Running is a great way to lose weight and get in shape. However, it can be hard to figure out how much you should run each week or how fast you should go. Running faster might make you feel better in the short term, but in the long run, it will slow your progress because of all the extra energy burned.
On the other hand, running slower may not help you lose weight as quickly because your body burns fewer calories with every step taken at a reduced speed; however, running for longer periods instead of faster ones. You get to burn more fat over time without risking injury. So when starting out on your journey to health and fitness through running, remember that consistency matters most. Here are some running tips you might find helpful.
Mind Your Diet
Healthy snacks are an important part of weight loss. You burn more calories when you eat protein than carbs or fat, but you also need to make sure not to go overboard on your eating habits.
You should definitely stay away from fast food and chips if you want to start losing weight. A burger or fries might contain protein, but it is also loaded with fat and carbs. Since you’re running, gaining too much weight due to the extra calories from your unhealthy snacks will slow your progress.
A healthy diet can help you lose weight faster than you might without proper nutrition. Plus, it has additional health benefits, such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Focus On Consistency, Not Intensity
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and push yourself as hard as you can, but this will slow your progress. You should run at a comfortable pace instead of trying to kill yourself every time you go out for a workout. That way, you can easily burn fat while running. If you really want to lose weight, you need to increase how many miles you complete each week instead of trying to improve your mile time.
Make sure you are at a pace where you can talk comfortably without feeling winded, but you are working hard enough that it is difficult. If you have not run in some time, start out slow, so your body has the chance to adjust to running before you try and push yourself too hard.
Mix Up Your Movement
You should try to change up your workout routine every so often. If you only run, you will get bored, and it will be easier to stop going on a regular basis. Try including some weight training in your routine, so your muscles have something different to do when you go out for a run.
You can also use other forms of cardio such as playing basketball or football drills, swimming laps, or riding a bike. There are even workout DVDs you can buy and follow along with at home to add some variety to your routine.
Train Smart On Your Days Off
When you are running, listen to your body. If it says that it needs a break, then take one. You should not push yourself so hard that you injure yourself or feel so tired that you want to quit before the workout is over.
Take at least one day off per week from any kind of exercise, including running, so your muscles have time to repair, and you can recover from your workout. If you want to go on a hike instead, that’s just fine as long as you’re still getting some sort of regular movement every day.
Don’t let running hold you back from losing weight or reaching your fitness goals. With these tips, it will be easier to burn fat without doing too much physical activity that injures yourself or exhausts your body.