Metabolic training, aka metabolic conditioning aka metcon is a type of workout that combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training, to achieve greater fat loss and muscle toning in a shorter amount of time. The idea behind metabolic training is to keep your heart rate elevated throughout the entire workout so that you are burning more calories and getting your heart and lungs a good workout too. This type of training is also said to be more efficient in burning fat because it works multiple muscle groups at once. Metabolic training can be done with just your bodyweight, or by adding dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, sandbags, or any other type of equipment that you can think of. In this article, we delve into the science behind metabolic training and provide you with some workout ideas to get you started.
Metabolic training stands out from other types of training because it uses specific exercises to improve the efficiency of the body’s energy pathways.
Our bodies have an intricate system of energy production that involves the breakdown of glucose (sugar) in order to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is then used by our cells to power all of their functions (7).
In order for this process to work effectively, our bodies need to have a balance of three things:
If any of these three things are out of balance, it can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of ATP production and an overall decrease in performance.
Metabolic training is designed to optimize the efficiency of ATP production so that our bodies can perform at a higher level for a longer period of time. This is accomplished by using exercises that improve our ability to use oxygen, metabolize glucose, and produce ATP, i.e. a mix of cardio and strength training.
Further, ATP production uses three energy pathways:
Metabolic training focuses on using immediate and intermediate pathways to produce ATP so that we can exercise at a higher intensity for a longer period of time. This is accomplished by using exercises that are short and sweet, with little to no rest in between sets.
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The reason why metabolic training is so effective is because it takes advantage of the body’s natural ability to adapt.
Whenever we do any type of physical activity, our bodies adapt in order to make that activity easier. For example, if we start running every day, our bodies will eventually adapt by becoming more efficient at using oxygen and producing ATP.
This adaptation allows us to run for longer periods of time without getting as tired.Metabolic training capitalizes on this adaptation by constantly challenging the body with new exercises and different intensities.
This forces the body to keep adapting, which leads to greater improvements in our ability to use oxygen, metabolize glucose, and produce ATP. Over time, this leads to a significant increase in our overall fitness level and a decrease in body fat.
This type of training is also said to be more efficient in burning fat because it works multiple muscle groups all at once. When you exercise multiple muscle groups simultaneously, your body has to work harder to supply them with the oxygen and glucose they need to produce ATP.
This process of supplying oxygen and glucose to working muscles is known as the oxygen cascade (6), and it’s one of the main ways that our bodies burn fat. The oxygen cascade occurs when our body releases chemicals like epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to exercise.
These chemicals cause our heart rate to increase and our blood vessels to dilate so that more oxygen-rich blood can be supplied to working muscles.
There are several benefits to metabolic training, including:
Your energy pathways become more efficient with metabolic training, allowing you to produce ATP at a higher rate. This leads to better performance during exercise and overall improved fitness (4).
Aerobic capacity is a measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise. Metabolic training increases your aerobic capacity, which means you’ll be able to exercise for longer periods of time before getting tired (5).
Metabolic training is an excellent way to build muscle. This is because it uses exercises that work multiple muscle groups at the same time and forces the body to adapt by building more muscle.
Metabolic training is one of the most effective ways to burn fat. This is because it increases your heart rate and causes your body to release chemicals that help burn fat (2).
EPOC stands for excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. This is the amount of oxygen your body uses after exercise to return to its normal state. Metabolic training triggers EPOC, which means you’ll continue to burn calories long after your workout is over (3).
Metabolic training can improve insulin sensitivity, which is the ability of your body to use glucose for energy (1). This is important because it can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes.
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There are a few disadvantages to metabolic training, including:
Metabolic training is intense and requires a high level of fitness. If you’re not used to this type of training, it can be tough to get through a workout.
Metabolic training is considered circuit training, which means it uses multiple exercises that are performed one after the other with little to no rest in between. This type of training requires access to a variety of exercise equipment, which may not be available to everyone.
Metabolic training can be repetitive since you’re typically doing the same exercises for multiple sets. This can make it difficult to stay motivated, especially if you’re not seeing results as soon as you’d hoped.
Below is an example of a metabolic workout that you can do at home with no equipment. This workout consists of four exercises that are performed for 15 – 60 seconds at a time followed by 15 seconds of rest.
You’ll complete three sets with 60 seconds of rest between each set. How much time you allocate for each exercise depends on your fitness level; beginners should do each exercise for 15 seconds, intermediates for 45 seconds, and advanced for 60 seconds.
This plyometric exercise works your quads, glutes, and calves. The jumping motion adds a cardio element to the move that will help you get your heart rate up.
To perform a squat jump:
You’ll need a pair of dumbbells for this movement. If you don’t have any, you can use two water bottles or milk jugs. You’ll also need a raised surface like a chair, box, or step. This works your quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
Use explosive hip movement to generate momentum and swing the kettlebell up to eye level. This move works your shoulders, back, and legs. If you don’t have a kettlebell, you can use a water jug or milk jug.
This advanced move requires a lot of stability. If you’re new to metabolic training, you can modify this movement by doing it on your knees. It is a variation of the standard row that works your back, shoulders, and core.
Read More: Metabolic Weight Loss Program: How It Works
This works your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. It also stretches out your hip flexors, which can get tight from all the sitting we do during the day.
Burpees are a classic metabolic movement that works your entire body. They’re also a great way to get your heart rate up.
Another classic, mountain climbers work your quads, glutes, and core. They also get your heart rate up.
This is a combination of a plank and a jump jack. It works your shoulders, back, core, and legs.
This is great for beginners because it’s low impact. It works your quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
This works your chest, shoulders, and triceps. You can make it easier by doing them on your knees.
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Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your metabolic training:
Metabolic training is a great way to get your heart rate up and torch calories. It’s also a great way to build strength and improve your conditioning. If you’re looking for a challenging workout, give it a try. And if you need some help getting started, check out the metabolic training workouts on our blog.
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