Running for Weight Loss
We all know running is a great way to lose weight, but did you know that running at 10 mph can burn almost 1000 calories per hour? That makes it one of the most efficient ways to rid yourself of excess calories. Before you get started you must remember that if you’re serious about running for weight loss, you need to do it right. Here are just a few tips to help you out.
Instead of cutting calories, adjust what kind of calories you eat. Your body needs fuel. If you don’t eat enough, your body will not only cut into your fat reserves, but your muscle mass as well. Try to get about half your calories from carbohydrates; including fresh fruits and whole grains. Try to make protein about a third of your diet. You can do this by mixing fresh nuts in with your meals. You should also get an adequate supply of good fat. Your body can feed of your reserves but it still needs a fresh supply to function properly.
When you’re ready to start running for weight loss, be sure to warm up. You should not only stretch, but also walk some before you start your run. This loosens your muscles and reduces the chances of an injury. The same goes for a cool down and stretching after your run. If you do get an injury, remember to take it easy. You may be tempted to run through the pain, but pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. Some soreness is normal when you first start running, but if you have an actual injury, you should take it easy for a few days and allow yourself to heal.
If you’re just starting a running program weight loss, or you’ve been inactive for a long period of time, you should gradually ease yourself into running. Start slow; eventually, you can build up to running longer distances at faster speeds. You’ll eventually want to run as fast and as far as you can to burn the largest amount of fat, but you should never run farther of faster than you’re comfortable doing.
These are just a few steps to get you started on your road to a happier healthier lifestyle. Good luck and happy running!