Top Metabolism Myths . . . Debunked!

by Lauren Condell
Certified Personal Trainer

 

Spend enough time at the gym and you’ll hear the same myths about metabolism circulating every few years. I decided to debunk the ones I hear most frequently. Here’s the real advice that will help boost your metabolism and lose weight faster

Metabolism myth #1  Thin people have faster metabolisms.
Actually, a heavier person uses more calories than someone slimmer because of the extra effort it takes to move more pounds.

Metabolism myth #2  Cardio workouts are the best way to increase your metabolic rate.
While 30 minutes of running will burn more calories than 30 minutes of weight training, the latter keeps your metabolism in high gear for longer. Research shows that the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism is – so you’ll burn more calories, even when you’re sitting still.

Metabolism myth #3  You get fatter as you get older.
Although it’s true that metabolism slows with age, the natural change is small – about 4% per decade – if you exercise. The main reason women gain weight as they age is that they become less active and lose muscle mass.