As a teen, Rob Kardashian had a habit of sneaking off to the gym whenever he got the chance. Now that he’s a dad, he’s turned this hobby into a lifestyle choice, and he incorporates running with his kids every day. But will jogging with your kids every day help them grow up strong?
Based on a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Obesity, it might be better to run for shorter intervals than previously thought. Specifically, the study found that while conventional wisdom has held for decades that daily moderate exercise is essential for health, it may not be the case for all individuals. In fact, the study suggests that some people might benefit more from high-intensity workouts.
Here’s why.
Why Do You Need To Lose Weight?
Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk of developing various chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. In addition, being overweight or obese makes it more difficult to lead a full life, as you won’t be able to participate in the activities you love. For instance, if you’re struggling with weight issues, you’ll most likely be restricted to bed rest or limited exercise, which could lead to long-term health complications.
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to lose weight, and the reasons are personalized for each one of us. However, there are some basic guidelines that can help you decide if running is the right choice for you.
How Much Should You Weigh?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is how much you should weigh. There’s no single right answer to this question because it depends on several factors, including your height, age, and sex. To complicate matters further, the shape and size of your body language can also dictate the amount you should weigh. For example, if you constantly feel like you’re carrying too much weight in areas related to your stomach, you may need to lose more than someone whose shape is more evenly distributed. However, in general, the smaller the number, the better. One popular rule of thumb is to aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 24 to 26, which indicates health (the BMI Calculator).
Do You Need To Lose Weight To Be Fit?
Being fit does not necessarily mean you need to lose weight. Indeed, some highly fit individuals are heavier than others. For example, professional athletes like Alex Rodriguez sometimes deliberately gain weight for better performance. While you’re at it, you might as well do the same thing. Having more muscle does, in fact, tend to make you move faster, which could boost your overall performance.
However, let’s be honest, most of us don’t look like professional athletes. We’re much more likely to have soft, cushy bodies with a little bit of a belly. Regardless, it’s not easy to shed off the pounds no matter how many times you try. For that matter, even the most celebrated athletes in the world can’t keep up with the rigorous demands of a healthy lifestyle. It’s just not practical to exercise daily, and eventually, you’ll run out of steam.
Can You Use Existing Routines To Lose Weight?
Another thing you should consider before hopping on the running bandwagon is whether or not you’re already following a healthy diet and a regular workout routine. If you are, then great! You know what they say, “Use what you already have.” In that case, you may not even need to change a thing, except maybe increase the duration and frequency of your workout sessions.
It’s important to note here that it’s not just about the weight loss. Regular exercise can actually put you in a better mood, which makes it easier to eat healthy and keep off the extra pounds. Also, exercise can increase your self-esteem, help you deal with anxiety and depression, and even reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Running For Parents
If you’re a parent, the idea of taking your kids to the park to play or letting them follow your example and run around might not sound like a good idea. Perhaps it’s best to keep your children inside, away from the dangers of the outside world. This is where the concept of taking your kids to work with you might come in handy. Specifically, you could use the exercise to strengthen your mental faculties and get some productive air time with your children. In addition, if you own your own business, you could let your kids assist you with tasks such as ordering supplies, taking calls, or preparing food.
Running With Kids Is Fun
A lot of people might see jogging with your kids as a chore or something you have to do to make them happy, but that’s definitely not true. Indeed, parents across the globe are making the most of opportunities to play with their kids while getting some exercise. Whether it’s strolling the streets with your toddler in a baby jogger or taking them to the park for some fresh air, running with your kids can be a fun activity for both of you. In fact, there are a number of apps and websites that can help you track your jogs with your kids, so you can keep track of their growth and development as they get older.
The point here is that you shouldn’t compare your weight loss efforts with someone else’s. Indeed, no two people are biologically identical, and what might work well for one person may not be the best fit for another. In order to discover what works best for you, you need to try out a variety of different routines and techniques, some of which might be more suitable for weight loss than others. If you’d like to try out a different workout method, then there are plenty of alternatives available, all of which can help you get started. In the end, it’s all about finding what works best for you, and the sooner you accomplish that, the better you’ll be able to lead a long, healthy life.