Get active, stay safe, and improve your fitness over time!
If you are overweight, running is a great option that can help you get in shape, improve your health, boost your confidence, and achieve a healthy weight.
could be a bit more challenging if you are overweight.
Here are some tips on safely developing healthy running habits for overweight runners and getting all the benefits of running.
It is estimated that more than 64 million people have run at least once in the past year in the U.S. alone. Fitness improvement is one of the main motivations for Americans to start running.
Running Has Many Health Benefits
In addition to weight loss , overweight runners also get various other health benefits, including:
- A lowered risk of heart disease
- Reduced blood sugar level
- Lower risk of cataracts
- Decreased risk of falls
- Strengthening the knee
- Less knee pain
Before You Start Running
Prepare yourself for success by making sure that you are medically cleared to start running and have the right shoes to support your body at the beginning.
Get the Right Gear for Running
There are many items available for running, but most beginner runners can get by with the bare minimum.
Think of high-quality running shoes, a comfortable top, water bottle, running shorts, tights, or comfortable pants.
How To Run – Beginners Tips To Get You Started
Are you super excited to start your running journey? Here are some great tips for overweight runners to get you started.
1. Start Small
Becoming a good runner takes time and patience. Trying too hard too early will lead to disappointment and may hurt you right away.
To avoid injury and to enjoy the running experience, it is essential to start running slowly. Gradually increase the speed and distance through several runs.
Start walking for a period that feels comfortable. Consistency is the key, so try to run a little every day.
2. Switch to a Run/Walk Strategy
When you first start, try to alternate between running and walking during the session. Over time, extend your runs so that you no longer feel the need to walk.
Run/walk is an excellent strategy to improve running endurance safely and comfortably.
- Start each run with a gentle warm-up of at least 5 minutes.
- Warm-up may include marching, brisk walking, sidestepping, knee lifts, and climbing stairs.
- Then run gently for 1 minute and then walk for 2 minutes.
- Make sure you get a good cardio exercise.
- Repeat this cycle for 15-20 minutes.
- Walk for 5 minutes to cool down
3. Take Your Running to the Next Level
Once you have built up endurance, you can start increasing your speed by warming up a mile.
Then start running faster (breathing heavy but still under control) for a minute and recovering for a while at an easy pace.
Continue this pattern for 2 miles, then cool down for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Add Some Strength Training into Running Routine
If you are not familiar with strength training , try to incorporate at least 1 or 2 training sessions into your weekly training schedule. Not only will it help you burn more calories while doing these exercises, but your increased lean muscle mass will improve your running performance.
You will be able to run faster, longer and burn more calories during running.
- Squats, push-ups, planks, bridges, and lunges work for all your major muscle groups and can be performed using only your bodyweight.
- 2-3 sets of 15 repetitions each (1 minute holding the plank) will give you a great workout that will supplement your running goals.
How to Stay Motivated?
Here are 4 ways to stay motivated. This could include strategies such as:
- Reward yourself
- Running with a buddy
- Setting specific goals
- Tracking your progress
Ignore the Naysayers & Achieve Your Fitness Goals
You work hard to improve your health and fitness. You are unique and inspiring. Don’t let anyone stop you. Surround yourself with people who support you and your dreams. Understand why you are doing it.
Is Running The Best Exercise For Overweight Runners?
Running is an excellent form of exercise to lose weight. It Burns a lot more calories, can help you keep burning calories long after your workout. It can help suppress your appetite and targets harmful belly fat. Additionally, running has many other health benefits, and it is easy to get started.
How Running 30-Minutes A Day Can Help you Lose Weight?
Studies show that running for just 30 minutes will kick-start your metabolism and burn a lot of fat, both during and after the exercise itself. It’s because, during a short run, your body will use fat as its primary source of energy, rather than relying on carbohydrates which play a more significant role as the intensity of the exercise increases.
How Overweight Runners Can Achieve their Weight Loss Goals?
Some strategies that can help overweight runners to lose weight and avoid weight gain :
- If you are having trouble avoiding mindless eating or over-indulging, try looking for other activities.
- Choose healthy foods like whole grains, lean meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits.
- Stay hydrated before/during/after a run.
- Keep processed foods to a minimum.
- Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day.
- Stay motivated with eating healthy.
Tech Tools Can Help Overweight Runners – Tracking your calorie intake using an app or gadget will help you understand how many calories you are taking compared to burning.
Common Problems for Overweight Runners
- Try to take deep belly breaths.
- Rhythmic breathing is also helpful.
- Land on the mid-foot
- Listen to your body, and take a good rest
- Stick to a workout schedule according to your fitness level.
- Gradually increase the intensity of your run
- Warm-up for 5-10 minutes and stretch properly
- Wear the proper clothing while running.
- Use anti-chafing lubricants.
Beginner’s Guide for Overweight Runners – Takeaway
Everyone can become a runner. Never feel like your weight is an obstacle if you are interested in becoming fit.
The key is to stick to a workout plan that matches your current fitness level, practice good running form, and wear gear designed for comfort and injury prevention.
Unique Fitness offers 3 locations here on Long Island, each with their own style and focus, attracting people of all different ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Contact us today to claim your free 3-day trial membership.
