Is running the best exercise?

Running is great for weight loss but certainly not the only method. Kettlebells are amazing for fat loss and toning combined but any exercise is better than none. You are doing brilliantly and don't let one person put you off. I assume this other person is a runners, runners cab be a bit single minded I should know. If you do want to run couch to 5 k is excellent, I had lots of problems when I started injuries, getting breathless stitch but persevered it does get easier. I am now training for a marathon if you need more help ask I am happy to talk about running, too enthusiastic sometimes LOL.

Running is a great form of exercise - but dad106 is absolutely right, there's no *need* to do it. If you want to (and personally, I highly recommend it) be assured, we all get stitches when learning to run. We all get breathless. We all think we can't do it. And then slowly we learn we can.

Another vote for C25k - it's a great way to learn to run.

I totally agree with the others. Running is a great exercise, but it's not the ONLY nor is it necessarily the best.

One thing that I found to help with the stitch in my side was to slow down. You'll be amazed at how much longer you can run if you take it a little slower. At least I was, lol.

Manager is an idiot. Yes running is a great exercise, but what you are doing works, too! If you want to try running, slowly build up to it. There is no exercise law that says you have to run to lose weight or become fit.

Hi there!
In my eyes the best forms of exercise to fat loss/weight loss are interval training (this can be with running, cross trainer or cycling), high intensity aerobic classes and weight training.
Running at the same speed non stop is great for improving 'endurance' and a great cardio work out, however it's interval training that's the key... and it appears you're already doing/attempting to do that with your walking/jogging combination - a mix of having your heart rate up and then bringing it down again over and over again.
I wouldn't bother listening to your manager, you're already seeing results with that you're currently doing! Personally I think you should though look into more specific interval training methods (such as 1 minute jog and then 1.5min walk and then the next time do 30 sec sprint and a 2 min walk over and over again, etc.) and begin if you haven't already weight training as it burns tonnes of calories (not just whilst doing the exercise but for DAYS afterwards) and the inches disappear from all over your body (fat disappears!) Have a nice combination.
I currently try and do 2-3 days of cardio (interval training etc.) and then 5 days of weights

Ah glad you are feeling a bit better, that’s good, don’t let one person get you down! Yes a treadmill is good, you’ll probably find it easier than running outside but it’s a good way to get you into it.. slowing down is a good tip! That was my problem at first I was trying to go to fast but now sometimes I look like I’m barely running ha! but it works for me and if that’s what you need to do too then don’t worry about it..
Ooh thanks for the tip about the kettlebells..I got a couple of different sizes so I’ll see how I go, Im excited to start!

Your manager is an idiot for suggesting that the exercise you were doing is not good for you. Anything that gets you moving, sweating and burning calories is good for you. But, as for the running, I was in a similar situation. I was never a runner. Any cardio exercise I did came from walking or fitness DVDs etc. I know a lot of people on here have raved about C25K. I would certainly suggest that.
What I personally did was measure out and walk a mile...preferably like a track or around a couple of blocks...I had this parking lot that I would walk around 5 times and that was a mile. Initially I just walked...walked as fast as I could, but walked. After a few days of walking it entirely, I would add one lap where I jogged. I was dead. I got the cramps but I never stopped and worked through it. Stay hydrated but don't eat or drink too much before. If you get a cramp, raise your arm as if getting in position to do a standing crunch. It helps expand the lung...works for me and usually goes away. Anyway, after a few times of jogging just 1 lap, I would then switch to alternating between walk and jog...then eventually jogged 3 laps walked 2 and you get were this is going.
Just yesterday I broke a 10 minute mile. I started at 15 a couple months ago. If felt awesome. To me running is great, especially knowing how much I improved...but no matter what, getting out there, feeling the burn and sweating no matter what exercise is good!

Running is great exercise and I think one of the better ones for weight loss. But I would not call it the best exercise.

I think the best exercises are the ones you will do because you like to and will do them on days you really do not want to.

I got a lot of stitches when I started running and I found it was down to when I eat and drink. I have to wait a few hours after eating to ensure I don't get a stitch, I can't even have a sip of water while running without getting one but I make sure I'm well hydrated beforehand. It's a case of trial and error to find out what works for you. Good luck.

I am by no means an running expert (I was just starting, got pregnant and quit, and now I get to start up again), and I know a couple of people mentioned slowing down helps, but I wanted to add to that. I may be completely crazy, but I find myself trying to keep up with the beat of whatever music I'm listening to. It took me awhile to figure that out. If I was listening to crazy fast music, I was trying to run faster (it just felt more natural I guess) and I'd hurt & get worn out really quickly. If I can remember to either go without music or at least listen to something a little more mellow, I'm able to run a lot longer even though I'm going slower, and I still know it's doing some good!

Well supposedly cross country skiers are the athletes who are the fittest, so if your aim is to get fit then I'd say this is best. Running and swimming are close behind. The advantage of running is it's just you and the road, no gym memberships, no special equipment, you can do it anywhere, all you need is a pair of good shoes, and maybe a good list of running tracks to motivate you!

Ask you manager to give you an explanation of how 300 calories burnt running is any different from 300 calories burnt swimming, rowing or whatever else.

Should be good.

I think the best exercise is what you enjoy and can actually stick with.

Even if I didn't have a screwed up ankle and knee, I wouldn't be a runner because I don't like it. What I DO love, though, is Dance, Kickboxing, and Weights. Just do what you enjoy!