This points towards the general principle that allostasis (stability through variation) > homeostasis (stability through constancy) in health and fitness. For

This points towards the general principle that allostasis (stability through variation) > homeostasis (stability through constancy) in health and fitness. For a healthy person throwing metabolism off the steady-state by altering training regimen, eating, etc. can improve the ability of the body to regulate itself. If health is compromised it can be the opposite, so it's not a rule without lots of exceptions.