In the automobile world there are 4 cylinder, 6 clyinder and 8 cylinder engines on the market. With the current price of gasoline, many would prefer the economic 4 cylinder engine car. The 8 cylinder just uses too much fuel. But if we could think of our metabolic rate (or the rate at which we burn calories) as a car engine, we would all want to be an 8 cylinder engine. On the road (performing daily activities, exercising) or idling in the driveway (at work sitting at a computer, or watching tv) the 8 cylinder always burns fuel at a higher rate. The ageing process and a sedentary lifestyle can cause us to be downgraded from the 8 cylinder (in our twenties) to a 4 cylinder metabolic engine. The resulting weight gain only makes us more sedentary and frustrated to boot.
When working with a new client, one of my main objectives to to build them back to an 8 cylinder metabolic engine. This is accomplished with a balanced and sustainable nutrition plan and dedication to completing a well structured strength training program. Whatever their age, they can improve their body composition with the gain of lean muscle. Since muscle is metabolically expensive for the body to maintain, they will burn more calories even at rest which in turn assist the individual in their weight loss goals.
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