So you just got back from your morning run and are feeling great. You burned some calories, got your metabolism revved for the day and are on your way to dropping a few pounds.
Or are you?
Is it possible that running, or any type of cardio for that matter, actually causes you to gain weight?
According to researchers who followed regular runners who logged the same weekly mileage, regardless of amount, gained weight each year.
So how does this happen and why? This is a question I was asked after a recent presentation I gave.
What happens here is the body is always trying to find the most efficient way to function, it's a basic survival function, however efficient doesn't burn calories it preserves them. So each time you take your run you burn less and less calories. For example, if you were to run 3 miles today and burned 300 calories that same run tomorrow will only burn 298, then 296 and so on. The only way to off set this is to run faster, longer, or further. All of which have their limitations. In addition, this type of activity will tend to burn muscle tissue and fat, which results in two negative outcomes. One less muscle tissue means a slower metabolism and two burning muscle will just create a smaller version of the way you currently look, you know those skinny fat people.
Before we go any further, I will say that initially when you start running or walking you will see some initial weight loss. This is only due to an increase in energy expenditure, e.g. going from sitting on the couch to getting up and moving. Overtime your will not continue to lose weight.
So in order to continue burning fat, increase your metabolism, and maintain muscle tissue you need to focus on an activity that will achieve all of that. So what activity is this? Strength Training.
By spending the majority of your time doing strength training and keeping your rest periods short and limited you will see changes in your body that you're not able to get through running.
Try the following KB Complex, complete each exercise before resting and do 3-5 sets.
Single Arm Swing (L & R)
Single Arm Snatch (L & R)
Single Arm Squat & Press (L & R)
Give it a try and let us know what you think!
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