How To Start Running To Lose Weight

If you're looking to get your body into shape, you will eventually discover that learning how to start running to lose weight is a significant and highly valuable part of your exercise regime. Running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, and it also serves to maintain one's healthy bone density. With the help of a little planning and preparation, you can start running to lose weight and reduce your risk of getting injured or burned out.

Before you start running, you will need the following:

• Jogging or running shoes

• Comfortable workout clothes

• Reflective tape

• Watch

• Cell phone

• Water bottle

1. Start by eating right. You must eat well before you start running to lose weight, for the simple fact that one is not very effective without the other. Plus, a balanced diet will help you feel better while you're running. Trade in the sugars and high fat foods in favor of more lean meats, veggies, and low calorie drinks.

2. Get a good night's sleep. You need to be well rested before you start running. It will help with your stamina, at the very least, and how fast you recover to take on the rest of the day.

3. Wear proper workout clothes. You will want to wear comfortable clothing that lets your skin breathe while running. Typically this means having sweat pants in the winter and shorts for the hot summer months. You will most certainly need a good pair of jogging shoes. Normal shoes will hurt your feet and increase your risk of injury. Be sure to put reflective tape on your clothes if you are running at night.

4. Have a lifeline on hand. If you encounter trouble or are injured, have your cell phone ready to call for help. You never know when something might go wrong regardless of how prepared you are.

5. Do your warm-ups. Before you actually start running, do stretching exercises first. This will limber up your muscles and lessen your chances of injuries. Then start your run by walking for at least five minutes; this allows your body to prepare for the increased exertion of running.

6. Don't push yourself too hard. You may find that your first actual run may be only a few minutes. The most important thing to remember here is that the amount of time you spend running is more important in the effort to lose weight than the actual distance. That said, don't expect to be able to run for a long time on your first try. You will have to build up to longer, more effective running times. The second most important thing to know is not to try to run for thirty minutes the first time around. Don't keep running when you're out of breath.

7. Cool down. After your run is finished, slow down and walk for another five minutes. This allows your body to cool off properly. You'll also want to drink water to re-hydrate.

Tips and warnings:

• Seek the advice of a doctor before you start running, especially if you have a history of heart problems.

• If you have an MP3 player to wear while running, keep the volume down and your wits about you. Muggers and other assorted two-legged animals prey on people who are not aware.

• Don't take the same path every day when you're running. Don't let lurking criminals peg you to a predictable schedule.

References:

Jogging Program