Metabolic Aftershock Review -

There is always a drive for research as to how to lose weight more efficiently and increase metabolism–which explains why exercise programs like Metabolic Aftershock have an audience.

Metabolic Aftershock is not the only program that claims to burn fat cells quicker and restore metabolism–competitors include LynFit Metabolic Workout System; AX-1 Training System, and many others.

That’s not to mention countless supplements and diets which claim to repair and/or target metabolism, boost fat burn and increase energy. Some opt for pill form supplements such as Life Extension Metabolic Activator, or for products made with green tea and omega 3’s, as is the case with many herbal-based products.

From protein powders to intense workouts, nearly all offerings in the diet industry claim to boost fat burn. Just how directly the product’s market improved metabolic rates, however, varies by product. With so many workout programs out there and so much advice for improving metabolic rate, choosing the best workout (and diet plan) can be overwhelming.

Today we’ll review Metabolic Aftershock to see what this workout system delivers, who it’s best for, and if it really can help you shed pounds and keep them off. We’ll also investigate the different components of both weight loss and improving metabolic rate so you can get in the best shape for your body.

Topic Contents

Is there one clear way to improve metabolic rate?

Like most everything in the weight loss and diet industry, there is no one clear way to improve metabolic rate–which can prove to be a positive and negative aspect. It’s positive one hand because, with dieting and exercise routines, different bodies will respond differently.

Personal preferences and discrepancies in overall lifestyle also mean that not everyone can, or should take the same steps to improve their metabolic rate or overall fitness.

However, the problem comes when you see contradictory information. Not only can contradictory information prove confusing, but it can even be downright discouraging if you’re considering taking up an exercise program like Metabolic Aftershock.

It’s common to worry about selecting ‘the right’ plan, and that can lead many to either abandon programs or not even select one in the first place.

Is increasing metabolic rate the most important thing I can do to boost weight loss and fat burn?

As you’re probably well aware, metabolism plays a role in how many calories you burn per day, but there is a good deal of misinformation when it comes to your metabolic rate.

The first thing to know is that, while there are some factors you can change, others you cannot entirely; we all have slightly different metabolic rates depending on the following factors:

Age
Gender
Activity level
Body composition (your fat to lean muscle mass ratio)

While genetics do play a role in your metabolic rate as well, it’s more complicated than you might think. People aren’t simply born with, or stuck with poor metabolic rates, though there are some gene variants that have been linked to a higher risk for being overweight.

The good news is that it is true that you can target metabolism, through diet and exercise. But perhaps a better way to think about it is eating and working out so your body is functioning as best as it possibly can. By increasing your metabolism, you increase your overall calorie burn. However, even if you are able to increase your metabolic rate, most experts agree on a fundamental principle to weight loss is energy intake vs expenditure.

In other words, metabolic rate may aid your weight loss efforts, and, by taking steps to improve your metabolism, those very steps can, in turn, lead to weight loss.

Are workout plans like Metabolic Aftershock the best way to improve metabolism (and lose weight)?

Workouts, and exercise, in general, are helpful in improving metabolism. But let’s take a step back and look at what metabolism is, and what role it plays for our body composition overall.

Metabolism impacts not only our weight but our entire system of internal functions. Metabolism converts food into energy and makes it possible to perform daily functions. Metabolism normally does not change overall, and in fact, can actually fluctuate in ways you might not expect.

The best ways to improve metabolism include:

Building muscle mass
Increase your intake of protein
Stay hydrated
Get proper sleep
A combination of diet and exercise is important

Some suggest other things, such as intermittent fasting, eating smaller meals, or following a low carb or keto-based diets, but in this article, we’ll be focusing the exercise component for the most part.

What’s the best approach to improving metabolic rate?

The desire to increase the metabolic rate even makes it way in the form of features for outlets like U.S. News, which recently suggested what would seem a contradiction to most thought: in order to truly improve metabolic rate, it’s import not to go too hard, too fast.

In fact, recovery days are essential for developing and maintaining muscle mass; so too is combining strength and cardiovascular exercise.

Finally, while there are many steps you can take to improve metabolism, as you lose weight, it is not uncommon for your metabolism to actually decrease a little–it takes your body some time to adjust, which explains why it’s so important not to become overly discouraged if your weight loss plateaus.

How can I avoid large drops in metabolism and continue working towards my weight goal?

There’s a reason crash diets are called crash diets; while they may work initially, too extreme diets deprive your body of the proper nutrients and protein it needs not only to function properly but also to build muscle mass–which plays a key role in improving your metabolism.

The same is the case for exercise as well: moderate and consistent sessions, with a gradual increase in activity, is the best way. The worst workout plans are too intense, too quickly and focus solely on extreme weight loss, too quickly.

No one food or exercise ‘fixes’ your metabolism. Instead, consistency, and finding a plan and diet that works for you are they keys to sustained weight loss and health improvements. While there is a good deal of research advocating different exercise or diet plans, the bottom line is to find one that works for you, through scientifically supported changes, rather than something that promises quick fixes.

Is a DVD Aftershock workout program right for me?

DVD workout programs, now also often offered to stream and digital downloads, tend to be nice options for anyone seeking more structure without paying for a personal trainer.

DVD workout programs, at their best, offer a gradual, structured plan and exercises that are easy to perform by all ability levels and almost anywhere you go. They may prove more interesting and motivating to some who have trouble staying on track with an exercise routine.

Of course, there is no perfect solution for fitness needs, and DVD workouts are no different. They do cost money, and it is possible to set up your own fitness plan. At their worst, they can be too extreme, promise unrealistic results, or be too repetitive. So where does Metabolic Aftershock line up in terms of a good DVD workout program?

Is Metabolic Aftershock a good exercise program for me?

Now let’s take a look at what Metabolic Aftershock is, what it promises, and if it holds up as a solid workout program.

What is Metabolic Aftershock?

Metabolic Aftershock is a DVD workout program that offers short exercise sessions focused on making exercise more enjoyable and easy to do, all without any required gym equipment and with a focus on recharging and boosting your metabolism.

Who’s behind Metabolic Aftershock?

Metabolic Aftershock is offered through the same creator of Metabolic Prime, another DVD workout system by Natural Health Sherpa that claims to boost your metabolism (we will look at differences between the two programs later on).

Dr. Jade Teta, the founder of both Metabolic Prime and Metabolic Aftershock, holds a B.A. in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, though it is not stated where he obtained these degrees from. The site also states that he is licensed to practice primary care medicine in Washington State. He is the author of many health related books and has a separate author website.

What is the philosophy underlying Metabolic Aftershock’s program?

While much of the jargon concerning Metabolic Prime was focused on instigating certain fat burning hormones (growth hormone) for Metabolic Prime, Metabolic Aftershock is instead grounded in something that has been more studied and has more backing, which is interval training. The idea is that, while all exercise burns calories, intervals may be effective for sustained weight loss.

What are the promised claims?

Let’s take a look at exactly what Metabolic Aftershock is claiming or promising, and, subsequently, if these claims can be backed up.

The claim: Dr. Tate claims that not just interval training, but a certain approach to interval training “forces your body to turn on [its] fat-burning potential”. What he calls self-paced interval training which consists of the following:

Exercise specific for the individual
Increases post and during fat burn (and fat loss)
‘Enhances’ the way the body uses fat stores
‘Rebuilds’ your metabolic rate

The claim: More specifically, Tate suggests that this program is different because it overcomes the anaerobic threshold. He claims that, by doing so, the body is forced to make ‘metabolic changes’ and switch to greater fat-burning potential.

The claim: Interval with rest based training is far more effective in burning fat and calories than traditional cardio and strength training.

Do these claims have any basis?

Unlike with Metabolic Prime’s workout program, which mainly focuses on a central, somewhat lofty and specious claim, there’s a lot to unpack here. To his credit, Dr. Tate does provide citation purportedly backing a number of his claims. Let’s take a closer look:

Is interval training more effective than endurance exercise?

High-intensity interval training, also known as HIT has certainly become popular over the last many years, and for good reason. HIT uses aerobic and anaerobic activity, while traditional exercise uses one or the other at a time. In fact, this powerful combination has been linked to regulating both insulin and hormones and healthy metabolic functioning.

However, HIT may not be the best long term solution. In fact, some experts recommend you do HIT workouts one to three days a week at most.
Injuries are far more common. Plateaus occur, and even more so than endurance training, interval training varies greatly in effectiveness depending on how hard you push yourself.
Endurance training can burn many calories over a session, has potentially more cardiovascular benefits, and is less prone to injury. Many experts recommend doing more endurance and strength training and supplementing with interval training.
Overall, there is some basis behind his claims. Interval training can help you burn fat, and, if done correctly, can have quicker results, but another exercise is important for long term maintenance.

Is this a special type of interval training?

Dr. Tate addresses a few concerns about typical interval training, insisting his approach is more effective, by being both more individualized and offer breaks.

Taking time to allow your muscles to repair is important. Normally we discuss this in terms of days or hours, but this is rest based training, where you are required to take intervals of rest.
Defined and self-paced rest intervals for Metabolic Aftershock are based upon two factors: heart rate and personal feel. In many ways, this is a less aggressive approach and could potentially reduce the risk for injuries.
He cites a study where those performing rest based, or self paced intervals having better results
Overall, this seems like a fair claim. While this approach may not be as helpful in terms of overall fat and calorie burn, what it does do is makes interval training more suited for all age and fitness levels.

What exercise will be you be doing with Metabolic Aftershock?

With Metabolic Aftershock, you’ll be working through fifteen-minute workouts of short intervals through a series of phases. This sounds almost exactly like the model for Metabolic Prime, but the phases are different:

Phase One lasts around three weeks. During Phase One, you’ll be practicing balance, movements are ‘pre-training’ activities, though it is unclear what these exercises will be.
Phase Two is where you begin ‘advanced metabolic training’ and work on techniques and exercises that optimize metabolic rate and fat burn.
Phase Three uses exercises that are said to spur ‘metabolic chains’ which is also a term used for Metabolic Prime. Power moves, activities sitting and standing, and intense reps are all part of this phase.

It’s important to note that there are claims specific to this phase, which says you’ll “look and feel ten to twenty years younger” and see improved mood and fat burning. These claims, broad, perhaps obtuse, and non-specific simply don’t tell us much.

Overall, the problem with Metabolic Aftershock is a problem we saw with Metabolic Prime. There isn’t much in the way of details in terms of specific exercises you’ll be performing.

How much does it cost?

While there is a supposed total value of two hundred dollars, the current promotional price is just under fifty dollars. It is not clear whether it is consistently at that price or a true temporary promotion.

Another concern is how to get the price; one is a general discount, but the other discount mentions sharing your story, which is troubling. It may indicate you have to provide some form of an initial testimonial, which is both not a fair policy and concerning when it comes to the testimonials they list. For that price, you get the following:

Phase One through Three workout videos
Free digital download
Starter’s guide
An interview about ‘anti-aging secrets’
An extra exercise session

Does it actually work?

Of course, when looking at any exercise program, most customers first want to know if it actually works. As is the case with all exercise programs, it’s largely up to you as well. No one program is perfect. But it’s still good to see some positive reviews to make sure some have had success with it.

In the case of Metabolic Aftershock, there are far more reviews you can easily find than with Metabolic Prime. On Amazon, it received almost three and a half out of five stars, with a rather divided forty-four percent giving it the highest rating possible.
Most of the complaints concerned shipping and not the program itself, so make sure you hand onto your confirmation number. In terms of the program, many did feel it was very useful and pleasing to follow.

Is Metabolic Aftershock an exercise program I should try?

Metabolic Aftershock certainly is not without its flaws–there isn’t enough transparency in terms or what exercises you’ll be doing, or how pricing works for a wholehearted recommendation. And for some people, interval training may not be the right approach.

That said, in many ways, Metabolic Aftershock is a decent program and a good alternative to Metabolic Prime. With more backing and a bit more details as to the idea behind the program, it’s a better bet.

Metabolic Aftershock Pros and Cons

Pros

Researched backed interval approach
Rest intervals and phases make for a smoother transition
A number of positive customer reviews
The price point is reasonable
Can perform anywhere, and without equipment
Intended for a variety of ages and fitness levels

Cons

Vague information about exercises
Interval training may be better for short, rather than long term goals
Vague information about pricing

Metabolic Aftershock Alternatives?

While Metabolic Aftershock offers a number of admirable features, if you’re wary about less transparency in terms of workout you’ll perform, there are alternatives. In fact, there are a number of well-rated DVD or streaming workout programs (or even apps) that feature comprehensive exercise that will help you get, or stay in your best shape. Here are a few to consider:

Looking for all over body workout for strength? ConsiderBody Beast. This program offers full body workouts, but with the focus of increased muscle mass. It’s much cheaper than some competing programs like it, features shorter workouts, and using tried and true, backed methods for reducing body fat and increasing overall muscle.
Want support, but less structure? Consider fitness apps like MYWOD. This Crossfit app, in particular, is well-rated, and a way to hold yourself accountable for getting in workouts without directing exactly what you must do, and without the commitment of a DVD based program. You can track workouts, organize, and customize both to motivate you and keep track of what you’ve already done.
Want to get more information? Consider the best selling workout book. Self-guided and expert advice, especially for bodybuilding, may be more your style if you aren’t into DVD programs or apps, or simply want to educate yourself more on the essentially of burning fat and building muscle. Most include short workouts that are easy to learn.

Metabolic Aftershock Review