Winter – the season when you hibernate wrapped up in one of those fluffy gowns and binge-watch Netflix – is almost over. What’s the most efficient way to get fit for spring?
There are two kinds of fat: white fat and brown fat. White fat can be turned into brown fat which boosts metabolism.The UK has broken the record for its warmest winter day with a temperature of 21.2 degrees Celsius in London on Monday, signifying the arrival of spring.
In usual cold winter, even avid health freaks have a day or two in the week when they just want to curl up in bed watching their favourite sitcoms or films.
Francisco, 26, gym trainer, recommends a good balance of workout, daily diet and sleep.“Our body reacts to so many things in winter more than we could ever imagine that impacts our motivation to go to the gym”, explains gym trainer Francisco Sanchez.
“First of all, your muscles tighten up. In winter, they are cold and stiff unlike in the summertime. So, you’ll have to work harder even to do your usual routine of workout.”
“Also, the colder it gets the less likely people tend to want to go out.”
He also pointed out that there are two types of fat in the human body: white fat and brown fat. When people are talking about fat on the whole, they are usually referring to white fat – the lumpy fat that just slacks in the body and eats into the top layer of our self-esteem and self-confidence.
The other kind of fat is brown fat that is much more active, helps burn calories and generates more heat particularly in cold temperatures. According to Francisco, we naturally produce more brown fat in winter. To extra boost brown fat, maintaining the level of melatonin by having a good nights’ sleep and avoiding night time exposure to blue light is highly recommended.
“The best thing is that it is possible to turn white fat into brown fat with the right amount of exercise. I’d say three to four days a week; take one day off after two successive days of training”, says Francisco.
Steve, a student in Cardiff, keeps in shape by engaging in multiple activities.
Steve, a French student in Cardiff, says the most effective way to burn fat would be anything that raises the heart rate including but not limited to cardio exercise and sexual activities alongside a proper daily diet.
“I try to go to the gym four to five days a week”, says Steve who also plays tennis once or twice every week to supplement his fitness level.
Tony, a student in Cardiff, goes to the gym every day “because I feel healthy and happy”.
He says the combination of weight training and cardio is the best way to burn fat. Weight training not only builds up muscles but also stimulates your metabolism, thus burning fat with cardio even more effectively.
Fat burning methods vary from person to person and it is key to discover what works best for yourself based on your lifestyle and make sure to incorporate it into your everyday life. Having said that, orthodox weight losing exercise such as cardio in particular can contribute to a much more noticeable outcome and thus a healthy lifestyle.