Running SUCKS!
Yup, I said it...and I'm probably not the only one that thinks that way.
Despite the fact that running is a crappy way to lose fat and subpar way to boost cardiovascular health, it somehow has become the most popular exercise on Earth after walking.
Sure, running seems like a "natural" exercise (and it's free).
Unfortunately, running at a moderate pace for an extended period of time ins't not a movement pattern in which our bodies were designed to thrive doing.
Currently, we are a society of extremes. We find ourselves being more and more sedentary (upwards to 10 hours or more a day) and we know that sitting is the new smoking.
So, what do we try and do? Cardio (and lots of it).
We hear that movement is life, but here's the problem our bodies were not designed to get all of our movement at ONE time.
Our ancestors did not spend an our a day significantly elevating their heart rates, but what they did do was spend hours walking at a slow pace utilizing fat as the primary energy source (as well as sprinting occasionally and lifting heavy things). As a result, our current physiology is set up to handle those demands.
Elevating your heart rate for extended periods of time, chronically with no regards for recovery, you become dependent on stored glycogen as an energy source. This results in binging on carbohydrates (ie. sugar) to refuel that lost energy which can completely derail your goals of decreasing your body fat.
Fat Loss Is 80% Based On What You Eat And 20% On How You Move. – Mark Sisson
So, what do we get from the chronic cardio gym routine?
- Lack of fat loss/body composition results
- Inflammatory effects (brain, reproductive system, intestinal tract, heart)
- Boredom
You might be saying to yourself but running makes me breathe hard and I sweat a ton...but I'm pretty sure there are endless other ways to do that.
But if you just love to run and you don't think you can give it up...I'm cool with that. But, allow me to make this suggestion....RUN FASTER.
So instead of signing up for that 10K as motivation to get in shape, sprint to nearest weight room instead.Studies have consistently shown that weight training and sprinting are more effective than running at targeting belly fat and creating a good hormonal environment for fat loss, meaning better insulin sensitivity, less production of cortisol - the stress hormone, and more growth hormone and testosterone.
Now that I have gotten you thinking twice about joining that running group, you're like what are my next steps.
- Be Mobile. Your body must be able to move through its full range of motion if you want to be fit, lose fat and get stronger.
- Move Slow. Walking is not only safe but walking for just 30 minutes daily, regardless of any other factors, protects you against cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
- Lift Heavy. Strength is the basis of being fit, lean and healthy.
- Move Fast. Interval training 1-3 times per week, when combined with the other Move By Design steps, is the best way to induce fat loss.