Metabolism is defined as “chemical reactions by which energy is provided for the maintenance of life. Energy extracted by the body from food or stores for all activities such as heat production, movement, building tissue, bone etc”.
Our bodies burn energy all day to stay alive. A chief source of this energy is stored body fat. Aerobic and muscular exercise uses your body’s fat for energy not only during but for many hours after exercise. The metabolic rate- the rate at which the body uses energy through chemical reactions by which it extracts energy from the food you’ve eaten or fat stores to use for growth and body maintenance- is raised in exercising individuals. Exercise is cumulative, so that when you are at rest, even asleep, your body will burn more fat than those who decide to use other ways to lose weight that does NOT affect the metabolic rate. Unfortunately, we often choose the easiest path when it comes to weight loss. It is only by increasing muscle mass and exercising to become functionally fit, can we begin to utilize that excess stored fat for its intended purpose-energy. It is a waste of time to engage in exercise methods that just redistribute fat cells about the body. Cellulite cannot be pummeled, squeezed, pounded, kneaded, displaced or persuaded to melt away. Only by activating your metabolic processes can you authentically burn fat and begin to take full control over the body fat that contributes to your overall weight.
