Can you lose weight by running?

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x_Shruti_x
x_Shruti_x Posts: 21 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I want to lose 20lbs as I have an unhealthy weight for my age and height. I eat a low calorie diet but I want to up the ante and see some good results by actually exercising. I can't afford workout dvds like P90x and I'm not sure if 30DS would help ME lose 20lbs as opposed to somebody who weighs more and has more to lose. So I was just wondering if it was possible to burn around 100-200 calories from running a few times a week or skipping (jumping rope).

Basically, I have the diet aspect under control but not the exercise as I am lazy and not exactly sure what I need to be doing.
Funny thing is, I'm asking for tips but I'd also need to motivate myself to follow them!

Any advice?
Thanks! xx
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Replies

  • dorkusmalorkus
    dorkusmalorkus Posts: 61
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    im no expert, but i LOVE running, ill usually burn about 400 calories each time, it definitely cant hurt! healthy cardiovascular goodness!
  • RaeannePemberton
    RaeannePemberton Posts: 382 Member
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    running is GREAT for calorie burn, but it's so easy to get into the trap of "i can run if i want to eat THIS"... (or fill in the blank with any treat or indulgence you may someday feel you earned) i have been running for 2 years now and at first it really helped me lose weight. but once i trained for my marathon, i had already gone deep into that thinking of entitlement and i actually GAINED weight.

    so.... be careful. do not base your intake on your "burn" and you will be doing great. :)
  • RaeannePemberton
    RaeannePemberton Posts: 382 Member
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    PS Walking is a GREAT low-stress workout that actually can burn close to 100 cals per mile (which is close to the burn of running) but it takes longer obviously. :->
  • thebigcb
    thebigcb Posts: 2,210 Member
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    ever see a fat marathon runner?

    Personally weight falls off me when I run.
  • joybedford
    joybedford Posts: 1,680 Member
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    First thing how low are your calories. It is actually counterproductive to eat too little as you will go into starvation mode. I am runner and can burn around 700+ caloroes on a 60 minute run but i also eat those calories back. I usually eat over 1500 calories on a non exercise day and can go as high as 2800 on a long run day (currently 12 miles) and i consistently lose weight. You may find this hard to believe but when i didn,t eat this amount i maintained and was getting frustrated upped the calories and weight loss. Its only a lb a week but it will stay off.
    Secondly if you start running follow a programme I did too much too soon and injured myself follow a good walk run programme and increase gradually.
    Also lift weights nothing better for toning. Combine cardio and weight lifting and you will get the body you dream off. I still have a way to go but have lost 20 lbs in total and what i am doing works for me. Add me as a friend if you want my food diary is open and i log in everyday.
  • rachaelh84
    rachaelh84 Posts: 45 Member
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    ever see a fat marathon runner?


    HA! :laugh:
  • fitrene
    fitrene Posts: 52 Member
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    As a female runner, I will be honest with you. I NEVER lost weight when I trained for several 5Ks. I was about 20 lbs overweight when I trained for my first of about 6 5Ks. BUT, I was ONLY running daily (5-6x a week) . You need to also incorporate other daily cardio (cross training) AND weight lifting. That is when I started to lose not only weight but inches as well as a clean diet with a calorie deficit will help you lose weight.


    I had a friend who had this same issue. Keep in mind though, everyone is different.

    Good luck!
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
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    Running can definitely help you lose weight... as long as you don't allow yourself to eat whatever you want just because you ran! If you're already counting calories you're doing it right. Running can increase your metabolism and burn around 100 cals per mile. If you haven't run before (or in a long time) I would recommend you check out the Couch to 5k plan. It starts with run/walk intervals and gently moves you into running. Too much stress on your knees and other joints too fast can cause injury and you don't want that. Listen to your body!

    Good luck!
  • seekingstrengthX2
    seekingstrengthX2 Posts: 771
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    ever see a fat marathon runner?


    LOL.... Yes, This.

    :)
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
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    absolutely! plus, it's definitely helped me trim down and build more muscle, so i look leaner!
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
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    You can but keep your diet under check and lift weights for optimal results :wink:
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
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    Any exercise will help you lose, regardless of your size.
  • x_Shruti_x
    x_Shruti_x Posts: 21 Member
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    I would recommend you check out the Couch to 5k plan. It starts with run/walk intervals and gently moves you into running. Too much stress on your knees and other joints too fast can cause injury and you don't want that. Listen to your body!

    Good luck!

    I will check that out!

    Thanks for your replies guys!
    So what I should be doing is both eating well and running enough for a calorie deficit? But also strength training? Could somebody tell me why strength training is also important?
    If I, as a 155cm female, am trying to eat around 1200 calories a day, how much should I run a day to lose 20lbs healthily?
  • Lisamar74
    Lisamar74 Posts: 114
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    I swear by running for weight loss. And I don't do long runs. Usually 4-6 miles a day or every other day. It stripped the weight off me last year but then I had an operation which meant I had to lay off the running for a good while and boy did I notice the difference. Piled the pounds on. Because I was used to being able to eat whatever I want. I'm trying to get back into it but it's hard because I feel back at square one. And I did often get bored of running. But it's a great feeling when you're in the zone.
  • ashnm88
    ashnm88 Posts: 748
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    You lose weight by being in a calorie deficit. So as long as you are in a deficit you can.
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
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    I have been a member of a gym for most of my teenage and eearly twenties life, always kinda stayed the same weight. I quit the gym and just took up running, and lost 2 stone simply by running. Do it, you won't regret it.
  • joybedford
    joybedford Posts: 1,680 Member
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    strength training will tone everything up and increase your metaboilc rate as muscle burns more calories. Muscle also takes up less space than fat so gives a leaner look than flab, it also just looks better. There is no fixed amount of time you should run it is personal choice and everybody loses weight at different rates. Start off slowly as running can be a bit hard on the joints make sure you have good running shoes very important try to get properly fitted at a specialist shop they will watch you run and prescribe the right shoes for your running style. This doesn,t cost a fortune the analysis is generally free if you buy the shoes there and worth it in my opinion.You might find once you start running it becomes addictive and you want to do more I started for weight loss and am now training for a marathon. I am a very unhappy person if i miss my run.
  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member
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    Rumor has it the reason cardio is frowned on in some circles is that it increases your appetite, so as long as you aren't eating more due to it, it's good!

    Weight training tones you up and prevents lean body mass loss. When someone is in the process of losing weight some of that weight loss will come from muscles. Weight training counteracts that.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
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    As a runner from way back, I can honestly say that I never lost any weight from running because I always ate to make up for it. To lose weight, you need a calorie deficit. It doesn't do any good to run off the calories if you just overeat to compensate. I remember how shocked I was after my first marathon training to find that I had gained 2 pounds by the end of my journey! :laugh: You don't want to undereat, though either. You need food for fuel and repair. To me, the exercise part is not for weight loss. The running, etc. is for other health benefits - blood pressure, energy, mood, muscle tone. I use MFP to track my food intake and maintain my weight and running and hiking for all the other awesome benefits it provides. Have fun!
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
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    Yes, running=losing weight. As long as you don't eat like superman. LOL

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