[tkdgal]

I've heard that running is one of the best ways to get a flat tummy... Is there anything I should know before going out for my first run? When should I run? How long should I run? Anyplace that is especially good to run at? Thanks for your help!

[GlindaofOz]

I'd ran when it's a little cooler out (not around noon or anything like that). Get a good pair of running shoes (they should be really comfortable and be light).

Make sure you stretch really well before you go on your run. On your first run just start with a slow jog and slowly work your way up to a faster run. Only run as long as feels comfortable (sometimes I do a run/walk its just as good). Make sure you have some body pumping music, it will help when you need that extra push.

Most importantly don't push yourself. If you do you will get hurt then be turned off to it. So just start slow.

I also just run around my neighborhood, I live in a townhouse community so its full of courts and each one is a different size, different hills - it makes it more fun.

[Bocasean]

What is your purpose in running? Do you want to train to be faster? Do you want to train for a marathon? Do you want to burn fat? Do you want increase your cardio-respiratory threshold?

Do tell, do tell.

[Bocasean]

Well lucky for you, at least in my opinion, they can BOTH be achieved in the same manner.

As with EVERY segment of the fitness industry, there is a HUGE difference in schools of thought when it comes to burning fat.

One segment of experts believe that hardcore weight-training is the best way to turn your body into a fat-burning machine.

Another segment feels that hardcore cardio is the best way, with weight-training being a less-important side activity.

The problem is that BOTH sides have scientific testing to support their causes.

So what I've found that works for me is a combination of BOTH schools of thought. Most of the cardio experts will say that fat is best burned at about 55-70% of your max heart rate... this is known as your Target Heart Zone.

So get yourself a heart-rate monitor and figure out your THZ, and when you do cardio try to stay in that zone. Work your way up to 40-45 minutes (but don't rush into it!), and do not work out for more than 70 minutes at any one setting (combined cardio and resistance training time). If you push yourself beyond a timeframe such as this, your cortizol levels will spike and you'll end up doing more harm than good.

But, in my opinion, and with evidence that's equally as powerful to support it, you should also incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training into your running.

You can find it on Google, but don't confuse it with HIT training that bodybuilders use.

The main point is that the body adapts, so mixing THZ with HIIT training at different points in your training cycle will lead to the best results.

Whatever you do, ease yourself into it and don't rush yourself into an injury. You know what they say about "an ounce of prevention" after all...

[Gilby101]

First you need to make sure that you stretch out before you run. If you have never ran before start small, like running around the block and work your way up from there. Try not to run in the heat and if you ever feel light headed or your body starts to hurt then stop running. It not worth getting hurt and not being able to run again for a while and loss all that time your sent already.

[goyinuser]

This is a great product to help improve endurance--i know through personal experience.
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