Losing Weight and Feeling Great

Running to lose weight is what many people think of, when they hear the phrase, "diet and exercise".

But is running a good idea?  If you are significantly overweight, probably not.

Stress on Your Joints

Ok, you’re 40 or more pounds overweight.  Your joints are already at maximum load, just with day-to-day living.  One of the last things you want to do is stress them further.  And running isn’t exactly a low-impact exercise.

If you haven’t been exercising regularly all along (and likely you haven’t), don’t pick running or even jogging as your exercise of first choice.  At least not until you’ve lost some of the weight and have gained flexibility.

If you push your joints further and get injured, you may put yourself out of commission for any exercise you can’t do unless you are seated.

What Are Some Options?

Running to lose weight sounds like it should work, and it can.  After all, running is an aerobic exercise that uses up calories at a fairly good rate.  But running won’t do you any good if your body isn’t fit enough.

So, why not try walking?  It’s lower impact, and it can still be aerobic.  As you become more fit, you can "graduate" to jogging or running if you wish.

Swimming is low-stress on your joints, and if you don’t know how to swim, you can still do water aerobics to burn calories.

Don’t discount a balance ball for an exercise option, especially if you have problems walking to begin with.  And there are even balance ball aerobic exercise programs available!

Running to lose weight does burn up the calories, no doubt about it.  But if you’re significantly overweight, it may not be your best choice, at least when you are starting a new exercise program.