Lifestyle
Exercise is Half the Battle!
By
Jan 25, 2007 - 11:20:04 AM

Exercise is Half the Battle!

(HealthNewsDigest.com).. Exercise is half the battle, the weight loss battle that is! And here, I am referring to even moderate daily activity such as walking as well as strength training and aerobic type exercises. Most of us know that exercise is an important part of a weight loss program, but how many of us are currently trying to lose by diet alone? Or how many of us think one or two day's of exercise is enough? Now that we're pat the first few weeks of the resolutions we made to lose weight, let's discuss the other half of the battle.

I love food as most of us do, yet how many of us focus more on our eating or shall I say what not to eat rather than burning more calories? Restricting calories or caloric restriction as experts coin it, is important in any weight loss plan, but caloric expenditure or what I like to phrase "Burning Calories" as I pull my vacuum out, really is half the part of winning the war. After all, burn a little more so we can restrict a little less?

Okay, just what significant effect does exercise have on weight loss? A study reported by the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports Medicine, using a small group of average weight women to perform intense, medium and light exercise sessions on a stationary bicycle on 3 separate sessions after an overnight fast, pointed to a significant effect. Using scientific methods to measure fat oxidation (that means the amount of fat we burn to supply fuel for energy ) after each bout of exercise as well as a measurement from a non exercise day, researchers found that the amount of fat burned regardless of the type of exercise, was greater still at 11 -1/2 hours later than the amount of fat burned on a non exercise day. All variables (exercise and activity, food intake etc. were controlled and remained exactly the same for the purpose of the study). The intense exercise showed the greatest burn (no surprise!) Interestingly, the fat taken in during the post exercise phase appeared to be utilized at a greater rate rather than stored (on the hips, that is!).

So, what is the possible significance of this study? All exercise or stationary cycling as shown from this study, pointed to a heightened usage of fat especially dietary fat as a source of fuel by the body as long as 11- 1/2 hours later. As stated:
"Prior exercise increases subsequent utilization of dietary fat "
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2002; 34(11):1757-1765


Of course, we'll save our discussion of the many other ways exercise contributes to our weight loss and health for another tip!
Have we exercised today? After all, "Exercise is Half the Battle" in our battle of the bulge war.

June
www.junefit.com
Work or Live in NYC? Call 212 308-5047 or E mail us at Sparta1 @msn.com for information on Sparta's Corporate Programs located at the new Eastside Kinesthetic Center (of course, you'll get to say hi to me too!) Does your company have a corporate membership with us or contribute to your health & fitness? Call for details. (I promise, I'm not being paid a commission!) Need an orthopedic assessment before beginning a new sport, fitness program or need a sports oriented physical therapy program? Need physical therapy?
Call or e mail us at the contact info above.

Junefit ranks 2nd at Google for "fitness tips" search out of over 40 million results!

Junefit is included in Google's top ranked women's health resources http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Women's_Health/Resources/

June is Lifestyle Editor at www.healthnewsdigest.com/

(c)junefit.com all rights reserved.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com


© Copyright by HealthNewsDigest.com