Metabolic testing, once affordable only to elite athletes is now available to the everyday exercise enthusiast and dieter. The test determines how many calories you burn during different exercise intensities and how many of those calories come from fat. It can also measure your resting metabolic rate and determine your daily caloric needs, but more about that later.

The advantage of knowing the results of an exercising metabolic test is that you will know precisely how hard (or how easy) to work out: thereby training your body how to burn the maximum number of calories and fat.

It's easy to stay at your specific intensity or zone with a simple heart rate monitor device available at sporting goods stores. They cost anywhere from $40 to upwards of $200. I always recommend the least expensive models. They give you all the information you need to begin your new exercise regime.

Why is this so advantageous?If you train your metabolism to burn fat instead of sugar you will not only become more efficient while exercising; you will also burn more calories at rest. And best of all you will be less hungry, have more energy and fewer energy dips/mood swings throughout the day.

The brain/nervous system is the only organ in your body that requires sugar. Most people unknowingly train their bodies to burn sugar rather than fat. The truth is your body is begging you to teach it to burn fat. If your body were to use fat as its primary fuel instead of sugar the hunger signal would not be sent, making you less hungry. It's also less stressful for the body to burn fat. And who needs more stress?

The exercising metabolic test consists of walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike for about 10 minutes while hooked up to a computer. After that the data is analyzed by the test administrator who creates a personalized exercise program based on  your results and life style.

The Resting Metabolic Test

A resting metabolic test or RMR determines how many calories your body requires for everyday activity. Here's how it works. The participant lies quietly in a comfortable setting while connected to the computer's breathing apparatus for approximately 20 minutes. The computer analyzes the data and gives a read out of the participant's daily caloric requirement. Knowing this information, the dieter can healthfully determine the appropriate amount of calories to eat a day for healthy weight loss.

Re-tests may be performed after 6-12 weeks to measure your progress and adjust your program as you gain fitness, lose fat and lose weight.  To schedule a Metabolic Test, call METABOLIC TRAINING at 917-497-3032 or e-mail iona@upyourmetabolism.com