Many people choose running as a form of weight loss, thinking that it is the most optimal way to lose weight.
I would disagree. Whilst there isn’t anything wrong with a nice casual jog or run (especially in the beautiful weather or to enjoy the fresh air), it isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to weight loss. And i certainly do not advocate hours of endless treadmill running (unless you are restricted to training indoors and you are training that way for a specific purpose, such as marathon running and its unsafe to run outside).
On the other hand… running has also got a bad rep, with some coaches even telling people it will make them fat! That myth is **only** holding a grain of truth in that excessive cardio is stressful and taxing to the body. Especially in someone who is following a diet that is lower than body fat maintenance level on calories (as you would be in competition prep mode).
Prolonged periods of stress, just like this, leads to changes in the neural and hormonal system. Each can contribute to adrenal fatigue and metabolic syndrom. In this instance, there is a chance that the body can be stubborn to lose more fat, or worse go into fat storage mode.
Running is like any form of exercise on the body, it challenges the body to change. What that means is that the same distance, covered at the same speed, has LESS effectiveness in calorie expenditure. That means that you have got to keep changing an aspect of it to keep it challenging.
However it is still a stress on the body: you cannot run all day every day, and should be considered a small part of a fat loss equation.
For maximum results… add some resistance training, and also clean up your diet. Abs are made in the kitchen.
If you like running as your cardio training (as part of that combined training and nutrition….) then run! If not… find something else that gets your heart rate high.
If you like what you read, I do have a series of Ebooks on Amazon. i have designed these to inform and educate with real no-nonsense information about how to live a sustainably healthy life long term. It is the tool kit and knowledge that you need to make your own informed decisions for long term health.
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Thank you for reading and don't hesitate to reach out for questions or inquiries!