Fitness: Metabolic profiling

So how does it work? There are two assessments, one resting and one while doing exercise. During both assessments, you wear a face mask so your oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output can be measured. Along with this, your heart rate will be measured using the latest technology.

Three key readings can be derived from the resting assessment: resting metabolic rate, total daily calorie intake, and fuel mixture.

- Your resting metabolic rate is the minimum number of calories an individual must consume per day to maintain healthy metabolic function - muscle regrowth and repair, cell reproduction etc. If you drop below this figure, these processes can deteriorate and the body will "hold onto" fat as it thinks it is being starved.

- Total daily calorie intake is the same as resting metabolic rate but with your daily working lifestyle taken into account. Up to an extra 1,000 calories may be needed depending on your job.

- Your fuel mixture shows from where your body likes to go to get its energy - either from sugar or preferably from fat. Your body contains much more fat than sugar, so if you can train your body to get its energy from fat, then your energy levels will remain more constant throughout the day.

The exercise assessment provides valuable information. It shows:
- The heart rate zone where the optimum fat consumption occurs
- The "aerobic base" which is the point at which you receive half your energy from fat and half from sugar
- The "anaerobic threshold"- the point at which fat is no longer being metabolised for energy and the sole energy source for your exercise is sugar.
- An accurate calorie usage per minute across the entire range of your heart rate from resting to peak exercise. This will allow you to fuel your exercise.

Using these figures, a 12-week tailored exercise programme will be devised. You will be given a printout of your results so you can track progress and use your gym time accordingly.

FACTFILE

The assessment involves:
- A 15 minute resting assessment, sitting down.
- A 15 minute active assessment on a bike or treadmill.
Having your assessment explained and a 12 week programme.

The benefits
- Helps weight loss goals to be achieved more easily.
- Improve your fitness regardless of your goals.
- Calculates how many calories you can eat without gaining weight and how you can maximise calories burnt in every workout.
- Calculates how many calories you need to maintain weight or fuel up for sport.
- Trains your body to be more efficient at burning fat.
- Calculates the heart rates at which your body responds to exercise.
- Informs how to avoid over-training and negative results.
- Takes away the guess work of training zones and gives you exact and efficient ones to truly attain your goals.

The cost: £125

To make a booking email metabolictest@reebokclub.co.uk or call Lucy Johnson 0207 9700 900 ext 316
Go to reebokclub.co.uk