
An Introduction to Running for Weight Loss
Running is one of the most efficient ways of burning calories, and it is also one of the most vigorous exercises. If a person weighing 150 pounds runs a mile, he/she will approximately burn 100 calories. Many start running because they want to lose weight by some easy to follow exercise, rather than by going to a gym or lifting weights. Running to lose weight can also be enjoyable and fun. The biggest challenge that anyone faces when they start running is the consistency; it’s very important to stick to a schedule and follow it as a long-term plan. You won't lose weight if you run 10 miles a day for fifteen days, and then stop it entirely. Once you have acquired a good body shape it’s important to maintain it that way, otherwise all the hard work you had put into slimming yourself would go to waste. To make it a success you need to know certain facts about weight loss, and effects of running, on it.
Benefits of Running to Lose Weight
Present-day scenarios make it very difficult for a common man to adhere to a rigorous gym plan, and the time constraints a person has makes it hard to follow a trainer’s schedule. Running comes very handy in these times. Running is the type of exercise where you don’t need a trainer or an instructor, expensive equipments, or a specific time or a place, as it is a very flexible exercise. No matter what the time or place, you can always put on your jogger’s suit and start running. You can run when at home, on holidays, or even on business trips, be it morning, afternoon or evening, running has got no time limitations. Even better would be making running a habit and enjoying it like you would enjoy any other hobby.
There are many other benefits of running; when you are in a process of running the body releases natural chemicals called endorphins, or “Runners’ High”, which make it addictive. You’ll also get the sense of accomplishment, become happier, and exude positive energy from every breath. Come to think of it, weight loss is just a positive by-product of running! Implementing running in your lifestyle with surely make you happier and healthier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Running To Lose Weight
1. Before starting any rigorous routine it is advisable to talk to your doctor about it. He may take a routine checkup and most probably counsel you about the exercise.
2. Another precursor to running is getting a good pair of shoes. it is advisable to buy the running shoes which suit your style of running. Running with a wrong pair of shoes may cause problems in the long run.
3. If you are a beginner, and have never taken up running as a weight loss program, you should get a heart-rate monitor and keep assessing yourself through it so that you don’t go over the top which may cause health problems.
4. To achieve the goal of losing weight and not putting on more, it’s crucial that you use more calories than you consume. If you eat more and burn less, then the exercise may turn out to be futile. But, don’t start up with a stringent diet plan, rather make the changes slowly as you get into the groove.
5. It’s advisable not to start with sprints of 4 or 5 miles, rather, slowly increase the speed and miles. At the beginning the priority should be to run along without hurting yourself.
6. Running style is another important aspect which you need to keep in mind. Hunchbacked, sideways, or other poor techniques could prove detrimental to your health. Always keep running on the pace at which you can enjoy it, and try to be in an upright position.
7. Don’t panic if at first you start gaining weight rather than losing it, this is because when you start running to lose weight, at first your muscles will develop which are denser than the flabs of fat, but as you go on following your routine, your weight will start decreasing.
8. Once you are accustomed to the techniques, and you no longer suffer from aches and cramps, you can increase the distance as well as the speed.
9. Last but not the least, it’s important that you enjoy it thoroughly, because if you don’t, running will become an unwanted burden, and whenever you’ll go for a run you’ll feel that you are carrying out some unnecessary work which was dumped onto you by some other person. You should take it as a challenge, maybe keep a log journal, in short make it as interesting as you can, and it’s surefire that you’ll succeed in your endeavor to lose weight by running.
Eating Healthy To Help Weight Loss by Running
Running coupled with a good diet plan is a great combination for losing weight. You have to start burning more fat than you put on. To shed one pound of fat, you’d have to burn approximately 3500 calories of energy. You’ll have special nutritional requirements, but the basic techniques are still the same, which is intake of high fiber fruits and vegetable. The common mistake runners make is that they over-compensate their running schedule by drinking high calorie beverages, which may appear just as refreshments. To keep these kinds of silly mistakes in check you should keep a record a daily intake of food.
Organize small meals throughout the day:
Forget those heavy meals after every 8 hours! It is advisable to take small high protein, high fiber meals after every two hours or so. This will keep your energy levels high.
Allow yourself to eat foods you enjoy:
This exercise is aimed at keeping you fit and happy, if you keep on craving the food you love but don’t eat it, it’ll make you believe you are in some kind of a hell camp.
Keep the variety up:
Don’t get into the habit of eating the same boring food everyday, rather mix up different vegetables and fruits, which will give you much-needed minerals and vitamins.
Lay the emphasis on protein:
Proteins are of paramount importance to runners, it gives them strength and energy.