Fat Burning Fitness! Want to know the secrets of how fat powers your exercise?

Fats! Good fats and bad fats. But do you know how they help with exercise? How they contribute to your fitness goals? 

Fats play a crucial role in fuelling exercise believe it or not, particularly during low to moderate intensity activities. Find out how, below:

Energy Source:

• Long lasting Energy: Fats can be used as a type of energy, providing a steady supply of fuel for extended periods of exercise.

• Fuel for Low Intensity Exercise: During activities like walking, hiking, or cycling at a moderate pace, the body primarily relies on fat for energy. Which therefore….

• Spares Glycogen: By utilising fat as a fuel source, the body conserves glycogen stores, which are essential for high intensity activities.

Hormone Regulation:

• Testosterone Production: Certain types of fats, such as cholesterol, are precursors to hormones like testosterone, which plays a role in muscle growth and strength.

• Estrogen Production: Adipose tissue is a key site for estrogen production in women. Ensuring healthy fats, can help regulate estrogen levels therefore regulating menstrual cycle.

• Progesterone Production: Fats are necessary for the production of progesterone which therefore, helps with pregnancy and menstrual cycle. 

Other Benefits:

• Absorption of Fat Soluble Vitamins: Fats help the body absorb essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

• Cell Membrane Health: Fats are integral components of cell membranes, contributing to their structure and function. They play an important role for motor units that initiate muscle movement. 

Types of Fats for Exercise:

• Unsaturated Fats: These are considered healthier fats and include monounsaturated fats (found in avocados, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (found in fatty fish, nuts, seeds).

• Saturated Fats: While not as beneficial for exercise, they are still a necessary part of a balanced diet.

Optimal Fat Intake for Exercise:

The optimal amount of fat for exercise varies depending on individual factors like activity level and overall diet. However, a general recommendation is to consume 20-35% of your daily calories from healthy fats.

Timing of Fat Intake:

• Pre Workout: Consuming a small amount of healthy fats before exercise can provide sustained energy.

• Post Workout: Including healthy fats in post-workout meals can help with nutrient absorption and overall recovery.

By incorporating healthy fats into your diet, you can optimise your body's ability to use fat as fuel, improve endurance performance, and support overall health.

Hope you enjoyed our blog 'Fat Burning Fitness'.

If you haven't done so already, check out our other blogs around food, which includes, 'Who Loves Protein?' and 'Benefits Of Carbohydrates'.

Take care, 

ARMR Training Academy. 

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