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How To Lose Weight By Running

By: Lisa Gelbman

Break Studios Contributing Writer

How to lose weight by running is a great, healthy way to begin the process of weight loss. What many people love about this method of losing weight is that their diet does not have to change. Of course by changing your diet and running you will lose more weight than just running, but you will still see results from exercise alone. However, many people become discouraged after their first run thinking they're not cut out for it, but the truth is anyone can do it. Just follow these simple steps and you will be on your way to a new healthier and slimmer you!

  1. Start out slow. There is no reason you need to hop on that treadmill and kick that baby up to eight miles per hour. A nice pace to start out with his anywhere between four and a half to five miles per hour. You will find that it is possible to power walk at this speed, but even jogging yields more benefits than power walking at the same speeds.
  2. Focus on time. The first time you get on the treadmill, chances are twenty minutes will be a struggle. This is totally fine. Go for as long as you can to see what your limit is, but do not overdo it. Killing yourself the first day will be discouraging, and you wont be excited about running next time. The good news is that it will get easier. After the first five session on twenty minutes, up your next five sessions to twenty-five. If you feel like you can, up your time to thirty minutes after your next five sessions. Stay at thirty minutes from there on out, as that is a perfectly good workout. Only do more if you feel like it.
  3. It's okay to walk. What's most important about this plan is that you are active for a substantial amount of time. In the above plan of twenty, twenty-five, and thirty minutes, it is totally fine to walk in order to reach your time goal. Eventually, you will be able to run the entire time.
  4. Bring water. In order to lose weight by running, it is very important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your run. Having water next to you to refuel during a run does wonders for your body. It's refreshing and energizing, and your body will thank you.
  5. Control your breathing. Not only will this help your endurance, but it will also avoid that annoying stitch in your side. If you typically get a stitch on your right side, inhale and exhale every time (or every other time) your left foot hits the ground. If you normally get a stitch on your left side, breathe the same way but as your right foot hits the ground.

Hopefully these five tips and tricks will get you running and losing weight in no time. It is also definitely worth your while to invest in a good pair of running shoes. Many running stores offer a free analysis of your feet and running gate, and will recommend the right shoe for you. This is not the way to rapid weight loss, but the perfect way to lose weight in a healthy way that will also give you a better chance of keeping the weight off. In no time, you'll be hooked!

Posted on: Sep. 12, 2010