It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. But what many people don’t realize is just how beneficial regular exercise can be – especially when it comes to your metabolism. By understanding the impact that exercise has on your metabolism, you can better design an exercise routine that works for you and your goals. So, how exactly does exercise influence your metabolism? Read on to find out.
1. Increases Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Exercise helps to increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number of calories your body burns to function optimally. Aerobic exercises, such as running or biking, are particularly effective at increasing your BMR. Strength-training exercises can also help to increase your BMR by building muscle mass, which requires more calories to maintain than fat tissue.
In addition to increasing your BMR, exercise also helps to increase the number of calories you burn during physical activity. This is known as your physical activity level (PAL). The more strenuous the activity, the higher your PAL will be. Regular exercise can help you maintain a high PAL and burn more calories throughout the day. At-home metabolism test kits can help you keep track of your progress.
2. Increases the Number of Mitochondria in Cells
Exercise also helps to increase the number of mitochondria in your cells, which boosts your energy levels and helps you burn more calories. People who exercised regularly had more mitochondria in their cells than sedentary people. This matters because mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of cells and produce energy.
The more mitochondria you have, the more energy your cells can produce, and the better your metabolism will be. When you’re actively working out, your body needs more energy, so it will call on these mitochondria to produce it. With sufficient exercise, you can easily boost your metabolism levels significantly.
3. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress Levels
When you exercise, your body releases endorphin hormones, which help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Serotonin levels also increase. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
So, by reducing stress levels through exercise, you can help keep your metabolism in check. With a highly effective metabolism, your body will be better equipped to deal with body stresses, mental or physical. Engaging in regular exercise is good for your overall well-being.
4. Helps Regulate Appetite
Finally, exercise can help to regulate your appetite and control how much you eat, leading to weight loss or maintenance. After all, it takes calories to move your body, so the more you exercise, the more calories you burn. Additionally, when you exercise regularly, your body becomes better at using fat for energy, which helps to reduce stored body fat.
And as your body fat decreases, so does your appetite. These factors combined can lead to a healthier relationship with food and your body. Ultimately, your metabolism benefits from exercise in many ways, all of which can lead to weight loss or maintenance. So, if you’re looking to boost your metabolism and lose weight, start by adding some exercise to your daily routine.
Your Metabolism is Only as Good as Your Lifestyle
If you want to improve your metabolism, you need to make sure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle. This means eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Exercise has a direct impact on your metabolism. When you exercise, your body has to work harder to maintain itself.
This means that your metabolism will increase while you’re working out and for a period of time after you’re done. The more intense the exercise, the greater the impact on your metabolism. However, you don’t have to go overboard to see results. Even moderate exercise can help to increase your metabolism.
