CrossFit MetCon Workouts: The Nutrition Benefits

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Have you heard of MetCon workouts like the ones being made popular in CrossFit communities? MetCon is not a new style of exercise so much as it is a new name. These workouts are great for increasing lean body mass, overall fitness, and metabolic balance. Another plus: they are big time savers if your scheduled does not allow for long trips to the gym.

MetCon Basics

MetCon refers to metabolic conditioning. This type of activity can include a variety of movements such as upper-body and lower-body strength, and aerobic movements. MetCon differs from HIIT workouts in that the exercise is done using moderate or vigorous intensity, or both. HIIT’s goal is to maintain vigorous intensity throughout.

Exercise intensity hack: During moderate activity, you can have a conversation but could not sing a song. During vigorous intensity activity, you could not have a conversation.

A MetCon workout progresses in bursts of higher energy with short rests between sets. A workout pattern may require movement for 40 seconds and then a 20 second rest period, for example. This increases the metabolic demand on your body and uses more energy stores, helping condition your muscles to use energy more efficiently.

MetCon is popular because of its many fitness benefits. I want to share some of the positive impacts on nutrition and overall wellness.

Blood sugar: MetCon movements use muscle strength and promote the additional building of muscles. The energy to use and build comes from glucose which can be found in the muscles and can be pulled from the bloodstream. As your body continues to build lean body mass, those tissues will require plenty of glucose for energy and will become more sensitive to insulin (the hormone taking glucose from the blood into the muscle). Better insulin sensitivity means better blood sugar levels.

Heart health: MetCon workouts tend to include aerobic movements. Your heart has to pump more blood to keep energy and oxygen flowing to the muscles being used. This increased pumping means your heart is getting a workout too! A stronger heart means a healthier cardiovascular system, protecting against heart disease and stroke.

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Strength/agility: Quick bursts of movement add up! Building lean body mass and practicing a variety of movements with upper and lower body improves your overall strength, balance, and agility. This will make even your normal daily movements easier over time. You will likely notice benefits quickly in your most common daily activities like cleaning the house, yard work, or carrying groceries.

Healthy weight: MetCon workouts promote healthy weight by burning energy during the activity and by building lean body mass. The added muscles use energy even between your workouts. This means that your body will use more calories to maintain your muscle even when at rest.

Time economy: For anyone with a tight schedule and little free time for lengthy workouts, MetCon might be for you. Since the goal of the workout is to have high energy output over a short time period, these workouts do not take much time out of your day. Many MetCon workouts range from 15-30 minutes, giving your body a short workout that packs a big punch!

If you are looking for a timesaving, wellness boosting workout, look up a few MetCon videos to see if this type of movement feels good to you. Many offer options that do not require weights and can be done easily from home. The benefits are a stronger body inside and out.

Does it feel like an impossible challenge to fit physical activity into your daily routine? Finding the right wellness coach is the best first step. My programs offer accountability and problem solving to help you achieve your short and long-term health goals.

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