Running for weight loss is just as much of an intricate process as any diet or exercise plan. Just doing it isn’t enough to start seeing some results. You also need to do it the right way. Contrary to popular belief, being a runner doesn’t automatically warrant you that slim waist you’ve been craving. You should adhere to a set of tips and rules if you are to truly exploit it as a method of shedding extra pounds. And some of these tips and rules are below.
Running for Weight Loss Tips and Rules
#1 Frequency Matters
It’s only natural that the more you exercise, the more weight you will lose. However, with running, it’s important enough to get to the point where there might even be an inferior limit. If you don’t run frequently enough, it might be all for naught and barely show any results. In order to ensure that your runs actually pay off, you should practice it pretty much on every day of the week. However, don’t just jump into a daily running program right off the bat.
Especially if you’re new, start off 2-3 times a week at first and gradually increase the frequency by adding one more day each month.
#2 …And So Does Duration
The bare minimum of a running session should be of 30 minutes with the upper limit going even as far as 90 minutes depending on your own personal stamina and experience. Obviously, it’s not a goal you should try reaching for when you’re a beginner or even an intermediate-level runner. Instead, start off with a number you’re comfortable of, even if it’s below the recommended 30 minutes. The important thing is to feel comfortable, gradually increasing the length as you go on.
#3 Intense Means More Burns
More calories burning, obviously. Intense workouts melt away at calories much faster than a normal program and, often, this is the biggest problem with running. Runners usually practice it at a mild intensity, making the process of losing weight through it sometimes tediously lengthy. We don’t recommend turning your every run into 30 minutes of sprints and maximum capacity running. Instead, reserve one day of the week to a more intense workout session which includes races and sprints.
#4 Mix with a Diet
Can’t forget about what you eat! Running works best when practiced during the mornings, even though it’s not mandatory. This is because you get to kill two birds with one stone: exercise and a healthy, much-needed breakfast. Make sure to eat lots of protein in order to fuel the energy you need in order to carry through with this rather demanding form of physical activity. Also, stay hydrated! It’s absolutely crucial, so never leave your water bottle at home when you go out for a jog.
Wrapping Up
And that was the key to running for weight loss. You need to practice it frequently, to dedicate one day to an intense workout session, to allocate at least 30 minutes to it, and to not overlook the importance of alimentation. In other words, it requires commitment, but what’s new?
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