Every New Year people all over the world make New Year’s Resolutions and by the end of January, many of these have already been broken. According to the Wall Street Journal, the most popular resolutions are to lose weight, be healthier and exercise more. If your resolution was to exercise more and you are struggling to stick to it, read on for some interesting news about how exercise affects our fat cells.
Earlier this month, researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School examined the effect of exercise on a cellular level. The researchers discovered a new hormone produced in response to exercise which turns white fat into brown fat, also known as the “good fat”. Brown fat cells burn calories by using energy, while white fat cells are inactive storage areas for fat.
This hormone is called PGC1-alpha and is produced in muscles during and after exercise and decreases a person’s susceptibility to obesity, diabetes and other related health problems.
This is just one of the numerous benefits to exercising, however there are some important things to consider before starting a new exercise program.
The key to a successful and injury-free exercise program is to match your current fitness level and gradually increase the program length and difficulty.
By following the fitness tips below you can greatly reduce your risk for injury.
- Consult with a health care professional such as your physiotherapist before embarking on an exercise program.
- Start slowly if you’ve been sedentary or if you are trying something new.
- Be realistic when setting your goals.
- Choose an exercise activity that you enjoy. The one you like doing is the one you’ll stick with.
- Exercise does not have to be done at the gym. It can be a “lifestyle” activity such as a brisk walk or hike, gardening, or using the stairs.
- If you are overweight, consider beginning with low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking. These activities put less strain on joints.
- If you are in an exercise program and not losing weight, don’t get discouraged. There are other health-related benefits associated with physical activity even when weight loss does not occur.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012!
