HEALTH & FITNESS – SHOULD I RUN IF I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT?

SHOULD I RUN IF I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT?

This is a question I get asked a lot.

I’d say running is the one exercise people feel like they need to do and that they want to be able to be ‘fit’ enough to do.

Being a runner I also find it a difficult one to answer, I’ve ran in some shape or form since I was age 10 and still do it to this day. I’ve completed three marathons and seven half marathons to date. I do it as a hobby and it gives me the opportunity to let my competitiveness out.

Not for weight loss.

Since I’ve upped my running the last two years from track to long distance I have noticed:
– More aches and pains
– More injuries
– Less energy
– More ‘clickiness’ in the joints

Not great! I still do it though as I must admit I do love it a bit and it’s my favourite form of exercise. I am however cutting down on my distance and going to concentrate on shorter races to try and prolong my career and not pick up too many injuries from pounding the road.

Most of the time my weight is less than 10 stone. I’m light and suffer with the above problems. I’m aware of the pressure that is affecting the joints and lower extremities (thousands of times per run) for people a lot heavier than me.

When you run it can be up to 4 times your bodyweight coming down on each leg with every single stride you take. 

If you’re carrying excess weight, then this could be a recipe for an injury and a substantial amount of discomfort.

If you’re thinking about running, then ask yourself ‘why do I want to run?’ before you start.

It doesn’t have to be for everyone and it isn’t.

There are so many other (safer) ways of getting fitter and helping you to lose weight than running.

You do burn massive amounts of calories when running, there’s no doubt about that. It will help your weight loss attempts but I really wouldn’t put it at the forefront of your training.

It’s all the rage now to sign up for a half marathon, don’t get me wrong it’s brilliant and so good to see people who don’t usually exercise of all shapes and sizes putting on their shoes and completing the run. BUT again if it’s just purely for weight loss, then just do some high intense low impact exercise like my clients do at my studio (and stay injury free).

If you want to look after your joints and get fitter without having to pound the roads or treadmills, then drop me a message and I can show you the starting steps.

Jamie ‘No Shin Splints’ Stedman

PS – I don’t want to put a dampener on people who run, I love it but if you’re doing it for weight loss and not the desire to compete and the love of running then there is a better way.