Pump Iron and Speed Up Your Metabolism

Weightlifting is one of the oldest and most popularold-fashioned weight lifting is one of the effective
sports and physical conditioning routines known tomethods, if not the best way to boost metabolism.
man. It is a test of pure strength, determination, andA number of studies have shown that athletes
desire to attain almost superhuman physical form andexhibit higher RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) than
abilities. As a competitive sport, weightlifting can benon-athletes. RMR is the number of calories we burn
traced back to the routines performed byto maintain our vital body processes in a resting
professional "strong men" of the early 19th century.state. It is usually determined by measuring a body's
However, ancient records from the Chou Dynastyoxygen utilization (which is closely tied to calorie
which ruled China from 1050 B.C. to 256 B.C. indicatedburning) while one is lying down or sitting quietly in
that weightlifting was already practiced during thatthe early morning before breakfast or after a full
time. During that time, military recruits were alsonight's sleep. RMR typically accounts for about 65 to
required to pass tests of strength before being75 percent of the total daily calorie expenditure.
alowed to join the army.Moreover, it appears likely that the combination of
In ancient Egypt, heavy bags of sand were liftedhigh exercise energy expenditure and high energy
with one hand as a form of training. While there areintake in these athletes can temporarily, but not
no records of weightlifting competitions in Egypt, it ispermanently, elevate their RMR when measured the
very likely that such contests took place. Althoughnext morning after exercise. However, there is little
weightlifting was not included in the ancient Olympics,evidence that the amount of physical activity
it seems to have been a popular sport in Athens andperformed by recreational exercisers for the purpose
other Greek city-states. Many stories of weightliftingof weight control and health promotion will produce
feats, most of them probably exaggerated, haveany increase in RMR, with the possible exception of
survived from ancient Greece.exercise done by older individuals.
Today, the world's strongest men and womenSome fitness enthusiasts have promoted the idea
regularly lift more than three times their body weight.that because regular weight lifting can increase
They need to combine power, speed, technique,skeletal muscle mass, such exercise will dramatically
concentration, and timing. One and two-arm liftingincrease RMR. However, it is estimated that each
contests formed part of the athletics program at thepound of muscle burns about five-10 calories per day
first modern Olympic Games in Athens that was heldwhile at rest, so you would have to bulk up quite a
in 1896. Weightlifting was introduced as an individualbit to increase your RMR. Most people who lift
sport in 1924 during the Paris Games, afterwhich, itweights for health rather than for body building will
was already featured as part of the Olympics. Thenot increase their muscle mass enough to have a
first women's event in weightlifting was held atmajor effect on RMR.
Sydney 2000.When a man or a woman lifts weights, he or she is
In the early 20th century, America was the dominantnot actually building muscle, they are breaking it
power in the sport, producing both the World anddown. The physical exertion involved in weightlifting
Olympic Champions from 1930 through to the 1950's.causes the metabolism to speed up. After the muscle
In fact, in 1958, there were over 10,000 spectatorsis broken down, the body compensates by building
that came to the Madison Square Garden to watchmore muscle to try and keep the muscle from
the World Championships. By 1960, more countriesbreaking down again. It takes a large amount of
have joined and assumed dominating positions in theenergy from calories to rebuild new and bigger
sport of Olympic Weightlifting. Currently, China is themuscles. So lifting weights burns calories and speeds
world leader in the sport, with other powerhousesup metabolism not only during the weight lifting
such as Bulgaria and Russia constantly producing topworkout but also while the body builds bigger and
athletes.stronger muscles.
However, weightlifting is not for competitionA weight lifting routine must be done correctly and at
purposes only. It is also used as a means toregular intervals if one is to get the maximum effect.
supplement a weight loss program. Research hasGoing to the gym once a week will not bring the kind
shown that weightlifting can boost a man'sof results talked about. It will take some time and
metabolism. For a lot of people trying to speed updedication to build new muscle mass but the end
their metabolism, the first thing they think is toresult will be worth it with a better body and a speed
engage in an aerobic or cardio-exercise program.up in metabolism.
However, by merely focusing on cardiovascularSo those who have problems with extra pounds like
activities, many actually miss miss another piece ofthe overweight and obese, you might want to start
the fitness puzzle. Few people realize that when itlifting some iron... this might be the one miracle that
comes to speeding up metabolism, goodyou've been waiting for!