Travelling Trainers

The answer to successful weight loss is in your metabolism; that little engine in your body that burns calories. Some women burn fat faster than others, but age, weight, diet and exercise habits also play a role. As we age, our metabolism slows down, but there are easy things you can do to stoke your fat-burning potential.

There’s no reason you can’t have the same metabolism in your 30s and 40s as you had in your 20s.

Exercise should be part of everybody’s weekly routine, whether you are 10 or 80. When working at high intensity levels, your metabolism gets a temporary boost thus helping to burn more kilojoules during as well as after training. Exercise has also been clinically proven to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases, ward off depression, improve self-esteem, and keep you healthy and fit. A gentle exercise programme also aids quick recovery from surgery or illness.

Whether you want to improve your cardio fitness with a few gentle strolls a week, or shed 50 kilos, exercise is the healthiest way to do it. Here are some tips on cranking up your internal flame.

• Do constant pace training twice week (Train at a steady pace for long periods)
• Do interval training once a week (Train for short periods at high intensity which builds stamina and boosts the metabolism therefore burning fat at a faster rate)
• Do strength training twice a week (Target large muscle groups with light or heavy weights which helps boost your base metabolic rate as your muscles are more active – which helps keep the weight off)
• Don’t overdo calorie-cutting
• Always eat breakfast
• Eat plenty of protein
• Focus on veg, fruit and wholegrains, rather than refined carbs
• Nibble all day – eat several small frequent meals rather than three large ones
• Skip the alcohol
• Eat and drink low fat dairy products – they’re really good for you
• Don’t skimp on sleep