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I have a theory that people who want to get in shape but don't know where to start will gravitate towards running, because it's what we all remember doing in gr

I have a theory that people who want to get in shape but don't know where to start will gravitate towards running, because it's what we all remember doing in grade school gym class. Running is great, I'm not knocking it at all. But I would also try other activities to see what sticks (hiking, weightlifting, rock climbing, social sports leagues, etc.) There's also lots of free beginner-friendly workouts on YouTube (where you follow-along with an instructor).

leksak 4y ago
Running can also be very high impact on joints and if a person hasn't moved around much for quite some time might be asking them to do more than they are ready for.
- Someone1234 4y ago
  In particular if people aren't at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese and running can destroy your knees. Doctors will recommend against it. Swimming, Rowing, elliptical, cycling, or StairMaster are safer and offer similar health benefits.
- tootie 4y ago
  Yeah, I've got flat feet and running has always been torture. Even when I was otherwise very fit and trim.
- hhjinks 4y ago
  Recently started running again. Hadn't run in in close to a decade, but I got back into it really quickly. However, after only a few weeks of running, I developed symptoms similar to compartment syndrome in my left leg, and now I can't run for more than 30 minutes every other week without getting really sore. I was really getting into it, too.
sw030695 4y ago
I think running is attractive because it's one of the most effective sports at burning energy, and it's entry level. Shoes, and some loose clothes. In the past I've lost weight from a bunch of different sports and running worked the best. It's just the most intense pure sport, without mechanical assistance.
- deebosong 4y ago
  Gotta agree. I kinda dread running (but will do it, and like having done it after the fact but during the runs is another story). But in terms of being able to run anytime (with the right layering), anywhere (more or less, so long as you can avoid traffic), and with basically minimum barrier to entry in terms of gear, it's hard to beat when comparing it to other sports & fitness activities. I still much rather would ride my bicycles hard, but I can't deny the barrier to entry is significantly higher, even if you're aiming for budget bikes (the learning curve is kinda steep in being able to spot a decent deal), let alone higher-end stuff. But oh, is it a sublime and beautiful experience on the bike.
- Someone1234 4y ago
  > most effective sports at burning energy I'm pretty sure it is one of the least effective sports at burning energy. Humans have evolved to be highly efficient runners, therefore we exert less energy when we run (plus compared alternative we're under-using our upper bodies). Swimming is almost certainly the most effective sport for burning energy. That being said: Losing body fat from exercise is a bad strategy anyway. Exercise is important for improved health, improved aging, combat certain diseases (like metabolic syndrome), etc. But the maths alone shows that you cannot out-run a bad diet, one McDonald's meal is more than an hour of moderate exercise regardless of type. Body fat is lost in the kitchen, fitness is gained at the gym, people mix those two things up regularly.
  - rconti 4y ago
    [citation needed] I've spent a lot of time running and cycling, and personally, I can burn 800 calories an hour running, and 600 cycling. I can easily sustain heartrates of 150-160bpm but struggle to break 130 swimming. Found a few source that also put running at the top. https://revelsports.com/which-sport-burns-the-most-calories/ https://revelsports.com/which-sport-burns-the-most-calories/
    - Someone1234 4y ago
      Your link is to an autogenerated content farm. So [Citation Needed] from you too. Here's an actual source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories... Running at normal sustained speeds is only 240-336, Elliptical is 270-378, Aerobics 300-420, Stationary Bicycling 315-441, etc. Keep in mind 6 MpH is considered Vigorous, and you're talking about 10 MpH sustained to get good calorie burn which just isn't realistic outside competitive levels or for short sprints (which isn't what we're discussing).

leksak 4y ago

Running can also be very high impact on joints and if a person hasn't moved around much for quite some time might be asking them to do more than they are ready for.

Someone1234 4y ago
In particular if people aren't at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese and running can destroy your knees. Doctors will recommend against it. Swimming, Rowing, elliptical, cycling, or StairMaster are safer and offer similar health benefits.
tootie 4y ago
Yeah, I've got flat feet and running has always been torture. Even when I was otherwise very fit and trim.
hhjinks 4y ago
Recently started running again. Hadn't run in in close to a decade, but I got back into it really quickly. However, after only a few weeks of running, I developed symptoms similar to compartment syndrome in my left leg, and now I can't run for more than 30 minutes every other week without getting really sore. I was really getting into it, too.

sw030695 4y ago

I think running is attractive because it's one of the most effective sports at burning energy, and it's entry level. Shoes, and some loose clothes. In the past I've lost weight from a bunch of different sports and running worked the best. It's just the most intense pure sport, without mechanical assistance.

deebosong 4y ago
Gotta agree. I kinda dread running (but will do it, and like having done it after the fact but during the runs is another story). But in terms of being able to run anytime (with the right layering), anywhere (more or less, so long as you can avoid traffic), and with basically minimum barrier to entry in terms of gear, it's hard to beat when comparing it to other sports & fitness activities. I still much rather would ride my bicycles hard, but I can't deny the barrier to entry is significantly higher, even if you're aiming for budget bikes (the learning curve is kinda steep in being able to spot a decent deal), let alone higher-end stuff. But oh, is it a sublime and beautiful experience on the bike.
Someone1234 4y ago
> most effective sports at burning energy I'm pretty sure it is one of the least effective sports at burning energy. Humans have evolved to be highly efficient runners, therefore we exert less energy when we run (plus compared alternative we're under-using our upper bodies). Swimming is almost certainly the most effective sport for burning energy. That being said: Losing body fat from exercise is a bad strategy anyway. Exercise is important for improved health, improved aging, combat certain diseases (like metabolic syndrome), etc. But the maths alone shows that you cannot out-run a bad diet, one McDonald's meal is more than an hour of moderate exercise regardless of type. Body fat is lost in the kitchen, fitness is gained at the gym, people mix those two things up regularly.
- rconti 4y ago
  [citation needed] I've spent a lot of time running and cycling, and personally, I can burn 800 calories an hour running, and 600 cycling. I can easily sustain heartrates of 150-160bpm but struggle to break 130 swimming. Found a few source that also put running at the top. https://revelsports.com/which-sport-burns-the-most-calories/ https://revelsports.com/which-sport-burns-the-most-calories/
  - Someone1234 4y ago
    Your link is to an autogenerated content farm. So [Citation Needed] from you too. Here's an actual source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories... Running at normal sustained speeds is only 240-336, Elliptical is 270-378, Aerobics 300-420, Stationary Bicycling 315-441, etc. Keep in mind 6 MpH is considered Vigorous, and you're talking about 10 MpH sustained to get good calorie burn which just isn't realistic outside competitive levels or for short sprints (which isn't what we're discussing).