Which type of exercise is most effective for increasing basal metabolic rate?

Which type of exercise is most effective for increasing basal metabolic rate?

• A. Aerobic exercise
• B. Resistance exercise
• C. Balancing exercise
• D. Flexibility exercise

Answer: (B)

How different forms of exercise affect resting metabolic rate depends on changes in lean body mass. Resistance training builds muscle, and muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain at rest than fat tissue, so increasing muscle mass raises the basal metabolic rate. It also increases post-exercise energy expenditure as muscles repair and adapt, adding to calories burned during recovery. Aerobic activity raises energy expenditure during workouts and can cause some prolonged metabolism into the recovery period, but the long-term rise in resting metabolic rate is typically smaller because lean mass often increases less. Balancing and flexibility workouts improve balance and mobility but don’t substantially boost resting energy needs since they don’t markedly increase muscle mass. Therefore, resistance training is best for increasing basal metabolic rate.

How different forms of exercise affect resting metabolic rate depends on changes in lean body mass. Resistance training builds muscle, and muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain at rest than fat tissue, so increasing muscle mass raises the basal metabolic rate. It also increases post-exercise energy expenditure as muscles repair and adapt, adding to calories burned during recovery. Aerobic activity raises energy expenditure during workouts and can cause some prolonged metabolism into the recovery period, but the long-term rise in resting metabolic rate is typically smaller because lean mass often increases less. Balancing and flexibility workouts improve balance and mobility but don’t substantially boost resting energy needs since they don’t markedly increase muscle mass. Therefore, resistance training is best for increasing basal metabolic rate.