Running and Weight Loss

One reason why I got into running was to lose weight; not only to lose it, but keep it off. I have found that running is probably one of the safest and easiest ways. By starting off gradually you can work yourself up to a standard where you will find yourself shedding pounds in no time at all. Adding in a well balanced diet in whole grains, vegetables and fruits adds fuel and helps build your metabolism, which mixed in with running can result in superior weight loss goals.

The following paragraphs are from an article from http://www.therunnersguide.com/loseweightrunning which I found to be interesting, useful and hopefully you will also.

Runners of all athletic abilities should start out their running program gradually in an effort to lose weight. This will help to ensure the runner is not overtaxing his body. Some people might be disappointed to hear this because they may want to start sprinting immediately believing this is the best way to lose weight. However, by starting out gradually the individual is actually making the program safer, healthier and even more effective. By starting out a program of losing weight by running gradually, the individual leaves a great deal of room for him to modify his running program and intensify the workouts as necessary when the weight loss begins to stagnate.

The process of changing a workout routine regularly is a very important one to the weight loss process; however, it is also a process which many weight loss enthusiasts fail to fully understand. This is important because those who do not understand the need to modify a running program regularly are often likely to find themselves in a position where they are unable to achieve their weight loss goals because their running is no longer producing the desired results for them. The simple explanation to this problem is the body readily adapts to new situations and may quickly become accustomed to a running program. When this happens the body becomes more efficient and requires fewer calories to do the same amount of work. The unfortunate side effect of this increased efficiency is the person stops losing weight at the same pace.