To Run Or Not To Run? Examining Running For Fat Loss

Last weekend, the Movement Minneapolis hosted trainers from around the world who have been certified in the Gym Movement Protocols or who are in the process of becoming certified.  This certification is by invitation only and boasts some of the best trainers in the world.  

During one of the breaks, I had the opportunity to chat with my colleague, Sean Geddes-endurance athlete and owner of Invictus Vires in Portland, OR.  We discussed the subject of running for fat loss.  Both of us have had clients come to us with the goal of running either a marathon or half marathon.  We have also encountered clients who took up running in order to loose body fat.  


While there can be nothing inherently wrong with running marathons or half marathons an overweight client is not well served taking up running as his or her primary means to achieving fat loss goals.  


Everything that we do with our bodies has a cost, and the cost of running is a dramatically increased load on the skeletal system.  When a person runs he or she exerts 6X his or her bodyweight in force.  That is a huge impact on the joints.  If you are even 15-20 lbs over weight this extra mass will take its toll on your body.  


If your goals include fat loss, and you want to change your physique as quickly as possible, use fast movements with kettlebells, weights or your body weight.  Also keep your movements large.  Large, quick weight baring exercises will yield results much more quickly than running.  If you enjoy being outside and exercising consider taking your workouts outside or walking until your body fat is lower.  


Remember, everything we do either makes us better or worse, so whenever possible choose better.  


In good health,
Megan K