Smart Body-Ultimate Exercise
By Mike Chua

Fat-burning mode: Learn to love that feeling!

Over the years, I've learned to become sensory acute to my body's signals that let me know if I'm on the right track to gradually lose fat. I can tell when I am turning my body into a “fat-burning machine” or in other words, when I feel as though my body is running at an optimal fat-burning mode. What does that feel like? Well, for starters, I have that “hungry-but-not-hungry feeling” most of the time. My stomach NEVER feels full—even immediately after eating a meal. The most I ever feel is satisfied. Also, I can almost literally feel my face sinking a bit. My body temperature is much hotter throughout the day and I am sweating more profusely during my cardiovascular sessions.

Many fitness enthusiasts get “freaked out” when they see what their body looks like when it's in fat-burning mode. They fear that they are getting small and losing muscle. Visually, my body does appear to be smaller and my clothes fit more loosely. My muscle-bellies are much flatter than when I'm eating more food. It's not that I'm losing muscle; it's just that my muscles are not filled with as much glycogen, therefore looking like deflated balloons. This is a necessary evil—at least for a period of time. It doesn't matter what I look like now, it matters what I look when I turn fifty. I won't look my very best when that time comes if I'm holding on to extra body fat because I wouldn't let my body go through the necessary process.

I have learned over the years to associate positive emotions to these kinesthetic-external and visual feelings during the dieting process—not fear. These are sure-fire indicators that I am well on my way to being shredded for my upcoming age to come.

To educate yourself better, or to achieve such fitness goals please contact me at Winners Gym in Amigo Terrace Hotel (508-3440). Our facility and staff are well equipped to assist you in any fitness means. Happy weekend and God bless to you all.