Running for Weight Loss
Friday, February 1st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Can You Be a Runner? You see them out in all kinds of weather. Heat, snow, rain. Nothing stops runners. There’s a certain prestige that goes along with running because not everyone can do it. You may think your one of those who can’t run, can’t jog, and is always going to be in the slow lane at the track. But you too can be a runner.
Why would you want to? Isn’t walking good enough? Yes, it definitely is good enough. For some people, particularly those with joint problems, walking is the most impact they can handle. But for people who need to bump up their workout, so it’s not just “good enough”, but an effective fat burning routine, running for weight loss can be the boost that will break through plateaus.
Jogging on a track for 45 minutes burns over 535 calories. The same time spent walking at a brisk pace burns about 204 calories (this is based on a 150 pound woman). In addition, because jogging has more impact, the little jolt your body gets can help strengthen bones. Adding jogging into your workout routine helps with quick weight loss by upping the intensity of your workouts.
Most people starting out, even those who walk regularly cannot jog for 45 minutes at a time. So does this mean that you can’t get the benefits of running? No. It just means that you have to start slowly and work your way up. Start by walking for five or 10 minutes, adding in just one minute of jogging, and then walking for five or 10 more minutes. Repeat this a few times. Next time you go for a walk, bump it up to two minutes.
The goal is to increase it so your body doesn’t get too comfortable. If you start out and are struggling with one minute of jogging, keep at it. If you find that in a week the minutes are flying by and your body is not challenged, up it to two minutes or three.
Try and keep to your target heart rate for your age. A Heart Rate Monitor can be a great running companion.
This allows you to constantly evolve your workout program so you get maximum effects. Soon, you’ll be able to run whole miles, something you never would have thought you could do. Even when you are alternating running with walking, you are burning more calories.
Walking is great for you; but for an added boost, try a little running. Not only will it cut down on exercise boredom, it’ll help you achieve your goals more quickly.
You’ll want to be sure to have a good pair of running shoes. Buying shoes online can be a great option. No lineups and they always have the size and brand you want. Visit the site recommended above and you get free shipping, returns & exchanges, plus they guarantee the lowest prices or refund 110% of your purchase price.
“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it. Rather, it’s that we aim too low and we reach it.” Michelangelo Biography
If you are looking for some running adventures, you can try out trails.com free.
If you want to stay close to home, or not even leave home, consider getting your own Treadmill, Elliptical Trainer,
or Stairmaster.
But really, any kind of cardio is good for weight loss, so you may even want to consider an Exercise Bike or Rowing Machine
to mix things up a bit, and for times when the weather isn’t good for running outside.
If you have some experience with running for weight loss, please provide your comments below.
“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it” Today Matters by John C. Maxwell
March 19th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Hi,
Running is better for weight loss than walking cos running is a high intensity exercise, it helps boost the metabolism, burn more fat longer (24h) after running while walking is a low intensity, that can do that.
But not everyone can run at all, some are too old, some are too weak. But I prefer running to walking.
Thanks,
July 21st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Running is awesome, I’ve noticed it pulls my stomach is too, it’s flatter than it was before.