Running
for Weight Loss - The Energy Factor
Why
does running for weight loss not work for so many?
Many
people, understanding the large amount of calories that can
be burned when running, have taken up running as their preferred
method of weight loss. However,
when running or performing any other fat
burning exercise, it is the type of calories you
burn
that makes all the difference.
When
you run your body uses a combination of sugar calories, primarily
glycogen (stored sugar), and stored fat for energy. This is true
regardless of the intensity of the run.
If
you are running for weight loss your goal should be to burn
the maximum amount of stored fat calories. This can be a little tricky
because, although your body uses both sugar and fat for energy, its
preferred source is sugar in the form of glycogen. In order
to
burn the optimal amount of fat you must deplete your glycogen stores
and force your body to rely heavily on stored fat.
How
do you do this?
If
at all possible, you should run in the morning before you have eaten
anything. Glycogen levels are generally the lowest
in the morning because you have went the entire night without food.
Along
with running in the
morning, it is also beneficial to increase the amount of time that you
run. It typically takes
about twenty minutes of fairly intense running to sufficiently deplete
glycogen supplies and experience the optimal fat burn. It's
especially important to run longer for those who run later in the
day, after they have typically eaten a few meals.
When
running or performing any other intense workout it is important to
stay well hydrated. Water
is by far the best
hydration drink! Many people drink sugar loaded "hydration
drinks". These drinks will negatively
impact your results because you are providing your body with a readily
available source of sugar energy.
Running
is a great way to get in shape regardless of when you choose to
do it. By keeping these tips in mind when running to lose weight you
will greatly increase your results.
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