Is Running a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Running burns approximately 100 calories per mile.

Running is one of the most popular sports out there. It is easy to get started running. All you need is a good pair of shoes. Running for exercise can help people who are trying to lose weight.

Weight Loss

Any activity that increases your heart rate will burn calories.

In most cases, gaining or losing weight is a matter of mathematics. In order to lose weight a person needs to burn off more calories than he takes in. Someone who wants to lose 1 lb. of body fat must burn off 3,500 more calories than he consumes. The easiest way for someone to burn off additional calories is to raise his heart rate through exercise.

Running for Weight Loss

Running with a group can be excellent motivation.

Running is an effective way to increase the heart rate and burn calories. Running or jogging one mile burns approximately 100 calories. It also encourages the body to build muscle mass, which helps to burn additional calories even during times of rest.

Warnings

Running can strain joints in the knees and legs.

People who are significantly overweight should get a doctor's approval before beginning a running program. Running puts significant strain on the knees and legs and can be painful for people with joint problems. It is best to start off with a slow jog and increase speed and distance gradually. Runners should always wear supportive shoes and try to run on grass or blacktop rather than concrete whenever possible.

References

• Fitness Motivator: Lose Weight by Running

Resources

• Fitness Motivator: Start Running