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Metabolic tests measure the rate at which your body burns calories during different activities.
During a typical assessment at your health club, a qualified trainer will measure your resting metabolic rate (RMR) and your metabolic rate during various intensities of exercise. In most cases, the numbers are then assembled into a personalized exercise program tailored to improve your specific metabolic profile and help you to lose weight.
Metabolic testing used to be available only in expensive laboratory or hospital settings. Several years ago, health clubs and gyms started offering metabolic assessments using more cost-efficient equipment made by different brands that also train gym staff to operate the machines. The test procedures that are used in a gym setting are often similar to but aren’t necessarily identical to the laboratory setting protocols.
Metabolic testing can provide essential data for people who want to lose weight. Based on your resting metabolic rate and your estimated daily activity, your trainer will estimate the total number of calories you burn every day without exercise.
You’ll also learn how your body burns fuel during exercise. These numbers can help you to manage your food intake during the day.
For example, if you learn that it takes you three hours of sedentary activity to burn off the calories in your favorite treat, you might think twice about eating that treat.
And if you learn that it takes an hour on the treadmill to burn off your favorite sweetened beverage, you might become inspired to drink water instead.
You will also learn the heart rate range that is most effective for your body to burn fat. And you may discover the heart rate limit when your body stops burning fat as fuel. Lastly, you’ll learn how to train to improve your body’s ability to burn fat more effectively.
