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Successful training sessions completed!
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The "Catch-22" of Weight Loss
Fit, lean individuals have very efficient energy metabolism. Part of this is genetically inherited, and part is gained through regular exercise. Efficient energy metabolism means that as glucose is obtained from food, some is burned for fuel, and the rest is stored as glycogen (a form of glucose). The great value of glycogen is that it is a readily available form of energy. It provides the fit person with a consistent source of fuel that eliminates the daily energy swings that plague unfit individuals. Of course, glycogen does not last forever, especially under exercise conditions. And here is where fitness really pays off. When the fit, lean person runs out of stored glycogen, his or her body quickly converts to fat-burning metabolism. This means that the body breaks down fat into fatty acids, converts the fatty acids to glucose, and replenishes the working muscle. The fit individual can even utilize protein as a source of energy through what is called the glucose-alanine cycle. This ability to access numerous levels of fuel, including fat, to maintain high energy throughout the day, is a major part of fitness. For the unfit, overweight person, it is a different story. Endocrinologists have known for over a decade that glucose metabolism is impaired in many overweight people. This means that during the day, blood sugar levels tend to fluctuate rapidly, leading to hypoglycemia, fatigue, confusion, food cravings, and mood/energy swings. To make matters worse, unfit people appear to produce less glycogen than fit individuals, because they often do not make enough of the enzyme necessary for this process. Without the glycogen-producing enzyme, excess carbohydrate calories are either converted to fat or strain the body's glucose regulating system. In addition, excess fat is known to cause insulin resistance, a condition which adds greatly to the imbalance in glucose metabolism. A vicious cycle results, in which poor metabolism fosters weight gain, and weight gain impairs metabolism. To break the cycle, it is important to optimize the intake of nutrients, which contribute to proper metabolism. Research shows, for example, that chromium is essential for the action of insulin, and studies with animals demonstrate that chromium can even stimulate the production of glycogen. Thus, when the body is optimally nourished, individuals enjoy consistently higher energy and a more pleasurable experience of exercise. The Exercise Connection We strongly believe that the only factor in permanent weight loss and maximum glucose utilization is exercise. This is not a revolutionary statement: there is abundant scientific evidence to illustrate this fact. When you first start exercising, wether you are overweight or not, the feeling is uncomfortable. Once again, it is a matter of impaired metabolism. Above, we described how fit, lean individuals convert glucose to glycogen for storage. When they exercise, they use this stored energy, and their blood sugar (glucose) level remains normal. Unfit people, on the other hand, often have a defect in glycogen production. Thus, when they exercise, they very quickly use up all available glucose, and when blood sugar falls below normal, the feeling is described as "hitting a brick wall." This negative condition naturally causes them to quit exercising. However, once you pass this wall, you begin feeling much better and tap into an endless source of energy, YOUR OWN BODYFAT! The key to success with your exercise program is first to understand how your body works and what effect exercise will have on you, and second to continue exercising until you feel and see the results for yourself. With the help of LA Private Trainers you will get there, as many thousands of clients have experienced! |
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