Running: Is it a MUST??

C

cgilson269

0
hi there, i have been an avid "exerciser" for about 8 years now. i am 25 years old, 5'7" and my weight is usually between 135-140.
over the last year, i have been working out VERY consistenly. 6-7 days/week hard cardio and typically lift a different muscle group each day of the week. i also mix it up w/ pilates, yoga and "body pump" sort of classes at my gym.
this all seems to be working for me ... but i'm not sure about my cardio anymore.
i prefer the elliptical machine and recumbent bike. i go pretty hard - my resistance levels are pretty high, my heart rate gets going, sweat A LOT.
but i feel like i SHOULD be running more, too. sometimes i'll do a mile or 2 at the start of my workout, but i have to feel really motivated.
i feel like i should be running more b/c it seems to be the best cardio for burning fat. in order to cut a bit more fat, do i need to include running in my mix?
i used to run track in high school, and i still get that "anxiety" feeling when i start running. i feel nervous, etc. i suppose that's why i dislike it ....

anyway, is running the BEST form of cardio? do i NEED it in order to acheive lower BF, etc?
 
i forgot to mention that i usually do 45-60 mins of elliptical and bike daily, w/ minimal running on the treadmill mixed in.
 
Absolutely not. You don't have to run...
I personally love running, but even I get a little anxious when I haven't done it in a while. If you want to pick it up, start out slow and make it fun. If you make it too much like hard work you will drop it. Running is one of those things that is as hard as you want it to be. It can be fun or it can kick you ass. You decide how to play it though, and my advise is to start out slow and progress from there.
I love running but I have to say that swimming is the best aerobic exercise. Low impact, good for the joints, and harder the faster you swim.
 
Running: Is it a must??

Are you training for something? You mention BF as a goal, but don't state where your BF is now.

The best place to get information on your program is through a professional at the gym. Typically, a gym will have at least one personal trainer on staff. Take any advice here with a grain of salt unless you are comfortable with poster's background. I am currently teaching (and certified in) Pilates, Yoga and kickboxing as well as completing a personal trainer cert, but that doesn't mean I have enough personal info about you to properly advise anything. For specific program questions, please talk to someone at the gym with credentials; they will be able to assess your program based on your specific goals and current levels. It would be well worth it to pay for one PT session or a program consult if your gym offers them. Many gyms will work with members to set up/assess current program without a PT session or charge.

On another note: yypically, "hard" cardio 6-7 days a week is not necessary (unless you are specifically training for something); working out should not become excessive or obsessive as it can lead to or be indicative of other issues.
 
do i need to include running in my mix? no
is running the BEST form of cardio? its up there with the best but there are plenty of other very efficient ways to burn calories - swimming is great too.
do i NEED it in order to acheive lower BF, etc? no
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top