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.
|
|
|
Obesity Is Big Business
Obesity and overweight, weight reduction and weight management therapies, miracle weight loss pills are everywhere. Open the newspaper, switch on the T.V., pick up a magazine and you are sure to find ads and articles on the subject of weight loss and obesity.Weight loss and obesity are big business. Here are some factors that can make you rich if you happen to start a business related to weight management.Two thirds of America is overweight. Out of that, 50 % are obese.300.000 premature deaths are caused by obesity.Obesity is the fastest growing epidemic in the world.The world is hurling towards obesity at galactic speeds. Only 50 years back obesity was hardly hear of. Nearly 45 % of the world population is obese or overweight in 2004.We...(related: Weight Loss)
Easy Weight Loss -- 5 Steps To Lose Weight
Is it easy to lose weight? Yes. Losing weight is easy. I see it everyday. Patients of mine come into the office as happy as can be because they lost 15 pounds on the newest easy weight loss plan.It's e...(related: Weight Loss)
Japanese Weight Loss Secret
Recently, I read an article from Japanese magazine that by consuming agar-agar (dried-kanten) with our favorite teas, we can lose weight, and yet still maintain a feeling of fullness, according to Professor Takako Yasuoka of Yokohama Soei Junior College in Kanagawa. Because it was deemed safe, the Japanese valued agar-agar as part of their diet from ancient times. In its dehydrated state of weight, agar-agar supposedly contains 81% of dietary fiber, which makes it a highest content of fiber among all f...(related: Weight Loss)
La Weight Loss Secrets ? High Profile Personal Trainer Shares The Magic Formula!
In the early nineties I had the opportunity to work with some of the most famous movie stars in the world. As a manager and personal trainer for Kathy Smith and her health club, I experienced first hand the secrets to the stars. Here are a few things they did to look like they do:
Changing Your Eating Habits
We are bombarded with advertisements pushing delicious looking, fat filled, and obesity producing food in our faces every single day. We hear it on the radio; see it on TV and on billboards and even in newspapers. We go on a diet and try to totally turn our eating habits around. We go from eating hamburgers, French fries, pizza, hot dogs, and other junk to eating lettuce and drinking water. If we are really disciplined we make it a week or so. But like most people, we are back to our old ha...(related: Weight Loss)
4 Tips For Fast Fat Loss Part Iv
Fat Loss Tip #4) Eat More ProteinYes, it's important to keep your protein intake high when dieting to make sure that you don't burn off any muscle tissue in your quest to get ripped. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about taking in protein in order to boost your metabolism and burn more fat, in addition to helping preserve and build your lean muscle tissu...(related: Weight Loss)
Weight Loss Surgery: What Are The Options?
To understand how surgical procedures aid the grossly overweight person to reduce their body fat, it helps to first understand the digestive process that is responsible for handling the food we take in.Once food is chewed and swallowed, it's on its way through the digestive tract, where enzymes and digestive juices will break it down and allow our systems to absorb the nutrients and calories. In the stomach, which can hold up to three pints of material, the breakdown continues with the help of strong acids. From there it moves into the duodenum, and the digestive process speeds up through the addition of bile and pancreatic juices. It's here, that our body absorbs the majority of iron and calcium in the foods we eat. The final part of the digestive process takes place in the 20 feet of small intestine, the jej...(related: Weight Loss)
Cafeteria At Fault For College Weight Gain
College weight gain is at an all time high, and as students continue to pack on the pounds at an increasing rate, we naturally want to know where the blame lies for this growing epidemic. Since food consumption contributes significantly to weight gain, is it safe to assume that cafeterias are responsible for the expanding waistlines of our students? Read on for three reasons why the cafeteria food you eat is making you fat, and tips to help you stop the weight gain.1. All You Can EatWhen was the last time you were given a tray and let loose in an all-you-can-eat buffet? Although most people only experience this phenomenon while either onboard a cruise ship or visiting Las Vegas, colle...(related: Weight Loss)
I Lost The Weight So Why Am I So Miserable?
I was overweight at my age. It's not a pretty sight, but it's also not the center of my universe, either. As a woman in my 40's I don't worry about my weight. I eat whatever tickles my fancy because I can. Also when you're in your 40's you don't think about dating; you think about being alone for the rest of your life. I guess you think your dating antics are over, and you don't have to worry about how you look.That scenario is for the birds in the 21st century. I know women in their 70's and 80 are who are getting married, so age is only just a number. Romance comes in all shapes, ages, and it just doesn't matter.I have to admit that my doorbell wasn't ringing bells of joy with men trying to take me out; my telephone wasn't ringing off the hook either. I don't get a lot of looks like I used too when I was petite, and men ce...(related: Weight Loss)
Natural Weight Loss: Add To Your Diet And Add Years To Your Life
As I was saying in my past articles, others have added years back to there life with a few adde...(related: Weight Loss)
Dieting? More Is Not Better
Exercising too hardThis is probably the most common mistake. As Americans we think if some is good more is better. And with physical activity, as I like to call it, this is completely not true. A couple of things you need to know first.Your Metabolism rate is the speed at which your body converts sugar and fat into energy for daily use. T...(related: Weight Loss)
Weight Loss - Sustained Success Through Simple Steps
Weight Loss ? Basic Lessons for Sustained SuccessWeight loss is a goal for many people today, but cutting through all the hype and getting quality information can be difficult. This article will give you information on your metabolism, nutrition, and exercise that you can use to evaluate weight loss programs that you may be considering, or to create your own. For healthy, effective, and sustained weight loss, you need to learn some basics about how your body's metabolism works.Your Body Does Basic MathOne of the most important factors that directly impacts weight loss is a concept called "energy balance." Quite...(related: Weight Loss)
The Number One Secret Of Successful Weight Loss
There's one thing that most people forget about when it comes to weight loss. The truth is it's even more important than the right diet or effective exercise. It's motivation.Weight loss is not easy and you need a real drive force to move you towards your goal.Sit back, relax and think for a second. Do you really WANT to lose weight? Are you ready to change your lifestyle? Do you have enough motivation to lose weight?To lose weight all you need is three things: desire, belief, and...(related: Weight Loss)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster - shukra1111 [AT] yahoo.com | All Rights Reserved | Weight Loss