This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Strength train to increase calories burned around the clock.

Greater muscle mass helps burn calories.

Metabolism refers to the process by which food and drinks that you consume are converted to energy.  Your body uses energy even at rest for breathing and to keep blood circulating.  This resting rate is known as your Basal Metabolic Rate and accounts for 60-75% of the total calories burned each day.  Those individuals with the most muscle mass have the highest BMR and burn the most calories at rest and when active.  To increase your muscle mass and your BMR, your exercise program should include strength training for all major muscle groups at least twice a week.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?