Is running the best exercise?

Your manager is really mean! Any exercise is the best exercise, don't feel pressured to start running just because someone told you to, if you don't like it.
If you actually want to start running for you (not for your manager), C25K is really good, or Hal Higdon's training programs

My two cents... walking is super good for you and I've *heard* that it's better for weight loss. Running burns more calories, but you have to work up to it. I recommend C25K if you want to start running! My whole life I've said I hated running... until C25K. I just finished Week 3 Day 1 today and I am so proud of myself! I could not have run 3 minutes straight a month ago... so if you really want to get into running, download a C25K app.

I will be a lifelong walker, but with C25K I've proven to myself that I can be a runner too.

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.

LIKE! Exercise is exercise. 300 Calories is 300 Calories.

I think she's hatin , don't let it get to you! Running is a great form of exercise, but it's not for everyone - we all have our preferences. If you really want to try it out, C25K is a good way to start - it's intervals of walking and running until you can progress up to longer periods of running. It has helped me thus far! Most important is you enjoy it though, I know in my case I've tried a couple aerobics classes and it took a while to find one I enjoyed rather than thinking it was incredibly cheesey or militaristic. :P

I hated running because of the stitches I would get in my side. I just recently started a C25k program and have to say I figured out it was my breathing while running. If I stop and breath deeper like another posted then I can now run the 8 min intervals without stitches. I am definately not a runner but I'm trying to learn to run and maybe when I can run without feeling like I'm going to die then maybe I like it even possibly love it. Good luck to you in whatever exercising you choose to do. I always love the saying about no matter how slow you go you are lapping the ones on the couch.

Do whatever exercise you choose to! Running is a great exercise but is not for everyone. If you can burn 500 calories playing "pickup sticks"... and it keeps you entertained and coming back for more... Just Do It!

There is no perfect exercise that fits everyone. We are all different. The only exercise that is perfect for you is the one you will KEEP doing (...which should be running! LOL! :laugh: )

Ignore your boss and keep exercising in a way that makes you happy!

Hi there!

This is my first post on this website, and I thought I was going to use it only as a food diary.

I've trained as part of a rowing (crew) squad for the past 4 years, so am drawing on that experience. May I first say, along with others I see on this thread, that your manager is full of BS. Fitness has very little to do with stitches, far more how recently before exercise you ate, how much water you have consumed throughout the day etc. Don't panic. The comments on breathing technique are very accurate. Practice before your run completely filling your lungs, holding that breath and then forcefully emptying them, repeat for five times. You will probably feel light headed, don't start running at this stage!!

Your original question was regarding running. Now the amount of crossfit we had to do for crew was extortionate, and before long our coach had to remove us from the running programme because so many of the boys were injuring themselves. Running is great up until a point where you're doing so many miles that your technique begins to have negative effects on your body. It is HIGH impact, and this has complications when particular muscles aren't aligned correctly, or some are weaker than others. I would highly recommend going to a running/sports shop near you and having your running technique analysed... perhaps researching online if there is somewhere you can do it in your vicinity, I don't want you to have wasted a trip!

Failing this, don't panic, there is a sure fire way to work out if your running technique is damaging you: if it hurts and you can't stretch it, stop. People so often persevere through uncomfortable workouts that only lead them to permanent damage, resulting in an almost complete inability to exercise at all.

Your kettle bell training is superb. This is an excellent cardio/strength crossover, and that can be recommended for anyone. The only thing I an suggest with that is if you feel you have reached a plateau, maybe increase the weight a little bit, don't let your system get used to one weight, mix it up! I would of course, as a rower, recommend the rowing machines at the gym, there are lots of videos demonstrating the correct technique online. Remember: form > pace, start off slow and steady using the correct technique and you'll be fine. Good luck, and don't let AHs like your manager get you down.

The exercise you like and will do is the only *best* exercise.

I freaking hate running and if I had to run to be fit I would just decide to be fat thankyouverymuch .

Whatever exercise you like and will do long term is the best one. I love running, but it's not for everyone. If it was, runner's wouldn't be a clique, we would be the majority.

My advice is to not talk to people about your weight loss unless you are prepared to ignore unsolicited "advice". Opinions are like *kitten*....and everyone seems to be an expert on proper weight loss techniques, despite the fact that most of the population is overweight.

I was doing exactly what you are doing - run, pain, walk, run again..... it's a phase.
You go through it, build your stamina and the run length increases.
My advice to you: walk as fast as you can, run as slow as you can.

I used to get winded and have to stop after 1/4 mile running.

This morning I ran 5 miles

Running is all about mental toughness. Nothing wrong with going slow to start. As you have little "wins", watch, you'll crave more.

Couch to 5K got me started, it's so easy and such a painless way to get started.

I was having a conversation with my manager at work yesterday about fitness and i told her about my weight loss and that i did aerobics and kettlebells. I also walk alot every week. I told her that i wanted to try running, but that i get stitch even if i do it steady, like ill walk for abit, then jog, then walk. I cant seem to stop it from happening. She just went on to say that i was unfit (i know that) she also said that running is the best exercise for loosing alot of weight. She said the exercise i was doing was no good at all. Felt abit fed up as i exercise 5 days a week, and i think im doing quite well. I can tell my fitness levels are up as i can push myself more. Can anyone suggest a good way of getting better at running as i must be doing something wrong xx

Can I punch her in the nose? Running isn't the best. Because for some of us, it's too high impact. If you want something that gives you the push of running, but is easier on the joints and on helping with that stitch in your side try the elliptical. I can get up to running/jogging speeds on that without causing myself more pain. Any exercise is also better than NO exercise and walking is just fine. Kettlebells are GREAT and any weights added if done correctly are going to help you more than all the cardio in the world. I can't run. I tore my ACL 3 years ago and it didn't heal correctly. It's still in tons of pain. The orthopedist loves the elliptical for me. He recommends the bike too, but I find it boring. I suggest telling her to stuff it. Everyone thinks they know the best way. My way might not be the best, but it's working for me and causing me LESS chance of an injury. Some people can run, some can't. Or shouldn't. I'm in the shouldn't. It's high impact.

Whatever you do is beneficial to your body, health and weight loss.

^^^^ This.

The most complete exercises are swimming, motocross and hockey. They use all the body muscles and provide a good aerobic workout.

There are fat runners out there. Lots, in fact. :-)

As for the stitch in your side, I would suggest reducing your speed and/or limiting the amount that you eat and drink before you run. My best runs are in the morning usually on a tea with a few tsps of milk. If I'm tackling more than 10 km, I'll probably eat some cottage cheese and ensure that I drank a lot of water the night before.

I honestly could run for forever and I don't notice any weight loss. I hate when people say running is the only way to lose weight, because its not, at least not for every person. I notice most of my weight loss come from interval training and swimming for me. I actually kind of hate running, I'm currently trying to force myself to like it, but I would honestly much rather get in a pool and swim laps instead of go for a run.

So essentially, I disagree, no exercise is the "wrong" exercise, do what works for you and what you enjoy.