Running to Burn Fat

Running has several health benefits and is one of the quickest ways of burning fat. However, you need to know the correct technique of running, to burn fat, if you are aiming at weight loss. Read on to know more..
Running to Burn Fat
Most people who run to burn fat can vouch the effectiveness of running, in weight loss. Running is one of the simplest fat burning exercise and yet the most effective one. However, it is imperative that you know the correct technique of running, if you wish to gain maximum results in minimal time. It's of no use, if you keep running throughout the day and yet fail to lose the desired number of pounds. Correct technique of running is very important, if you are running to burn fat.

What Type of Running Benefits You the Most?
Interval training, is the form of running that is most efficient for fat burning. It includes alternate sessions of intense workout and resting exercise. Ideally, a 4 minute intense workout session is most efficient in controlling weight. However, if you are over weight, then a 12 minute interval training will suit you the best. It includes, alternate sessions of walking and running for 12 minutes. This type of running gives you the same result, as a 4 minute intense workout.

How to Start Burning Fat with Running?
If you are already engaged in any kind of sport and have the required stamina, then you can straightway start with a 4 minute intense training program. Else, you can go for 12 minute interval training. Brisk walk for about a minute, then increase your speed and jog for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Slow down and again walk for a minute. Keep repeating the procedure for 12 minutes. Gradually, you can increase the duration of both the intense periods and the resting periods. Do this exercise for about 2-3 times a week.

How Does Running Burn Fat ?
Many people are of the opinion that walking exercise on the tread mill, at a moderate pace, burns more calories than running. However, one must understand that when you walk on the treadmill, the calories that you burn come only from the fat, whereas when you run, the amount of calories you burn come from the entire body mass. Obviously, it means that although you burn less calories from the fat, you still burn more calories when it comes to the total number of calories burnt. Thus, running helps you to burn excess calories and eventually results in fat loss.

Is Running the Best Way to Burn Fat?
Yes and no. Running is the best way to burn fat if you a have only a few pounds in excess, or already have a toned body which you wish to maintain. However, if you are overweight or downright obese, then running can do more harm than good. You are at the risk of damaging your joints by subjecting them to a lot of stress. Overweight people can benefit more from combination exercises, than running. Exercises such as brisk walking, skipping, stationary bicycle etc. performed every few days a week, alternately, can be more efficient in burning fat than running.

If you are running to burn fat, there are number of ways in which your body will be benefited. Not only running boosts your metabolism, it also regulates the fat-muscle ratio and helps to tone your body. However, while running, always make sure to run on a soft surface. Hard surfaces like concrete can give you a lot of foot problems. Similarly, buy a pair of good quality running shoes to give your feet maximum comfort.

By Ashwini Kulkarni
Published: 8/21/2009
 
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