Endurance training to improve metabolic profile
Message: This exercise routine is good to fight abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome
In the post Metabolic syndrome and mental health, the problem of mental health dependency on metabolic profile is outlined. Here is one of possible solutions.
It is well known that sedentary life style is one of major risk factors of developing heart disease and diabetes. To the contrary, physical activity has been shown in clinical studies to protect against them by improving, among other factors, insulin sensitivity, which in turn lowers blood glucose and lipid levels.
Out of known training types, endurance training is now considered the most efficient training for abdominal fat control. For instance, in a study conducted by the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, patients were engaged in a regular exercise program over a period of 3 months involving endurance exercises such as biking, long-distance running, or hiking. Subjects were instructed to exercise at least 135 min per week.
During the 3-month training period, physical fitness as assessed by VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption) and resting heart rate, increased significantly. Insulin sensitivity increased and blood glucose decreased, subsequently improving “good” cholesterol numbers and total cholesterol readings. Weight loss was not really impressive, but importantly that it was accompanied by waist-to-hip circumference ratio increase indication that body fat distribution became less harmful.
Sources:
- Diabetes Care. 22(4): 555-61, 1999
- Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental. 48(5):641-4, 1999
- Diabetes Care. 20(10):1603-11, 1997
- Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews. 27:1-35, 1999
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