You wake up, excited about your big plans for the day. Maybe you’re meeting friends for lunch, you’re going for a bike ride, or you’ve got a big day ahead at work. You’ve got your hair brushed and you slip on your shoes. Suddenly, your phone rings. It’s a group text from your friends: “Did you hear about the tsunami that’s going to hit Japan?”
You freak out. Did they really just ask if you’d heard about the tsunami? Are you going to lose friends because you didn’t join the conversation? Are you really going to let your hair down and act like a total idiot? No, of course not. You compose yourself, tell your friends you were actually thinking about them, and get out the door.
You’re a busy person. You work hard to pay your bills, put food on the table, and provide for your family. You don’t have time to be bothered with things like losing weight. If you really want to improve your quality of life, you need to make time for an activity you enjoy, like running.
You may be wondering if there’s a connection between running and weight loss. You may be thinking that the act of running will burn calories and help you lose weight. Or, you may have heard that people who run regularly are much thinner than those who don’t. All of this may sound a little bit familiar. If so, you’re in luck because there’s a simple and proven way you can start losing weight today: run everyday!
Why should you lose weight by running? There’s a lot of evidence that points to the health benefits of regular activity. In fact, the 2015 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Of course, there’s more than one way to achieve this, and some people may prefer to get their activity in a different way. The important thing is that you find something that works best for you and stick with it.
Running Improves Mental Health
Mental health is an important indicator of physical health. A 2013 study from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort found that adults who reported more physical activity had higher levels of self-esteem and were more successful at handling stress. They also had fewer mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
While there’s no direct proof that running helps improve mental health, there are a few things we know about the link between the two. First, exercise is known to be important for normal mental function. Second, it has been shown that the mere act of walking can improve someone’s mood. Third, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2011, moderate intensity exercise – such as that which you’d get from running – can increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel better. Fourth, the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, depends on physical activity, so even if you don’t feel like you’re getting any benefit from a run, you’re still getting some benefit from the activity itself.
Running Reduces The Risk Of Obesity
You don’t always need scientific evidence to know that something is good for you, and there are several studies that have linked regular running with reduced risk of obesity. A study from Australia titled “The Role of the Football Industry and Fitness Classes in Preventing Obesity” published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2012 found that people who participated in football (aka American football) were less likely to be obese than those who did not participate. In fact, after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity, they found that those who participated in football had a 43% lower risk of obesity compared to those who did not participate in football. They also noted that the levels of physical activity were similar between the two groups, which suggests that participation in football – even if it’s just once a week – may help prevent obesity.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2011 found that active individuals had a 30% lower risk of becoming obese than those who were inactive. To determine whether biking, swimming, or running was associated with a lower risk of obesity, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health compared 18,000 men and women who participated in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week with 29,000 inactive individuals. After adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, drinking, and level of education, they determined that the obese individuals were 70% more likely to be inactive than those who were not obese. Interestingly, they found that for both men and women, those who participated in running or biking had the lowest risk of becoming obese, while swimming had the highest.
Can You Lose Weight By Running Everyday?
Can you lose weight by running everyday? Yes. In fact, the simple act of getting out on the road or treadmill regularly can help you lose weight. There are several benefits to this approach, including helping to reduce your risk of obesity, which we discussed above. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the mental and physical benefits that come with regular exercise.
If you want to start losing weight, getting out on the road or treadmill every day is an easy way to do it. You don’t need to worry about finding the time to exercise, because you’ll be doing it anyway. Plus, there’s always the option of going for a walk, which burns calories and gets your heart pumping without having to worry about finding the time to fit in a workout.
Make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the activity that you are doing. For example, if you are running, then you may want to wear running shoes or sports gear. If you are walking, then you may want to wear something comfortable.
How Do You Exercise?
Now that you’re motivated to lose weight, it’s important to consider how you’re going to do it. Are you going to join a gym and pay monthly membership fees? Are you going to buy expensive workout clothes and gear? Or, are you going to find a free or cheap workout class that you can attend?
There are several different ways that people exercise, and each one has its perks. If you’re looking for the best way to lose weight, then consider some of the following options.
Running
If you want to lose weight fast, then consider running. Not only does it provide you with an easy way to get moving, but it also helps reduce the risk of obesity. If you participate in regular marathons and half-marathons, then you’re getting a workout and helping to keep your heart healthy.
There are several different ways that you can incorporate running into your routine. If you live within a 30-minute drive of a gym, then you can use their treadmill there. Or, you can join a running club and ask them if they have any recommended races or events that you can participate in. If this is not possible, then you can use your phone’s GPS to track your runs and map out the terrain. Every mile, every hill, and every change in weather make a difference in how you feel during and after your workout. You may sweat a lot during the summer months, but that’s a good thing – it means you’re working out!
Biking
If you want to lose weight without having to worry about eating healthy, then consider biking instead. This is a great way to get exercise, and it also helps keep your heart healthy. If you’ve never been a big fan of driving or taking public transportation, then biking is an easy way to get around. You can also purchase a bike trailer and hit the open roads with your friends and family. The nice thing about biking is that it’s something that you can do alone, or with people you care about.
Gym
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight and get in shape, then consider joining a gym. There are several different types of gyms, from free weights to dance classes, that you can use to build strength and burn calories. If money is no object to you and you want the best possible results, then consider a gym with a personal trainer and pay for individual sessions. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll have someone to cheer you on during your workouts.
Pilates
If you’re looking for an easy way to get in shape and to shed a few pounds, then consider doing Pilates. This method focuses on bringing your body into proper alignment and strengthening your core muscles. Pilates is great because it not only causes your body to enter a different state of mind, but it also requires you to work hard while finding your limits. This is a great way to improve your overall fitness and to have a more enjoyable workout experience.