May 26, 2008
The Secret Key To Fat Loss Is…(Part Two)
So, what is the secret to burning fat? OXYGEN.
Why? Because without the presence of oxygen, it is physically impossible to use fat calories as a fuel source. Oxygen helps to complete the chain so that you can convert fat into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate, or energy) and H20.
So why is this important? If you are operating at a level higher than your body’s ability to supply oxygen, you are in an “anaerobic” state. The energy that you are burning during this state comes primarily from carbohydrates, or “glycogen”. To become efficient at burning fat, you need to increase your “Lactic Threshold”, or the point at which your body can no longer provide enough oxygen to keep up. This will allow you to use fat for energy during more of your cardio, workouts, and everyday life. Remember this: The more “Aerobic”, the higher the chance to burn fat for energy.
So how do you increase you Lactic Threshold so that you can burn more fat? Interval-style cardio training. This creates an atmosphere where your heart and lunges are continually having to adapt to the changing demand. This will make your body much more efficient at processing oxygen than doing long bouts of cardio at 50% of your VO2 Max.
Ask your trainer how you can become an efficient fat-burning machine!