Running...

austepants
austepants Posts: 356 Member
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I am just wondering I have heard so many conflicting things about running/jogging. Lots of people say it is a great whole body workout and helps to shed the pounds but others say it's bad to run because it is horrible on your joints etc. But what if, like me, you enjoy running? Not tons or for prolonged periods of time but I do like to run about 25-30 minutes 2-3 times per week. It makes me feel great. Is this doing me any good on reaching my weight loss goal? I am really struggling to get the last 11 pounds off :frown:

Replies

  • laursey
    laursey Posts: 307
    Listen to your body. It will tell you when it's had enough. If you love it, do it!

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  • mamato4kids
    mamato4kids Posts: 217 Member
    I love running, have since I was 15. I was told by my trainer that if you do runs shorter than 45 min. You will burn more, and you need to keep a good pace. Anything after 45 starts taking away muscle, if you are running longer than45 min. Take a protein shot along for an energy burst, and so that your body burns fat, not muscle.

    Hope that helps
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    have you ever seen a fat marathon runner? no.
    Exactly. Running is definitely good cardio. Listen to your body. If you feel good, no aches & pains (serious aches and pains) then run away sister. You will lose weight running, most definitely. Your legs will get toned as well.
  • Arizona_JR
    Arizona_JR Posts: 275
    It IS great exercise, and can be problematic too. However, I think there are a lot of factors to consider before writing the entire exercise off as "dangerous" - proper running form, good shoes, frequency, intensity, and duration of runs, excess body weight, age when started, and of course good ol' genetics.

    I don't think your frequency is nearly enough to cause joint issues (ruling out the other variables).
  • KarenLouise1981
    KarenLouise1981 Posts: 144
    Congats on your loss to date! I too love running but have found I have to mix it up the fitter I am getting. I do long runs and short HIIT training each week but mix it up with cycling, weight and swimming. I love running though and like you, find it makes me happier and I always have a goal to work towards (time/distance). I also listen to what is going on inside though - i wont run if I am too sore or will stop if i feel pain when out.

    Good luck and keep it up!
  • Runner_mick
    Runner_mick Posts: 115 Member
    As long as you run smart(right shoes, adequate recovery, proper nutrition,etc...) it is not bad for your joints or body. Running is one of the best cardio workouts there is. I love it.
  • elliecolorado
    elliecolorado Posts: 1,040
    Running is great exercise! I always loved running when I was younger and now that I am getting back into running I still love it. It can be hard on your joints but if you aren't in pain, keep doing it. Good running shoes help a lot as does running on dirt or crushed gravel. When I was younger I could run on pavement without a problem, now I find it easier to make sure that I run on a dirt road.
  • eeeekie
    eeeekie Posts: 1,011 Member
    *edit* I guess my response has nothing to do with your post =\...I read someone say that there are no such thing are fat marathoners...so just responded. Anyway, if you wanna run...run. Listen to your body...don't overdue it. I think you'll be fine if you run as much as you normally do unless you're already in a lot of pain.


    ---earlier response...---
    http://www.healthkicker.com/744561987/sumo-wrestler-breaks-marathon-record/

    ^ if he can do it...anyone can (that's if the person wants too)
  • austepants
    austepants Posts: 356 Member
    Thanks everyone for all the great advice and motivation :)
  • kunmingmom
    kunmingmom Posts: 60 Member
    Running alone helped me lose 20 of the 30 lbs. I had gained. It is also has lots of mental positives as well as physical!
  • lclarkjr
    lclarkjr Posts: 359 Member
    With running (like any activity) there is a right and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way (bad form, wrong shoes, pushing beyond your capabilities, etc.) will only lead to undue stress on your body and cause it to break down leaving you prone to injury. But when done the right way (proper form, nutrition, equipment, and gradual mileage and speed buildups, etc.) is an excellent activity that builds overall fitness. I think you get more bang for the buck when you run, that is you burn more calories in a shorter period of time compared with other activities.
  • lclarkjr
    lclarkjr Posts: 359 Member
    Running alone helped me lose 20 of the 30 lbs. I had gained. It is also has lots of mental positives as well as physical!

    I definitely agree that running does help build mental fitness as well. It is a great stress reliever that on many occasions has been the only thing that has kept me from going nuts.
  • lee3978
    lee3978 Posts: 274
    have you ever seen a fat marathon runner? no.
    Exactly. Running is definitely good cardio. Listen to your body. If you feel good, no aches & pains (serious aches and pains) then run away sister. You will lose weight running, most definitely. Your legs will get toned as well.

    That's a little bit ignorant. There are people of all sizes running races. And I'm no skinny runner and I have seen people bigger than me finish before me.
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