Beginners Running Guide - Will Running Help Me Lose Weight?

The hundreds of thousands of runners before you, who have successfully lost weight, will agree with the experts that running has to be one of the very best ways to kick-start a weight loss programme.

Should I be running at all? If you are over-weight, over 40, or have never done any exercise in your life - don't worry, you can still start running.

It really is never too late to start running (within reason). There is nothing unusual about taking up running later in life. But if you haven't done anything active for more than a couple of years then your muscles, and that includes your heart, will be untrained. That means you need to build up gradually so you don't put too much strain on any part of your body.

Running books often say you must go to your doctor before starting any exercise programme, and that is probably very sensible, but in reality most people don't. You probably don't need a medical check-up unless you are seriously overweight, have recently had a major illness (say in the last 12 months), have high blood pressure, heart or joint problems, or have a family history of heart trouble.

BUT - as I will keep stressing, you must start gently and be sure that you have fully recovered from one running session before starting the next.

What is your excuse? I'm overweight, I'm unfit, and I've never run before.

OK - so now is your chance to start! Running is an ideal cardiovascular or aerobic exercise. If running makes you sweat profusely, that is a sure sign that your body is metabolizing faster and burning up excess stored fat. But it's not a good idea to just start running suddenly with no preparation - you need to do it right and do it safely, so read this guide to get all the advice you need to get you started.

I don't want to have to go and see the doctor first. OK - maybe you don't need to. As I said above, unless you are in a high risk group, provided you take things gently you should be all right. The NHS recommends that you get a check-up from your doctor before running if you are over 45, or have existing health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease or joint problems. But it is a good idea to get the all clear from your GP even if you don't fall into these groups.

I'm too old Whatever your age, it is never too late to start running. Like any regular exercise, running is good for your body: it will boost your energy levels; reduce your chances of developing heart disease; help you sleep better and relax more easily; and it will even help you to lose weight. You are never too old to start running.

I Don't Have Time Really? There are 1440 minutes in a day, that's 10,080 minutes in a week. Can you really not find 90 of those minutes in a week, 3 x 30 minute sessions, to improve your health? To reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, breast cancer, anxiety and depression? Not to mention losing that weight you said you wanted to shift?

Running shoes are too expensive. If that's really true for you, then a pair of light, well-fitting trainers will do (you won't be running a marathon just yet!) but not an old worn-out pair with no support.

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For the ultimate beginners guide on running for weight loss, check out www.beginnersrunningguide.co.uk