| |
| |
|
Weight Loss Information |
|
Spare Muscle Mass and Power, Lose the Fat
The goal of many athletes and exercisers is to "get cut" or to lose excess fat while at the same time retaining muscle mass and power. Unfortunately, it is not possible to lose copious amounts of fat without incurring some loss of muscle mass. The reason for this is because at any given moment during a day and even during exercise, the human body does not exclusively make use of a single substrate or energy-producing substance such as carbohydrate, protein or fat. As mentioned in previous articles, substrate utilization is exercise intensity dependent - that is higher intensity exercise will rely more heavily on carbohydrate but will still metabolize small quantities of protein and fat. Likewise, during low intensity, extended duration exercise the body will rely more heavily on fat utilization yet still receive a percentage of the energy yield from protein and carbohydrate. The key to fat loss that spares muscle mass and power is to shift energy balance in the favor of increased expenditure. In my opinion, the source of this energy expenditure is irrelevant - as long as a negative caloric intake is achieved. Here's why: long periods of extended cardiovascular exercise tends to metabolize more fat but a major drawback is that it has a muscle wasting effect (look at the build of any marathoner). This is due to the fact that cortisol (a protein catabolizing hormone) levels are increased for long periods of time. Also, during endurance type exercise, amino acids from muscle tissues are required to keep blood glucose levels normal should liver glycogen (stored carbohydrate) levels deplete. Lastly, during endurance-type exercise, only the low threshold Type I muscle fibers will be activated, resulting in little to no stimulation/training of the larger and more powerful Type IIA and B fibers. Therefore, the best advice for individuals wanting to "cut" while preserving muscle mass and power is to perform high intensity interval training (HIIT). Interval training is a unique form of training that utilizes short periods (3-5 min.) of intense running (close to maximal capacity/VO2max) separated by rest periods of the 2-3 times the same duration. The intensity of interval training allows for a greater power output (greater energy expenditure in less time) and the activation of the large Type II muscles, thus preserving power and strength gains. Also, since Type IIA fibers exhibit some of the qualities of Type I muscle fibers (endurance muscle), performing interval training will actually lead to greater increases in fitness, since a larger quantity of muscle will be stimulated by the increased power output. David Petersen is a Personal Trainer/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the owner and founder of B.O.S.S. Fitness Inc. based in Oldsmar, Florida. More articles and information can be found at http://www.bossfitness.com NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this note, author information and all LIVE website links as above.
MORE RESOURCES:
Weight-Loss - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Fast Weight Loss -- The Healthiest Fast Weight Loss Plan In general, fast weight loss is not healthy. The faster you lose weight, the faster you'll gain it back. Lose Weight on Hips and Thighs: A Quest for Slimmer Hips and Thighs! Losing weight on hips and thighs has always been a dream. And yes, dreams come true! It is usually difficult to lose weight from thighs and hips as compared to abdomen. How To Measure Body Fat When it all comes down to losing or gaining weight, most people turn to the scales to determine how much they should lose or gain to have the weight or the shape that they desire.However, health experts said weight alone is not a clear indicator of good health because it does not distinguish between pounds that come from body fat and those that come from lean body mass or muscle. Staying Toned After Weight Loss Staying Toned After Weight Loss----------------------------------------Following significant weight loss, it is vital to have an exercise routine to keep your muscles firm and help to tighten the skin. One of the biggest drawbacks to significant weight loss is the flabby skin that is visible that often can take months to disappear. Lose Weight - Find Hidden Calories If it seems that you have been eating as usual and the pounds seem to be creeping on - you could be a victim of hidden calories.When we are busy, stressed or focused on something else we reach for convenient snacks that are usually high in fat. Weight Loss Motivation: I CAN DO IT! Several months ago I was in desperate need of weight loss motivation. As I was observing my friend's kindergarten classroom I was struck by an idea when I saw her in action. Theyre Wide, Theyre Here, Get Used to It America's Obesity EpidemicAs the numbers of overweight Americans continue to skyrocket, one thing is clear: being obese is the true exception to the rule in a society governed by a culture of gluttony. You can't turn on the television or turn the pages of a magazine without being bombarded by tantalizing images of cheap, marginally nutritious foods. Lose 104 Pounds In A Year Did you ever think about the fact that losing 2 pounds a week adds up to 104 pounds a year? That's a LOT of weight.Sooo. You Dont Have to Stop Eating Out Because You Are On Diet Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, andnow want healthy choices whether eating at home or at theirfavorite restaurants. Luckily, the restaurant industry has beenquick to accommodate the demand, so you'll find you have manyoptions to "eat healthy" these days. Your Words Affect Your Weight Loss - Stop the Struggle Are you Telling Yourself It's Too Hard to Lose Weight?Telling yourself you have to "struggle with this weight issue for the rest of my life," is as good as telling yourself there's no point in trying. "Why bother? I'll just gain it right back. Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery There's more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive weight loss. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery (WLS) sign-up for a lifetime of rigid behaviors to guarantee their long-term success. Fast Weight Loss and Exercise - Pay Now or Pay Them Later! Why have I allowed myself to get into this shape? Have you ever said that? With life comes responsibility and with decisions comes consequences. It's your choice today to do something positive. The Mind Body-Fat Connection Negative thoughts, symbolic protection, being who we really are .. Excess Weight - Is It Going To Kill You? For many years, the experts, including our government have been telling Americans that obesity is a leading cause of preventable deaths. For example, as recently as January, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) ranked obesity as the second leading cause of preventable death, and estimated that about 365,000 Americans died as the result of obesity every year. Weight Gain = Poor Quality of Life Gaining up to 20 pounds over four years can significantly decrease quality of life, according to a study in the Dec. 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Obesity - The Underlying Historic Causes The scourge of obesity has reached such gigantic proportions across the world that it is now termed as globesity. The obesity is now accepted as a global epidemic and governments are pouring in money and resources to fight this menace, which is quietly swallowing the economic gains of a country. Speed up Metabolism Metabolism is essentially the speed at which our body's motor is running. The speed at which our body burns calories is called the metabolic rate. 7 Power Packed Tips to Help You Lose Weight & Gain Optimal Health Did you know that what you're eating could be making your body toxic? I mean so toxic to point that your body is unable to metabolize food. These little critters, called parasites, feed off of foods that have sugar and yeast. The #1 Key to Weight Loss - What You DON'T Want to Know and Most Won't Tell You! You may not like what I have to say, even though it is the truth. And that may be where the problem of American's health problems lies. Questioning Cardio for Weight Loss? Q: I've heard you mention that you don't need tons of cardio to burn stubborn abdominal fat. Okay, I can live with that, but you've also said that it isn't absolutely necessary to perform direct ab work either.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
