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Whenever we want to get fit, we all go for a run. Bad idea. Here's why.
Yes and No.
Yes, because running is a form of activity. Thereby you will burn calories doing so. If you are burning calories to the point where you are in a calorie-deficit – you lose weight! Simple.
No, because you are probably running too much, undereating, damaging your joints, burning away muscle tissue in the process and just spinning your wheels.
The most common issue I see is the runner who is on a low-calorie diet and runs for a long period of time. Your body is taking a beating and especially since you aren’t getting in enough critical nutrients and calories – you don’t lose weight the way you want.
Look I will say this just now. Weight loss comes down to the basic laws of thermodynamics. Which basically means you must be burning more than you consume. But the problem with this is that people tend to go really low, and really deprive the body to the point where they aren’t losing weight, hormones get affected and they feel c**p.
I don’t actually get any of my clients running. It is very impactful on the knees and ankles especially since we all have adopted poor posture and walking/running habits and our biomechanics are not in synch. Therefore it would make no sense to get unfit/overweight people on a treadmill and pound their joints.
It makes me sad to see trainers who get their overweight clients doing sprints on a treadmill – makes no sense. Instead, I tend to use things like Crosstrainers, Rowing machines, bikes etc. The idea is to get a form of cardio where the foot doesn’t leave the floor.
Am I against running?
No.
All I am saying is that if you are structurally able to run or participate in sports where running is required, then, by all means, carry on. You can use running to help with burning calories and achieve weight loss – If you are doing it properly. But if you are unfit and have little experience in the gym, do not run. You don’t need to. You can burn calories a thousand different ways. It’s all about opening your eyes to the various other safer options you have!
Be smart, save your joints.
