While it's true that this website really only has about a dozen true users who log in and actually read the content here on a semi-daily basis, I believe it's still worthwhile to share some of what I know regarding physical fitness, even if it only benefits one person.
I'd like to kick things off with a brief discussion of an all-too-often misunderstood topic:
METABOLISM
"What exactly is metabolism, OathMeal?" I hear you ask.
Well STFU for one fucking second and I'll tell you. Sheesh.
According to the watertight, incontrovertible source that IS Wikipedia:
"Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms in order to maintain life."
Now, this is a bit of a rabbit's hole, as there is a lot we could get into regarding protein synthesis rates, lipid sources and other esoteric sub-topics. But for the sake of brevity and because I can't be bothered to fake like I know the intricacies of human physiology, I'll keep it simple.
You should think of your body's metabolism as it's RPM. Wow talk about a simple analogy - but it's true.
If you view your body as an internal combustion machine, which really it is if you use your imagination, then metabolism is the rate at which that machine processes fuel and waste product.
If your metabolism is slower than someone else's, then you will not be as efficient or expedient in the following (to name a few):
- Digesting food
- Filtering waste and byproduct
- Getting over a cold
- Growing new cells
- Moving blood around through the body (cardiovascular health)
- Adaptation (i.e. acclimation to low-oxygen environments or even building callouses on the skin)
- etc.
So it stands to reason then that a faster metabolism is generally a good goal to have when considering getting in or staying in shape.
Here's another quick fact about metabolism that you should heed:
When your metabolic rate is high, you burn more calories doing jack shit.
That is to say, people with faster metabolisms are actually doing more work when they're sitting around reading Paper Cuts by Brian Fatah Steele than others with slower metabolisms.
Again, it's the RPM analogy: The engine doesn't have to be powering the drivetrain, but if it's idle is high, it's burning more gas even as it sits in neutral. Get me?
"So then, Oathy, what can we do to increase our metabolic rates and hence burn more calories and have more efficient bodily processes?"
Jesus fucking Christ you ask a lot of questions. It's a good thing I know what I'm talking about.
Simply put, metabolism can be increased in two ways: synthetically or physiologically.
An example of a synthetic bump in one's metabolism would be consuming coffee. The caffeine in coffee increases the heart rate and dilates blood vessels, resulting in a slightly increased rate of overall bodily function. Again, this is a slight increase but still a good example of synthetic metabolic change.
Where we're going to spend most of our focus is on physiological metabolic change.
"Wow those are big words, OathMeal!"
I know. Shut the fuck up.
When you push your body to do WORK more and more often, and with higher and higher intensity, it begins to adapt my increasing metabolism over time to accommodate to the new demands you're putting on it.
In the coming series, I will (among other things) help to share some of my personal experiences with increasing metabolism, resulting in a better-functioning body and heightened sense of well-being, even when not exercising.
So then. Chew on this, and give me another few days to put together Volume 2: The best ways to condition an unconditioned body without puking or having to go to the ER.
rating: 9
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