Weight Loss Information |
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.
MORE RESOURCES: Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting |
RELATED ARTICLES
Weight Loss Product Warnings -- How to Spot Fat Burning Diets This is the second article in the series, Weight Loss Product Warnings. How to Spot Fat Burning Diets teaches you how to analyze a diet's fat burning potential. Remembering The Titanic: Top Ten Weight Loss Mistakes Others Make But We Can Avoid Patrick Henry once said, "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I have no way of judging the future but by the past. Walking: Its Never Too Late to Lose Weight! How did a thin person like me become overweight? My mother had probable Alzheimer's disease and I was her caregiver for nine years. During this time she lost the ability to read, understand television, converse with others, and the ability to speak. Calorie Burn? Know The Optimum Walking Speed For Greatest Results Calorie burn can be really enhanced if you follow a very simple but effective way to judge if your walking speed is optimum, yet safe.Your best walking speed can be recognized by certain sure "symptoms of exertion" during your walk -- namely, from your breathing pattern and your ability to talk through the exercise. Atkins Diet Plan -- Are Low Carb Diets Doomed? According to Veronica Atkins, the widow of Dr. Robert Atkins, the cause of his death was from falling on a slippery sidewalk with subsequent irreversible brain damage (from a CNN interview, February, 2004). Five Tips for Easy Weight Loss! Weight loss is a hot topic among people today, especially considering the fact that more than half of us are overweight. As we get older we often get busier, and before we know it, find ourselves in the prime of our lives and packing a few extra pounds. 3 Fast Weight Loss Tips That Work Looking to lose some pounds quickly? Fast and safe weight loss is possible - but only if you do it right. Just keep in mind that we're only talking about losing a few pounds here. 6 Everyday Tips For Losing Weight 1. Drink plenty of water. A New Diet -- Bowel Cleansing for Weight Loss An ancient practice from Eastern Medicine, bowel cleansing is fast becoming the next new diet for the Western world.What is bowel cleansing and does it safely cause healthy weight loss?Bowel Cleansing 101Keeping things simple, bowel cleansing is equal to Western Medicine's laxative. Dont Just Melt Fat Off - Burn It Off With A Blow Torch! Cardio Exercise.. Weight Loss Success with the South Beach Diet The South Beach Diet was not created by your typical weight loss guru. A cardiologist developed an eating plan in response to his patients lack of success with the diet recommended by the American Heart Association. Measuring and Monitoring Your Bodyfat: Improves Overall Health With so many diets and fads being offered on the market today, it is no wonder why people are not just confused about weight loss and health, but in many cases, actually doing their body more harm than good. Unfortunately, one of the aspects of dieting that you see most often is the reduction or elimination of fat. Can't Lose Weight? It May Not Be Your Fault! Are you frustrated with your weight problem and don't know what to do about it? Do you find that you lose weight at first, only to gain it all back later, and maybe more when you stop dieting, or when you find yourself bingeing? Are you fed up with weight loss programs that don't work?There is a good reason for that. You don't lack willpower. Gastric Bypass Patients Succeed Eating High Protein Diet The first rule for successful weight loss and weight maintenance after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein First - that means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Some bariatric centers advise as much as 70 grams of protein a day. 8 Proven Weight Loss Tips There are a lot of "crash" diets out there that promise that you'll drop a considerable amount of weight in days or a week.I have tried a few of these, and in my experience the weight always comes back on, just as quickly since the weight loss tips given are not something that will work with your body. 10 Tips for Dining Out There is no doubt about it; Americans are eating in restaurants more often than ever before. In 1970 Americans spent just 26% of their food dollars on restaurant meals. Weight Loss from Exercise Weight loss from exercise can be achieved by walking, running, or some sort of aerobic activity. You can exercise at home or at a gym. Mediterranean Diet - Wonderful & Lousy Reasons for Losing Weight Lousy Reasons to Lose Weight"I want to be a size 0.""You can never be too thin. Dieting? Mental Activity is as Important as Physical Activity means both mental and physical activity.Mental activity is similar to physical activity. Ephedra - 101 What is ephedra? Ephedra, which is also known as Ma Huang, is a 5000 years old natural remedy. It grows mainly in Mongolia and the bordering regions of China. |
home | site map | contact us |