People are always searching for the best way to lose weight. Whether it’s through dieting or using supplements, there are several ways to go about it. However, for those who want to lose weight through exercise, several questions arise. Is it better to run or to bike? How about the intensity level? Does it matter what surface you use?
What we have here are the top five most frequent questions regarding the link between running and weight loss. Keep reading for the answers.
Is Running Better for Weight Loss?
The short answer is yes. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, getting enough exercise is one of the best ways to avoid obesity. In fact, just 30 minutes a day on most days of the week will suffice.
The benefits of regular exercise clearly outweigh the potential risks. Nevertheless, before you begin pumping your muscles and joints with activity, remember the following:
- Consult your physician first
- Don’t overexercise
- Take it easy at first
- Work your muscles
- No impact workouts should be done
- Watch what you eat
Why should you discuss these things with your physician? Well, for starters, he or she can set up a tailor-made exercise program for you. Depending on your health condition, the expert can advise you on the safest and the most effective way of exercising. Some conditions, such as heart disease, make you ineligible to participate in certain types of exercise. In addition, your physician can advise you on the various supplements that can be used to enhance your efforts in losing weight.
Does Running Use More Energy Than Other Exercise?
It depends. One of the primary reasons why running is considered superior to other types of exercise is because it uses more energy. According to research, running on a flat surface for just 20 minutes will raise your metabolic rate by 20 percent. This makes it a more efficient way to lose weight than biking or swimming. Plus, you get the added benefit of increased cardio health along with the weight loss.
When you run, your body requires more energy to maintain proper function. Therefore, it’s better for your general health if you run instead of biking or swimming. The key is to find the right track for your body type. If you have a fast metabolism, for instance, the uphill part of the track will be ideal for making you work harder than usual. On the other hand, if you have a more sluggish metabolism, the downhill part will serve the same purpose. The point is to find the right pace for you and make the most of it!
Can You Lose Weight While You Run?
Yes, you can lose weight while you run. However, only the lazy people who want to gain weight will advise you to do so. If you’re looking for an efficient way to shed some pounds, running is an excellent option. Studies show that people who participate in regular exercise lose more weight than those who don’t. In fact, a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that participants who exercised for more than three hours per week lost more weight than those who exercised for less than three hours per week. So, if you’re serious about losing weight, don’t expect others to do it for you. Work hard, eat healthy, and you’ll soon be on your way to a slimmer body.
Is Running More Efficient Than Biking For Weight Loss?
This is certainly debatable. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 16,500 deaths per year can be attributed to obesity. If you’re one of the many people who have decided to lose weight through exercise, you’re already way ahead of the game. If you want to increase your odds of losing weight, running is certainly more efficient than biking. After all, it requires less energy to walk or run than to bike. Nevertheless, if you have a good appetite and would like to lose weight quickly, biking may be the better option. The bottom line is, it depends on you and what you want out of the experience. Walking/running is a great way to lose weight, but it may not be for everyone.
How Long Should You Run For?
This is another question that gets asked a lot. After all, you’ll likely have several different opinions regarding this topic. Nevertheless, as a general rule, the longer you run, the more calories you’ll burn. Studies show that after just 10 minutes of running, you’ll start burning calories. So if you want to lose weight, run for at least 20 minutes each day.
It’s also important to note that while running is one of the most popular methods of weight loss, it’s not the only one. In order to lose weight, you need to set a goal and commit to it. If you want to improve your odds of losing weight, you must be innovative and creative in your approach to dieting. After all, if you want others to help you lose weight, you have to be the one to make the effort. Walking/running is a proven way to lose weight, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. In order to lose weight and stay healthy, you need to change your lifestyle and the way you look at things. If you want to lose weight and keep your body slender, you need to do so by yourself.