How exercise affects metabolism?

Exercising has a significant effect on metabolism, the process responsible for turning food into energy in our bodies and getting rid of waste. So, with exercising we can influence not only our physical and mental well-being, but also the efficiency of our body’s energy consumption.

Every function of the body demands the use of energy. Some functions are more basic like heart beating, blood circulation and alike. The aspect of metabolism which is most affected by exercise refers to the energy used in physical activity. This can vary, depending on the amount and type of physical activity on a certain day.

The terms “fast” and “slow” metabolism refer to the rate at which food is being turned into energy. Someone who has a faster metabolism burns more calories while resting while someone who has a slower metabolism has a body which generally needs less calories to function.

Some of the things that influence whether one’s metabolism is fast or slow include bodily composition, weight, age, sex and genetics. Something that can make metabolism faster is exercise, muscle cells require more energy and so burn more calories, even when resting. So, the more muscle cells there are, and the more stimulated they are to use more energy the body’s metabolism will be faster. This can be very significant with aging, since with aging there is a natural loss of muscle cells and so the metabolism is slower.

Exercise positively affects the general health of the body, the bodily constitution, weight, sleep schedules and stress levels, this can all in turn, also lead to a healthier metabolism.

Kinds of exercise that are good for metabolism include aerobic exercises, also known as cardio, walking, running, swimming, cycling, tennis, basketball, football and alike.

Also important is strength training, muscle fiber uses more energy than fat, so building muscle will benefit the efficiency of energy use both with activity and with rest. This can include all sorts of exercises in the gym as well as at home.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from: https://pixabay.com/photos/stomach-pain-man-jeans-sweater-2821941/*