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Weight Loss Exercise

Essential Running Gear for Beginners




When it comes to running gear, the single most important item you need is a good pair of running shoes. However, there are a few things you may also need in order to make running safer and more comfortable. Having these basic gear will help ensure that you’ll grow to love this form of aerobic exercise and be healthy and fit for the rest of your life.

Running Shoes

Every runner needs a decent pair of running shoes. If you have an old pair gathering dust at the back of your closet, ditch them and get yourself a new pair of running shoes, preferably from a specialty running store. The employees at the specialty store should be able to advise you on the best running shoes for your foot type and gait. The running shoes you choose should provide the cushioning and support you need to run comfortably and avoid injury.

Clothes

You need comfortable clothes for running. Choose a shirt made of wicking fabric such as DryFit, Thermax or CoolMax, to draw sweat away from your body. Cotton fabrics are not recommended because once they get wet, they’ll stay wet. Clothes that wick away sweat and moisture help prevent chafing.

Wear a comfortable pair of running shorts. If it’s cold out, you may want to wear sweatpants/tights. Cotton socks are not recommended as they hold moisture and leave your feet wet and cold. Instead, wear socks made of wicking material such as polyester. Women should wear a comfortable and supportive sports bra.

New runners have a tendency to overdress. When the temperature is above 55°F, all you have to wear is a pair of shorts and a shirt. Once your body has warmed up, it will feel 15-20 degrees warmer from your extra body heat. If it’s really cold, consider wearing a stocking cap and gloves.

Hydration Belt and Water Bottles

It’s important to stay hydrated, so if your run lasts more than 30 minutes and you have no access to water on your route, you’ll need to carry your own water or drink. A hydration belt and some water bottles can hold your fluids while keeping your hands free.

Running Watch

One piece of running gear that you will find useful is a running watch so you can keep track of how long you have been running. You can also use it to time your run/walk intervals. As you gain more running experience, you may soon want to buy a GPS watch or one with a heart rate monitor.

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Weight Loss Exercise

Is Running Good for Weight Loss?





Is Running Good for Weight Loss? When coupled with a sensible diet, any form of exercise can help you lose weight. However, running is recognized as one of the best workouts for weight loss. You can burn more calories by running for half an hour than walking for the same length of time. If you’re wondering whether or not running is good for weight loss, the answer is yes.

An aerobic exercise like running elevates your heart rate and strengthens your cardiovascular system. When working out at your aerobic threshold, your body will go into fat-burning mode. Even after you stop running, your body will continue to burn calories as a faster rate. This will help burn more fat and aid in weight loss.

Is Running Good for Weight Loss?

One pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. This means that if you want to shed one pound, you have to burn 3,500 calories more than you consume over a given period of time. Health experts recommend a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week, or up to 8 pounds in one month. Depending on your weight loss goal, you would have to burn an extra 500-1000 calories per day.

Is Running Good for Weight Loss?

Is Running Good for Weight Loss?

On average, an individual weighing 150 pound who runs one mile burns about 100 calories. If you weigh more, you’ll burn slightly more calories. If you weigh less, you’ll burn fewer calories running the same distance. For example, a 120-pound person running at a 5 mile-per-hour pace will burn approximately 88 calories.

In practical terms, a person weighing 180 pounds who runs 5 miles a day will lose around 5 pounds in a month’s time. This weight loss can be achieved without making any changes in the diet.

Not a Fast Solution

While health experts agree when asked is running good for weight loss, it will take time and patience to shed pounds. This can be a problem if people want to see results right away.

Fitness experts also caution that a 10-minute run will not do much for weight loss or cardiovascular health. In order to get the full benefits of cardiovascular exercise, you need to workout and maintain your aerobic threshold for at least 30 minutes.

Long and Slow vs. Short and Fast

Studies show that the best weight loss results take place when people burn 2,800 extra calories per week through exercise. This means that long, slow runs (at least 30 minutes duration) 3 to 4 times a week burn more calories than short, fast runs.

Running is good for weight loss, but keep in mind that it will take time before you reach your desired weight. The good news is that running will also help improve your cardiovascular and overall health.

So you ask is running good for weight loss? And in fact it is although the weight will not come off right away but you will become healthier and lose the weight.

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Weight Loss Exercise

Fitness Tips for Men: A Beginner’s Guide



Are you concerned about the extra pounds on your belly? You should be. Studies show that overweight men whose waistlines exceed 40 inches are at greater risk of suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to get back in shape.

The following fitness tips for men will help you lose excess weight, develop muscles, and make you healthier than ever before.

1. Shed extra weight

As you grow older, your metabolism starts to decline. Men who are in their 40′s or older are more likely to gain weight. Shed those extra pounds by exercising regularly and eating a sensible diet. Keep in mind that diet and exercise go together to help you burn fat faster.

2. Improve your cardiovascular health with aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise is one of the best fitness tips for men. According to fitness experts, aerobic exercise can help prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Aerobic exercise elevates the heart rate, improves blood circulation and boosts your endurance. If you are a beginner, it’s best to start your exercise regimen by walking. Later on, you can include jogging, swimming, or biking as your fitness level improves.

Aim for 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week.

3. Build muscles

Fitness Tips for Men: A Beginners GuideMost men love exercises for muscle building. Strength training is important for men because muscle loss is inevitable as you age. Weight lifting helps prevent muscle loss and keeps you strong.

For beginners, start by lifting dumbbells and lighter weights. Choose weights that you can lift to exhaustion after 12 reps while maintaining proper form. Exercises that make use of your body weight for resistance are also recommended, such as pushups and pull-ups.

Perform weight-training exercises at least three times a week, and be sure to work out all major muscle groups every week. Muscles increase your metabolic rate so you burn calories faster.

4. Eat healthy

Proper nutrition is a fitness tip for men that should never be ignored. You cannot become fit if you do not eat properly. Look for diet plans that will help you lose weight while increasing muscle mass. This means your diet should be rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, whole grain cereals, beans and healthy fats.

5. Drink plenty of water

People often forget that the human body needs water to stay healthy and function properly. Plain water is what your body needs, not soda or sweetened fruit juices. Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.

The best fitness tip for men who are serious about their health is to exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and live a healthy lifestyle.

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