I know, I know....
Running sucks!
It is really hard work, compared to the leisurely stroll in the park with friends that Shape magazine promises "will get you in bikini form in no time". You get all sweaty and your cheeks are as scarlet as stove hot plates!
Plus, everywhere you look, "experts" tell you that it really doesn't matter if you run or walk - you will burn the same amount of calories if you cover the same distance, right?
So, then why should you strain your joints (and willpower) and run, you ask?
First things first. The above "experts" are correct. Let me say that again: you burn the same amount of calories, whether you walk or run the same distance. So, walking 5km will burn the same calories as running 5 km.
Yet, there are differences. Subtle ones, but they build up to a lot in the long run (excuse the pun!).
To start off with, there is the time factor. Walking 5km (if you are a 5.5km an hour leisurely-
stroll type) will take you just under one hour. If you were to run the same distance (at say 10km/hour... not particularly fast) you will be done in just 30 minutes. It gets worse as the distance grows!
Remember, one of the reasons you started the whole weight loss thing was to enjoy life, right. It will be hard to do so, if you have to spend more and more of your precious time exercising simply because you don't feel like picking up the pace!
Then there is the intensity! Intensity is important, because it works almost the same way as compound interest! It really adds up!
Because running requires so much more energy than walking, your heart rate gets really high. (In other words, your muscles need more oxygen, so the blood needs to get to them faster to deliver that oxygen; the only way to make that happen is if your heart pumps double time to make sure enough oxygen gets transported.) When you stop running, your heart rate doesn't just drop back to normal. It takes a while. Like 2-2.5 hours, actually! So throughout these follow-up hours your body is still using much more energy than normal. Sounds like little, but can work up to 2-3kg of extra weight loss a month (depending on how fast you ran and how much you weighed to begin with) but definitely a worth while difference, achieved from simple recovery!
On the other hand, after you finished your stroll, you are back to square one (low calorie burning mode). But because you feel you did "exercise" and you were sooo good, you figure "I can reward myself with something to eat!. And this is where your problem gets worse.
It is highly unlikely that you will feel like something sweet after a run. After a walk, however, things are different. Need any more reasons to pick up a jog this afternoon?
Ciao!
Jeni
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2 comments:
Pleased I picked up your business card at Wembley Virgin Active. Hope to get loads of motivation as I need to loose 8 kgs! By the way, I prefer walking and now have also started Pilates. Hopefully to improve my stomach muscles!
Hey,
I am glad you picked up my card! I look forward to giving you some motivation! I also work out at Wembley Square Virgin, so if you want to meet up some time or you have any questions, or you just want to talk - just let me know.
On the running:walking thing...
Here is the deal... If you PREFER walking to running, than it is BETTER for you. Why? Cause you are more likely to stick with it. Walking also has other great benefits - no impact on your knees, more social than running and definitely easier! So, if walking is what you enjoy, then do it. Incorporate some hills whenever you can to get the most of your walking workout and it will work just as well. I have said in previous posts on this blog that 70% of how you look is based on your eating plan, 20% on your exercise and 10% is rest, so watching your diet and walking can be very effective!
Pilates is also awesome. I am an ex-dancer, so I am a strong proponent of core training. It affects your posture, which can make you look slimmer instantly! So, keep it up!
If there is any fitness or diet related question that you want to know more about, you can always ask on this blog. I try to update it weekly (OK, it is now more bi-weekly, but I am working on it!) and will be glad to give you my view.
Ciao for now and good luck!
Jeni
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