September 2010 Archives

Of course they do, right?  A new study that has been published actually seeks to show that those who put in the hours at the gym create more fat-burning molecules than those people who do not engage in fitness activities.

The study is showing that fit people are more effecient on a biochemical level.  Using high-powered microscopes, doctors were able to study the blood cells of people before, during, and after exercise and concluded that exercise changed 20 metabolites in the blood which translates to a better capability of metabolizing sugar, fats, and amino acids.

Though these findings are fascinating and exciting, more research into the affects of exercise on the metanolic system needs to happen in order for there to be a diffinitive answer to the full affect and lasting effect.  Doctors are still interested in finding out how exercise is beneficial on a bioligical level: we are already aware of its benefits with combating type-II diabetes and heart disease. 

So keep at it, because it boosts your energy, your self-esteem, keeps you healthy, and it may even change your body composition on a cellular level.

"I have been working out for weeks and I am losing weight, but I see more cellulite!  What does that mean?"

Cellulite is the bane of so many and it is further a frustration if the more one works-out the more prominent the rippling effect seems to become.  Cellulite is dimpled fat that we still don't know much about.  It can be caused by genetic factors, activity level, and diet, but is commonly seen in overweight women.

What research has shown is that while you may be seeing overall body weight changes, stubborn thigh fat may continue to hold on and be the last area in which fat-loss occurs.  This research was mainly conducted with women who had used a fad-diet, liquid diet, or bariatric surgery for fat-loss and not women who were active.  We have seen that cardio-intense workouts can greatly increase fat-loss and lessen the amount of cellulite on the body.  However, it is important to remember that cardio must be varied and the amount of time must be increased, over a period of time (up to 6 months to a year) in order for someone to begin to see fat-loss and cellulite reduction.

So, hit the tredmill, add some road work, or come take a boxing class to increase the amount of calories expelled in a session.  Let's keep your body guessing and let's win this battle, ladies!