Ever wondered which is better for weight loss? I find long distance (6km - that's long enough for me) far easier than running intervals. So because I hate doing intervals must mean it's better for me right?
From what I've read, yes. It is better to run intervals for weight loss.
What are intervals? Sprinting as fast as you can for 2 minutes, then walking for 2 minutes. and continuing this pattern for 20 minutes.
Why's it better: When you sprint, your body will work harder than just jogging. Sprinting will help make your metabolism work faster throughout the day after the workout, so you'll burn more calories in the end.
If you look at the difference between sprinters bodies vs long distance runners bodies. You'll see that sprinters have muscular defined physiques, while marathon runners are often very thin, but without any muscle tone. So depending on what type of body you want, look at what that body does.
Be warned though.
I didn't start out being able to run 6km or very fast when I sprinted, when I first started. I couldn't last 3 minutes jogging without being out of breath. I worked it up to being able to run for 5 minutes, then to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes. Then I found I was running 3km, then I started aiming to run longer to 4km, 5km then now 6km in 30 minutes.
But there was times when I went too hard and got shin splints. I tried running long distances every day too early, so my advice is to work up to it. Do what you feel you can do. If you push yourself too hard in the beginning you could injure yourself or be so sore you'll lose motivation.
So just like with weight loss, it is better to do it slowly but surely. You will get faster and stronger. And then you may actually like running!
Another tip: Listen to music that amps you up, and make it loud enough so that you don't hear your footsteps pounding the treadmill. And DON'T read a magazine... as that doesn't make you focus on what you are spending your time at the gym for, and that is working-out.
From what I've read, yes. It is better to run intervals for weight loss.
What are intervals? Sprinting as fast as you can for 2 minutes, then walking for 2 minutes. and continuing this pattern for 20 minutes.
Why's it better: When you sprint, your body will work harder than just jogging. Sprinting will help make your metabolism work faster throughout the day after the workout, so you'll burn more calories in the end.
If you look at the difference between sprinters bodies vs long distance runners bodies. You'll see that sprinters have muscular defined physiques, while marathon runners are often very thin, but without any muscle tone. So depending on what type of body you want, look at what that body does.
Be warned though.
I didn't start out being able to run 6km or very fast when I sprinted, when I first started. I couldn't last 3 minutes jogging without being out of breath. I worked it up to being able to run for 5 minutes, then to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes. Then I found I was running 3km, then I started aiming to run longer to 4km, 5km then now 6km in 30 minutes.
But there was times when I went too hard and got shin splints. I tried running long distances every day too early, so my advice is to work up to it. Do what you feel you can do. If you push yourself too hard in the beginning you could injure yourself or be so sore you'll lose motivation.
So just like with weight loss, it is better to do it slowly but surely. You will get faster and stronger. And then you may actually like running!
Another tip: Listen to music that amps you up, and make it loud enough so that you don't hear your footsteps pounding the treadmill. And DON'T read a magazine... as that doesn't make you focus on what you are spending your time at the gym for, and that is working-out.
Long distance or interval running - which is better for weight loss? - Day 64
Ever wondered which is better for weight loss? I find long distance (6km - that's long enough for me) far easier than running intervals. So because I hate doing intervals must mean it's better for me right?