Weight loss and running?

lulabellewoowoo

I see all these runner magazines and these ladies are lean and fit. My husband wants us to run a 5K in the spring, so I have just started adding running to my exercise program. My question to all you runners out there is, did you see an improvement in your weight loss when you changed your exercise and added running? Does it make your muscles bulky? Does it help the hip, thigh, and abdominal area like it appears in the magazines? And how much running exactly do you need to do to get that affect?

Any advice and information is helpful. Thanks.

racermom

Lulabellewoowoo, I am a new runner, I started in Sept. I had always admired my older sis, a longtime marathon runner and a lean, healthy 46 yr old. I am a SAHM of three great kids but sometimes got caught up in the stress and the sendentary-ness of it all. I said to myself, "enough" Once I kicked some weight and the kids went back to school, I took to the school track. I started walking every am then raised the bar to running. I have found it to be a HUGE difference in my healthier lifestyle, my body and moreover, my mind!!!! Great for me! Moderation is the key when you start, don't hurt yourself or you will get discouraged. I have been very faithful to my caloric intake and try to get in 300 minutes of cardio a week, wheather it is walking a brisk pace or running. The pounds have melted off, and I FEEL so much better. I personally recommend running to anyone who can and wants to. I have become addicted to the endorphin~rush and the loss of 46 pounds! Good luck to you and your hubby, start slow and run outside whenever you can, as I think the sunshine and fresh air are as good for you as th actual exercise! :flowerforyou:
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SHBoss1673

Running is a good overall calorie burner. It'll be right up there with most other moderate to high level intensity cardio workouts. If you run outside you'll get the most benefit, especially if you set distance and time goals and actively work towards them.

Side note, running on hiking trails and off road will give you even more benefit, forcing you to use more core muscles during the run (balance becomes an issue, thus forcing you to stabilize and use your core more). The only thing you must remember if you do this type of running is that it's hard on the ankles, so if you have any ankle issues, tape them up or wear a tight ankle sleeve to give added support.

While there is no "magic pill" of exercise, running incorporates many many muscles into your routine and will definitely help you to shape the lower half of your body.

savvystephy

I love running. I started running about two months ago using the Couch to 5K program. I now run 3 miles, 3 times a week and am starting to train to get up to 5 miles (or an 8K). It is a great calorie burner and really gets you in shape. The key is to increase running time and distance gradually, or it wont be fun. Once you get into running, then it is much easier to increase time and distance.

kerrilucko

running doesn't cause "bulky" muscles. It actually is much better for general, overall toning. It works your entire lower body from calf to glute, If you squeeze your abdominals while you run you'll get a killer ab workout too. I started running almost a year ago and I fell in love. I do 2.5 miles every morning now. You'll love it, hands down the best exercise there is, IMO. :flowerforyou:

PureAndHealthy

Running is a great cheap, accessible cardio. All you need is good sneakers! It won't give you "bulky" muscles.. .it's not strength-training, it's cardio. Because of that, it helps melt fat from all over when you're combining it with healthy controlled eating. It's an amazing stress-buster too. If you're about to blow, just run as fast as you can until you can't do it anymore and you'll feel much better. :happy:

Azdak

At it's core, running is a fairly high-intensity cardio activity, even at slower speeds. There is a minimum intensity to running at any speed (compared to walking, which can be done at an intensity almost as low as sitting in a chair). That occurs when both feet leave the ground (same is true for an activity such as skipping rope).

Furthermore, research indicates that people who run work harder at lower rates of perceived exertion when compared to other forms of exercise. In other words, working at a higher aerobic level while running seems easier compared to exercises like stationary cycling or stairclimbing. The act of running also makes it easier to sustain that level for an extended period of time.

The people who see the best results from running are those who have switched from some other type of workout routine. Typically, they have been doing medium to low level exercise such as walking, stationary cycling or aerobic classes and so starting an activity that is probably 20-30% harder gives them a big calorie boost. Those effects will plateau somewhat as you become more experienced and your body acclimates itself to the new routine.

Because running a relatively higher-intensity activity, it can be difficult for some older or more deconditioned individuals. It is sometimes necessary to start with an interval type program, or even work up to running by doing other activities. The other caveat is that running is a much higher-impact activity and has some of the highest injury rates of any exercise. Good shoes are a must, and some individuals who are more overweight need to exercise caution. Sometimes it is better to start on a commercial treadmill with a cushioned running deck.

"Bulky' muscles are not an issue with running--in fact, just the opposite. Training for long distance events can actually interfere with muscle development. Longer runs will result in increase protein consumption for fuel, and runners tend to develop muscle imbalances between the quads (weak) and hamstrings.

YoungJr42

I basically skimmed through the other comments, so I'm not 100% sure what everyone has said, but I'm sure it's all good advice. The one thing that I want to stress that I try to tell people that ask me about fitness, weight-loss, etc is, like SHBoss said, there's no magic pill and no one thing will make you like the girls in the magazine. Incorporate running into your workout, because it's gonna burn the calories and begin to reveal your muscles, but actual strength training is the thing that's gonna give you the tone look like the girls in the magazines. Your running will also benefit from your strength training too. Good luck with everything you're trying to do!

lulabellewoowoo

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! You have given me encouragement. I have started already, but at a slower pace than I did a year ago, and for a shorter time. Going to challenge myself in distance and time right now. When I reach the 3.12 miles (5K) distance, then I will SLOWLY increase my speed. I already do alot of aerobic classes, so my fitness level is pretty decent. We'll see if I can actually run without someone chasing me Thank you again for all your comments and encouragement.