mountaineering and metabolism
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 6:36 am
I have been a climber for about 10 years, but recently I have had a period of time in my life over the last 2-3 years where I have been unable to climb. I have tried to remain at least semi-active in other ways (re: running, walking, lifting weights, swimming). However, I have noticed a drastic decrease in my metabolism during this time, and it almost seems as if anything I put into my body goes straight to my hips or man boobs. I can't eat anything I used to anymore, I'm basically eating a lot of vegetables and salads to help keep off weight. No junk food whatsoever, no pizza, no beer, no fast food...you get it. It also seems to take growing amounts of exercise to keep weight off.
My question is: is it possible that the big efforts I have put forth during climbing in the past (re: 12-24 hour days climbing technical routes on mountains) have essentially trained or programmed my body to horde every calorie and all fat it gets, even though I'm not climbing now? That this history has altered my metabolism in some way? Or am I just a 28 year old man with really bad genes?
I understand that this post is probably hilarious to some, but this is something I'm really struggling with. Poking fun is allowed, but I'd love some serious suggestions as well! Cheers!
My question is: is it possible that the big efforts I have put forth during climbing in the past (re: 12-24 hour days climbing technical routes on mountains) have essentially trained or programmed my body to horde every calorie and all fat it gets, even though I'm not climbing now? That this history has altered my metabolism in some way? Or am I just a 28 year old man with really bad genes?
I understand that this post is probably hilarious to some, but this is something I'm really struggling with. Poking fun is allowed, but I'd love some serious suggestions as well! Cheers!