Running or jogging seems to be the first thing that people turn to when they make the decision to get in shape or lose weight. That’s great if you enjoy running, but I’d bet that a fair amount of the people who start running to get in shape don’t actually enjoy going out for a jog. They do it because they think that they need to in order to get in shape.
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Benefits of Running
There are benefits that are to be gained by taking up running such as; improved cardiovascular fitness, release of endorphins and that it burns calories. Running can help you lose weight but just because you take up running doesn’t mean you will by default. Getting your nutrition on track is the biggest factor when trying to get in shape.
When you first start running, you probably won’t be fit enough to run fast enough or far enough to burn a large number of calories. In this situation, it would be really easy to negate the calories burned from your run by over indulging slightly at the weekend. But that’s another topic for another article. My point is that running isn’t necessarily the best thing to do to get in shape.
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Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss
One reason that running might not be the best way to lose weight is that running does little to make sure the weight lost is mostly fat. After all, fat is what we’re trying to lose here! One of the goals when trying to get in shape should be the maintenance of muscle mass. There’s no point losing a load of weight only to have nothing underneath it to provide shape and tone to your body.
This is where resistance training comes into play. Resistance training not only provides the stimulus to build muscle but also to maintain it. Muscle tissue is metabolically expensive for your body to maintain, so it needs a reason to do so. Resistance training is that reason. This is why it’s vital to include at least some resistance training into your exercise regime if optimal body composition is a goal for you.
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Running vs. Resistance Training
You can get similar benefits from a well structured resistance training program as you can from running, whilst also minimising wear and tear on your joints. You see, while you’re running, a lot of force is going through your leg each time your foot lands. Just think how many strides you take when you go for a run. A lot! If you’re carrying a little more weight than you’d like to be, then the force through your joints will be even greater. In addition to this, your joints may be unconditioned to such a pounding if you’re not a regular exerciser, which again increases the risk of injury.
I’m not saying you should never run, I’m just making the point that you don’t have to run to get in great shape. There are benefits to be gained from resistance training that you can’t really get from running. If you do enjoy running and want to get in good shape, add in some resistance exercises as well as your running.
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Article written by Sam K Whitaker | For more from Sam, check out his Facebook and Twitter:
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