of
having bigger muscles will not be substantial. Therefore, you need to
make sure you combine your weight training with cardiovascular
exercise to achieve the best results.

Ideally, you should try and train three or more times per week with
each session consisting of an equal mixture of cardiovascular exercise
and weight training. If you have time to do more then that's great but
try to make sure you perform at least three hours training per week.
As I stated above, if you are having difficulties with any areas of
your training visit the closest fitness centre and discuss these
difficulties with one of the trainers. Tell them what you are trying
to achieve with your exercise program and they should be able to set
you on your way.

Apart from metabolism boosting benefits there are a number of other
advantages you will begin to notice from an improved exercise regime.
These include;

1) INCREASED ENERGY LEVELS:- The strength of your heart will increase
as a result of the increased cardiovascular exercise. As your heart
develops it will be able to pump a greater volume of blood through the
body, sending energy to where it is needed.

2) IMPROVED APPEARANCE:- As you lose fat and gain muscle the overall
appearance of your body will improve. Exercise will give your body a
more toned, defined appearance.

3) IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH:- Regular exercise is believed to reduce
the symptoms associated with arthiritis, diabetes, high blood pressure
and more. It can also get your body's organs working more effectively
and improve your overall physical strength and power.

4) IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH:- Apart from physical benefits exercise is
thought to improve mental health also. There are a number of theories
behind this. Some believe exercise allows you to empty your mind and
focus. Others believe the discipline associated with exercise helps
you organise your mind. Physical exercise is also believed to trigger
the release of chemicals which lead to a happy, elevated state of
mind.

Overall, exercise is a really important factor in improving your
metabolic rate. Physical activity can increase the number of calories
you burn at the time of performance and also lead to an increased
number of calories being burned in the future. Furthermore, the
related benefits really make it something that you should try. Have a
look at your daily routine, see where you can implement some
cardiovascular exercise and weight training then stick at it for a few
weeks. You will start to notice a boost in your metabolism and more.

_By: *Tom Parker*_

*About the Author:*

The Free Fitness Tips Website [1] provides readers with a free fitness
tip every day of the year. The tips include exercise tips, weight
loss tips and healthy eating tips. You can access these fitness tips
by visiting the Free Fitness Tips [2] website

Links:
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[1] http://www.freefitnesstips.co.uk/
[2] http://www.freefitnesstips.co.uk/