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More on Metabolism and Exercise
Health | January 20, 2015
Recently I wrote about the basics of metabolism. I touched upon the effects exercise has on our metabolism and would like to further explore the topic with you guys. It can get a bit confusing so bear with me. What I really want to emphasize though is just how profound an effect consistent exercise has on our metabolism and overall wellbeing.
Metabolomics
Metabolomics is an emerging field of study that focuses on metabolites – all the various components involved in the various processes of our metabolism. These include fats, carbs, amino acids, etc., all on a molecular level.
Two doctors on the frontiers of metabolomics are Robert Gerszten and Greg Lewis. Their 2010 study offered some groundbreaking results regarding the role of exercise, metabolism and, most importantly, our overall wellbeing. The study examined blood samples of participants before and after 10 minutes of exercise on a treadmill.
The Results Are In
Even with such a limited amount of exercise the results were startling. On a biochemical level – again, think metabolites – all sorts of beneficial changes occurred right after the participants exercised. Fat was being burned, the liver behaved more efficiently and toxins were being expelled from the body.
More importantly, more metabolic changes occurred in the participants an hour after exercise than during exercise. Gerszten and Lewis believe that exercise actually changes our metabolic structure providing a wellspring of benefits to our health, especially in terms of disease prevention and longevity. Dr. Gerszten also headed a remarkable study examining the role metabolites play in forecasting diabetes in individuals (more on that later).
Metabolism and Gender
Aside from the vital role exercise has on our overall metabolic processes, gender plays a remarkable role as well. This study done at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark provided some eye-opening and unexpected results. A key aspect of the study was that women have a better overall metabolic health than men despite having a greater percentage of body fat and less muscle. Why? Estrogen!
I think it’s important for all of us to know and understand why diet and exercise benefits us. Knowledge inspires confidence. Confidence allows us to continue moving forward in positive directions. After all, knowledge is power!
Private Member |
Z, this is an excellent article, thank you 🙂 I’m already motivated to workout !
Are you going to talk about hormones and metabolism? 🙂
Private Member |
la valette-du-var, france
More reasons to be consistant 😀
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka, how about women like me on their fifties having to face menopause effects? I have done your workouts for the last 5 years and I feel great! Do I need to change my workouts routines in order to prevent any metabolism slow down?
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
Not if you’re doing my workouts consistently. These workouts are designed to always challenge you and keep your metabolism going.
Private Member |
You are so right Zuzka! ! consistency is the key to success in this case it’s in feeling and looking great. Zuzka I have some bad news, i have to have surgery on my leg, I ruptured my posterior tibia tendon couple of months ago , I have being working out in a lot of pain but now got to the point I can’t anymore, it’s 4cm long n the longer I wait n workout on the worst it gets 🙁 shhhhh don’t tell my hubby, he doesn’t know I still workout with you in the Zgym. ..going to see the surgeon tomorrow, pray for me, I’m going to miss the gym so much 🙁 but I can still work out my arms right? Ciao xo
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
Omg I’m so sorry, I hope you’ll get that fixed soon. You can still work on your arm strength and maybe you can still do pistols on the other leg 🙂 just make sure you rest the leg that will have the surgery. I would hate to hear that you hurt yourself even more. My thoughts are with you! xoxo
Private Member |
Zuzka omgsh you are not going to believe it!! Just got back from surgeon office. . I have wonderful news! !!:) I’m not going to have surgery, the tendon that I ruptured will not need to be repair, oh my gosh I’m just so excited I can’t even type, im going to have physical therapy n have to wear a support sleeve on my leg but I’ll be able to workout with you. Thanks so very much for thinking of me..hope you are feeling better, hugs n kisses ciao Angelina
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
YAY! I’m so happy for you 🙂 You must be so relieved. That is a really great news Angelina, I’m glad you didn’t have to go through it.
Private Member |
Xoxo me too thanks so much