Weight Loss Journal

If you want to get the most out of a running regimen for weight loss, setting crazy weight loss goals and then running like crazy may not be the most advantageous way to get things done. Here are some tips for running for optimum weight loss.

- Running often has numerous other impacts besides just your calorie burning effort and weight loss. You will build strength in your legs and abdomen, will impact your heart rate, and may even become more flexible. Try setting other realistic and measurable goals that can be tracked during your running. Give yourself a fitness test and look at the other ways that you are becoming healthier through running. Can you touch your toes? Can you run a mile more quickly? Are you suddenly able to run for longer periods of time without feeling tired? These are all measurable goals that can help you get the most out of your running routine, even if the scale is not always showing you the results that you want.

- Mix things up with different types of running. Take a long, leisurely jog on Monday, then when you go out on Wednesday, run for a shorter period of time but on an incline instead. To toss things up further, go out on Friday with a much higher intensity level in mind. Sprints can take off the fat and burn off the calories more quickly than leisurely jogging, so end your running regimen for the week with a few good hard sprints. Each of these types of running burns calories at completely unique rates, and they also impact different parts of your body as well.

- To make your runs last longer, mix them up with small walking periods. Run for a few minutes, and then slow to a walk to catch your breath. You may find yourself doubling or even tripling how long you are out there, if you give yourself small breaks to catch up and regulate your heartbeat and breathing again.

- If you find yourself having trouble mustering the motivation to go running, bring an iPod or another mp3 player and focus on that instead. If you're not interested in music, consider bringing an audio book. Some mp3 players can even pick up on radio stations, so you could be listening to NPR or your favorite rock station while running along your favorite trail. This may be the perfect amount of distraction to help you forget how much you didn't want to go running today.

Running is a great way to lose weight, build strength, tone muscles and even improve flexibility. Running can improve your heart function and lung function and give you a better overall sense of health. Sometimes it just takes a little extra motivation to get the most out of your running routine. Implement one or more of these tips into your regimen and you may see a completely different side of running, finding it more enjoyable than ever before.

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When you first start on a weight management plan, it’s easy to look at calories as your enemy. In fact, many people fall into the trap of actually consuming too few calories, which can make it harder to lose weight, especially over time. Your body needs to have fuel in order to run properly and if it doesn’t you may notice that you just don’t feel right, and that you don’t have enough energy. This makes it hard to stick to your diet, and if you are too deprived, you may actually be slowing down your own metabolism.

The first step to take is to figure out your basal metabolic rate. This is the bare minimum of calories that your body needs for basic functions, such as running your brain, keeping your heart beating and keeping everything running smoothly. It’s not wise to drop below your basal rate, particularly for any extended period of time. This will end up slowing your system down and you may find it impossible to lose weight. In fact, many people that plateau may have simply reached their basal rate and they are not eating enough to lose weight.

You can find a basal metabolic rate calculator online that will help you determine your basic needs. They will need information such as your height, current weight, your age and how much exercise you get. Be honest so that you can get a good idea of just how many calories you really need. If you do need to burn fat, it is acceptable to go a little below that basal rate, but you should never drop below 1200 calories. You can also add more exercise to increase the amount of calories that you burn, which will actually help you raise your metabolism.

Once you determine what your daily basic needs are, you’ll be able to start working on a basic diet plan that will provide you with the weight loss you need, without sacrificing your health as a result. Try not to go more than 500 calories less than your basal rate, and instead, add more exercise to help you burn more calories.

Some signs that you are not consuming enough calories can be a headache, which is common when you are suffering from a lack of protein, general tiredness, fatigue, simple malaise and generally just not feeling up to snuff. While it is common for your body to through a few of these changes initially when you start a weight loss plan, within a week or so you should actually start to feel energized. If you don’t, you may not be eating enough to keep your body functioning properly.

While we all want to lose weight quickly, it is much smarter to take the time that it takes, watch your caloric intake and make sure that you don’t go overboard when it comes to cutting those calories. Your body needs fuel if you want to get healthy.

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If you are just getting into exercising or you are an old pro, injuries can happen at any time. It doesn’t take much to injure our joints or muscles and exercising improperly only contributes to the problem. Before you go out to do your next workout, remember these tips to ensure that you won’t be running the risk of an injury.

1. Find the right balance.

Repetitive exercises will wear down your joints, especially if you are doing several sets in a row. It is important to change up your routines to avoid putting too much stress on the same joints for a long period of time. For example, if you like to run for thirty minutes, go for ten, stretch for ten, and then complete your run for the next ten minutes. If you’re at the gym, switch machines for a few minutes before going back to your favorite one. This can really help you avoid injury.

2. Make sure you are using proper form.

One of the best ways to injure yourself while exercising is to do the exercises wrong. Make sure that you know what the proper form looks like and frequently check yourself to make sure you are doing it the right way. For example, your knees should always be aligned with your feet, your torso should be straight and your neck should not be bent forward. Finding the right form will actually improve the effectiveness of your workout. If you’re not sure if you are doing an exercise correctly, you may want to ask a trainer to give you a few tips, or take one lesson with them to see what you need to change.

Also be sure to wear proper clothing!

3. Take a break.

It sounds simple, but it is important to schedule brief breaks during your workout, especially if you are really going at. Allow a few minutes in between exercises to get your strength back and allow your muscles to relax. However, don’t wait too long, or you’ll need to stretch again to warm your muscles back up. Just a breather here and there can make a big difference in preventing injuries.

4. Follow the 10% rule.

Once you start working out and seeing results, it is very tempting to keep amping up your workouts. However, you need to give your body time to adjust to all of this new activity. Don’t go from 30 minute workouts one day to 45 minute workouts the next. Instead, use the 10% rule and add 3 minutes a day until you get up to your desired length. This helps your body get accustomed to the new level of activity and your muscles will thank you.

While many of us have been trained to “feel the burn” and accept pain, sports injuries are no laughing matter. Listen to your body – if it feels wrong or you are in pain, you need to stop immediately. There is a difference between working your muscles and overworking them and it is vital to be able to tell the difference.

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