Most people believe that jogging is excellent for weight loss. This may not be true in the strictest sense as according to many professionals jogging as part of an exercise regime is better for weight maintenance rather than for weight loss.
Obesity is the main reason why people have to and want to lose weight. Obese or overweight people may find jogging an unnecessary strain on the joints and may be more prone to injury compared to others. It is very important that you consult your physician if you have any problems. Obese people are more prone to injury and jogging may exacerbate those injuries. If you get injured your rest and recuperation period may have a negative fallout on your wish to lose weight. Although you may lose more calories per mile as you cover a longer distance in a shorter time than walking do consider the pros and cons of jogging if you are obese.
It is better that overweight people lose some weight initially using other aerobic exercises and a weight control diet and become fitter. Then they can add jogging to their exercise regime. It is true that jogging burns more calories compared to other exercises but some of the calories lost would be from carbohydrates and not from fat.
Jogging is running at a slower pace than the usual pace for running. Jogging for thirty minutes atleast thrice a week is a good work out for weight maintenance. Wear a good pair of shoes. Maintain a fluid balance and drink water preferably since you sweat more when you jog. It is always advisable to do a few stretching exercises before and after jogging to avoid injuring your muscles.
Jogging will improve a person’s overall fitness. It will also give you appositive frame of mind as all exercise release endorphins in the brain. Jogging can be a solitary or group activity. There also a few jogging clubs which you can join if you wish. However do not forget that after jogging if you eat an excess amount of food (jogging can make you feel hungry) then you may not realise that you have eaten more calories than you have worked out. So do remember a balanced diet or a low calorie diet depending on your obesity level can be as important as your jogging regime.
Do jog if you can to lose weight. Remember what Charles M. Schulz has said in Peanuts “Jogging is very beneficial. It’s good for your legs and feet. It’s also good for the ground. It makes it feel needed.”
