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The Science of Metabolism

I have been working out with a trainer for about a month now. I understand that muscle weighs more than fat and that fat takes up more body volume and that is why there can be a decrease in inches with little movement on the weigh scale due to muscle fibers building up. However, I have not worked as hard this past week as I should have due to a serious butt kicking by my Trainer on Monday. And then I didn't go again today. I've noticed that when I exercise so hard that I almost puke and then am terribly sore for three days afterward, that I'm way less motivated to keep going. I don't want to give up though. I think I did okay for four weeks but I need to do better. Improvements so far have mostly been an increase in exercise performance. I can jog 10 minutes on the treadmill instead of 2 and I can do more intervals of jogging. My heart and lungs are keeping up a little better. I realize the blood, bones and organs have to get in shape before the body can really start doing the work of getting in shape so it is take some patience on my part. I also understand that the older one becomes, it can take twice as long. I'm not 27 anymore, so therefore, I must remind myself.... twice as long. Patience.

My trainer says "abs are made in the kitchen" so I'm using my calorie counter app on my phone. But a friend tells me that I should eat breakfast as soon as possible when I get up as the body starts consuming its own muscle for protein after four hours of fasting. Protein is needed, so something like egg whites or low fat string cheese with V8 (carbs help push the protein into the system). I trust my trainer and my friend who has achieved significant success. I'm on the search for more of this information and what I find I will also share here for those who are interested. I've never been successful on this weight loss/body training endeavor but I really don't want to fail this time. I'll share my journey and any science I find with regards to metabolism and reduction of body fat. And if you have any, I'll be interested to read and learn. Thanks so much.

Tags: body, fat, fitness, metabolism, training

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nerdlass on January 7, 2012 at 8:51pm

There's a lot to be learned on bodybuilding forums. Those folks really put the science into practice. Don't be afraid of weights. Balancing your routine is as important as doing the same for your diet. Also, remember that abs won't show until a certain fat percentage is down low enough. Even the big musclemen and women have to cut like crazy in order to show definition.

Inspiring, though. I miss working out. I just need to kick my butt into gear and do it!

Permalink Reply by michelley on January 7, 2012 at 9:03pm

That is why I splurged on the trainer. Not a soul was willing to be my boss. :-P You make a good point though about how the abs are toughest. I have looooooong way to go with the abs. Ugh. But patience, patience, patience. That is what I keep telling myself. I didn't get this way overnight. My friend told me that he really felt his body doing what he wanted it to at about 8 weeks. I will use that as a marker point to measure improvements and then maybe another 8 weeks.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on January 7, 2012 at 9:16pm

I'd love to hear about your journey! Thanks for the post!

Permalink Reply by Brian E. Hagmeier on January 9, 2012 at 5:58pm

Trainers tend to be but not always are fitness junkies. What motivates them isn't always what will motivate you. In fact many very fit people have what's called body dysmorphic disorder. So if you don't perseverate about your physical appearance you aren't going to be as wound up about it as they are.

The number one thing you should focus your research on right now is what combination of diet and exercise will be sustainable for you. Or what can you change about your lifestyle that will promote sustainability. I'm talking from experience too. I have regained my youthful fitness multiple times yet still haven't found a way to keep it. So please do share whatever you find.

Rooting for you!

Permalink Reply by michelley on January 10, 2012 at 9:31am

"The number one thing you should focus your research on right now is what combination of diet and exercise will be sustainable for you. Or what can you change about your lifestyle that will promote sustainability."

Thank you Brian. I think I'm starting to realize this as I've been receiving conflicting advice. Some say eat only carbs before workout (they work with a trainer). My trainer says "eat a LOT of protein for breakfast." I'm finding that I have quite the bad experience working out if I have too much on my stomach. Nausea is not something I want to deal with. It's a constant learning process. I have found that, for me, once I get the weight off and sustain a healthy eating plan, I can keep it off. If I create new habits, sushi will become a habit instead of cheesy pizza. Though I could never deny myself the cheesy pizza every once in a while. :-)

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