With more and more research showing that incorporating weights into your workout is the healthier route to take, we’re starting to wonder which type of exercise is the most effective when it comes to giving us a metabolic boost.
While the best option for all of us is to constantly switch up our workouts and exercises, there are some exercises that can actually prove to be more beneficial if you’re trying to rev up your metabolism.
A deep dive into a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation is showing that cardio workouts might actually be the more beneficial workout when it comes to giving you a metabolic boost.
Cardio vs. Weights Study
The study conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen looked at the effects of different kinds of training in an experiment that involved 10 healthy men who were divided into two groups.
The two groups were separated to perform cardio and weight training once a week for 60 minutes. The cardio session engaged participants in a cycling session, while the strength training session engaged the men to perform five function exercises for 10 sets.
An individual’s metabolic rate depends on various factors such as diet, weight, sleep, hormones, lifestyle, genetics and age. Therefore, the same type of exercise routine that brings results will differ from person to person.
The bottom line is that it’s always good to engage in activities that boost your metabolism. Having an active metabolism only benefits your overall health, and prevents obesity by increasing your caloric burn at periods of rest.
Cardio vs. Weights Results
Participants had their blood tested for over a period of four hours to measure blood sugar, lactic acid, bile acid and other hormones.
It turns out, getting your heart rate up while cycling released three times the amount of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) hormone compared to lifting weights.
The FGF21 hormone is the main hormone that controls your insulin sensitivity, glucose levels and ketogenesis, making it the key metabolic regulator.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
If you’re looking to burn fat and build lean muscle, HIIT has the “after-burn effect” that can give you the results you need.
Looks like it’s time to engage in some HIIT stat. Not only will this type of workout boost your metabolism, but it will also burn calories even after you have completed your workout.
This doesn’t mean that it’s time to say goodbye to your dumbbells anytime soon. Picking up a set of weights every once in a while is extremely necessary to build strength and prevent the onset of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, obesity, cancer and arthritis.
Putting your muscles through stress and resistance only maximizes your performance when you engage in cardio and other workouts as you will be able to improve endurance and performance.
Balance Is Important
Like with all other aspects of life, everything should be done and enjoyed in moderation. Maintaining a good balance of all kinds of workouts will only complement the different exercises and get you closer to achieving the results that you desire.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Williamson, L. (2018, August 29). This Is The Best Workout For Boosting Your Metabolism. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.com.au/what-is-the-best-workout-exercise-for-boosting-metabolism
