weightloss

Question
Hi, I am a current jogger and probably do it about 3 to 4 times a week for about 30 to 40 minutes.  I recently learned that jogging actually doesn't help you burn fat and lose weight and that walking is better and does. Is this true?  Please let me know if I am working out right or if I am wasting my time. Thanks!

Answer
Hi! My name is Lanny Schaffer and I am President of the International Fitness Academy. First, rest assured you are not wasting your time with your jogging program. Jogging burns up loads of calories. For weight loss a lower intensity for a longer duration of time would be recommended ( can you see where you might have been misinformed about walking? Walking too burns calories, is of a low intensity and can be done for long durations but per same unit time jogging burns a lot more calories)

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends low to moderate intensity activity daily from 40-60 minutes using the large muscle groups (legs) to promote weight loss.

In your case keep your jogging program as at 40 minutes it meets the weight loss requirements and is intense enough to give you other benefits such as a healthy heart. Depending on how intense your jogging sessions are and how sore you feel the next day you should consider adding a couple of more days. They don't have to be hard. Here's where walking might come in. On your days off between running you could walk 40-60 minutes. This will allow you to burn calories (although less than jogging) and will still let your legs rest (recover) for the next days jog.

Jogging 3-4 weeks  does burn calories but is a better cardiovascular conditioning program than weightloss program. Like ACSM says lower intensities, longer duration and daily if possible for optimal weight loss.

If you have any further fitness questions write me again at All Expert or e-mail me direct at [email protected]... Lanny