Tag: Interval Training

Running for Weight Loss Plan: Beginner’s Guide

Post author By admin
Post date July 22, 2012
No Comments on Running for Weight Loss Plan: Beginner’s Guide

Running is one of the best workouts for weight loss. It burns more calories per hour than many other forms of exercise, and you don’t even have to spend a lot of money because all you need is a good pair of running shoes. If you are new to running and would like to shed some extra pounds, the following running for weight loss plan will get you off to a good start.

Getting Started – Running for Weight Loss

Walk and Run

Running is a challenging exercise, so it’s important to begin your fitness routine gradually in order to avoid injury. A combination of walking and running will give your body time to adapt to the training while still burning calories. Start with a brisk 10-minute walk to warm up your body and loosen your muscles. Alternate between running for 1 minute and walking for 1 minute for the next 10 minutes. Finish your workout with a 10-minute walk to cool down.

Gradually increase the duration of the runs and shorten the walks until you are able to run consistently for 10 minutes. Finally, begin to shorten your warm-up and cool-down walks so that you will be running longer periods. Run at a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation. Your goal is to be able to run for 30 minutes at a time in order to maximize calorie burn.

Add Mileage

Running for Weight Loss

The next stage of your weight loss running plan is to run longer distances. You can easily get bored if you run the same distance day in and day out. Gradually increase your total mileage for the week in order to burn more calories each week and achieve your weight-loss goal.

The rate of mileage increase should not exceed 10% per week. This will give your body time to adapt to the workout without suffering from the added stress on your joints and muscles.

Intervals

Interval training is one of the best ways to increase the number of calories burned during your workout. When doing intervals, you alternate between sprinting/running and jogging/walking. Fartlek can also be integrated into your running for weight loss plan. Fartlek is an unstructured form of interval training where you sprint 200-400 meters, then run at your normal pace for recovery.

Vary Your Workouts

Your weight loss running plan should provide variety in your types of workout so as to prevent boredom. In addition to intervals, your workout can include tempo runs or running at a challenging but manageable pace. It’s also a good idea to incorporate long, slow runs at least once a week. Running longer distances allows you to burn more calories and shed extra pounds.

Related Blogs

Related Blogs on 30 Minutes

Related Blogs on Added Stress

Weight Loss Exercise

How to Avoid the Freshman 15

Post author By admin
Post date September 16, 2011
No Comments on How to Avoid the Freshman 15

According to a recent study, college students start putting on pounds their first semester and continue to do so throughout their sophomore year. The notorious Freshman 15. The stress of entering a new school, being far from home and readily available junk food are just a few of the many factors that contribute to freshman weight gain.

Experts with the Top Trainers DVD set (www.buytoptrainers.com) have provided tips to ease the transition and lose/maintain your weight.

Avoid the Freshman 15- Buddy System

Avoid the Freshman 15

Staying motivated may require some help from a peer. Partner up with a friend and put together a weekly workout routine. Scout locations. Utilize the space on your campus, check out the track, hills or find the gym closest to your quad. Partnering up with a friend helps keep your focus on the right track when it comes to staying in shape.

Avoid the Freshman 15- Dorm Room Moves

Late night and didn’t get a chance to make it to the gym? There are simple exercises you can do in your room to stay fit. Grab your iPod and begin by marching in place and keep it moving. Dance your way into shape. Throw in reps of jumping jacks, squats and lunges. If you are not much of a dancer, use your building stairs. Run or walk up and down the flight of stairs, while listening to your favorite playlist.

Avoid the Freshman 15- Fitness Night

Grab your group of friends and have a weekly fitness night. Hit the college lounge area with your favorite fitness DVD and workout, while having a great time with the girls. Try a different workout every week to keep it new and fresh. The Top Trainers DVD set is a perfect example. With 10 different featured trainers, you can challenge your body with Latin dance, Interval Training, Kickboxing, Ballet and Pilates and much more.

Avoid the Freshman 15- Stressed? Destress with Yoga

Exams, papers and endless books to read have you stressed? Drop the bag of chips! Fitness DVDs are the perfect solution for a quick session to distress. With less time required than a trip to the gym, unwind and relax in the comfort of your own dorm room. Instead of popping open a bag of chips, pop in a fitness DVD and manage your stress in a healthy way. Exercise helps eliminate stress. Try Ellen Barrett’s 45-minute Yogini class featured on the Top Trainers DVD set (www.buytoptrainers.com).