Why Run To Burn Fat?
This is a good question, and I can give you a good answer - running will burn off more calories per hour than any other exercise, so if you want to burn fat, running is the most efficient way of doing so.
However, there are a few problems with running, such as you need a basic level of fitness before you can actually go for a run. This can be a problem for some people that are clearly needing to get in shape, but get frustrated with how slow the process is, especially if they are not going for a run. It becomes a bit of a catch 22 situation, whereby the best thing for them to do to get in shape and lose weight is to go running, but because they are so overweight and out of shape, they can’t actually go for a run. So what should they do?
They should start off with a different form of exercise initially to build up their fitness and shed a few pounds. Then once they are fitter, they should look to start running. Initially they should follow a very simple training program, such as my six week fitness training program for beginners. Once they are fit enough to manage a 20 - 25 minute run comfortably, they should look to increase the intensity of their training.
To give you an idea of why running is so effective at burning fat, here are the typical calories burned during a 60 minute period of exercise for various different exercises.
| Exercise | 160lb person | 200lb person |
| Aerobics | 511 | 637 |
| Cycling | 292 | 364 |
| Hiking | 438 | 546 |
| Rowing | 511 | 637 |
| Swimming | 511 | 637 |
| Running | 986 | 1,229 |
(Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/sm00109)
As you can see, running will burn off more calories than any other exercise.
6 Responses to “Why Run To Burn Fat?”
April 16th, 2009 saat: 8:21 am
I agree and when you add in interval training to your runs you will see even more fat burn and fitness benefits!
I think most people should just get out there and do a run though. When I started I could barely do 7 minutes without wanting to collapse but you’d be surprised how quickly you progress. You will plateau on about 20 minutes or so at first but keep it up and you’ll gradually increase your time. My brother is a recent example. He went out and managed 5-10 minutes on his first go but was soon upping it by a few minutes each time. Only a few months later he is hoping to do the Bristol 10k run.
It’s probably sensible to mix up your exercises though as running can be hard on the joints. So the cross trainer, swimming, rowing machine or just plain sports (squash, badminton), etc. If you find training alone boring then get an Ipod at least or join a sports club so you have more fun with your exercise.
April 16th, 2009 saat: 4:15 pm
Is that Kris or Steph? I can’t imagine Kris ever had problems with running…
April 17th, 2009 saat: 8:17 am
Stef. He is trying to lose weight now. Kris is really fit and training hard for the 10k. He is also doing loads of weights. I will refer him to this site! He thinks he knows it all though. . .
April 17th, 2009 saat: 9:26 am
Well done to Stef for getting into shape, I can sympathise having been out of shape, it’s difficult to get yourself back into shape, but easy to keep yourself in shape. You should get Stef to have a look at the site as well, he’d benefit from some of the stuff about metabolic rate and calories needed to lose weight etc.
April 21st, 2009 saat: 4:51 am
My mother has lost 30lbs by eating right and exercising.
April 21st, 2009 saat: 9:40 pm
Great article worth a Post
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