What is Body Metabolism?

Marissa Nieves, Fitness Expert for the September 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge shares an introduction on what metabolism is and why it’s important to regulate it and keep active to lose weight.
The body’s metabolism regulates how we exchange energy. Our metabolic rate fluctuates throughout the day for many different reasons and is affected by a variety of factors including intake, physical activity, sleep structure, hydration, level of stress and breathing.
When health professionals talk of body metabolism, they usually discuss the body’s base line regulator and the expected rate of activity i.e. the average amount that the body expects to have to work.
For instance, if we usually perform a relatively high level of physical activity, our metabolism will likely increase to accommodate the body’s high level of use. In doing so, our capacity for energy storage increases and energy distribution in the body becomes more efficient.

A similar situation occurs when physical activity is reduced. Metabolism will slow to adapt to the level of work or ‘load’ it anticipates is required by the body. It will reduce its capacity to store and distribute energy and other systems in the body also slow in an effort to maintain balance.
For a healthy and regulated metabolism, it is vital to keep the body physically active. Increased muscle mass achieved through resistance training is usually associated with a higher metabolic rate. High intensity interval training (HIIT) also aids EPOC (post-exercise oxygen consumption), an important factor in metabolic regulation and weight loss.
There are many simple ways to support a healthy metabolism such as weight lifting, HIIT workouts, dietary alterations, creating effective sleep patterns, conscious breathing and relaxation techniques.
Marissa Nieves, Fitness Expert