(Newswire.net — June 21, 2017) — We burn calories while exercising, that is common knowledge. However, a new analysis shows that jogging may not be the best way to drop extra pounds.
In “The New Rules of Lifting for Women,’ co-author Lou Schuler presents the findings based on data obtained from activity tracking devices, showing that running is not as helpful in losing weight as we all believe.
Schuler finds that the human body has the power to quickly adapt to the repetitive nature of running and stops burning as much calories as we would like it to. The body’s main function is self-preservation and a rapid loss of calories is not perceived as healthy by our body. In fact, our body fights against burning fat reserves by adapting to the circumstances.
Taking less food and burning fat depot inevitably leads to losing weight, but our body would fight back first. Scientists have found that skipping meals does not lead to losing weight, but can even make things worse. The body gets alerted about the possibility of hunger and immediately “issues instructions” for storing as much food as possible and slowing down metabolism.
Running provides a similar effect, according the Schuler. The body eventually adapts to running and actually reduces burning calories in order to provide energy – because you are getting fit.
Getting fit is a process of spending less energy for the same amount of workout, and spending less energy means burning fewer calories.
Our body burns far more calories in a gym than while running, claims a passionate runner, Dr. William Roberts, faculty at the University of Minnesota and former president of the American College of Sports Medicine.
While lifting weights, our body is in immediate need for energy boost which burn calories, but there is more. According to Dr. Roberts, tiny raptures occur on our muscles as we work out with weights and calories are needed to repair those fractures. That is how calories continue to be burnt after we leave the gym.
Running to lose weight, however, often leads to knee injuries as our joints are not prepared to withstand the amount of pressure imposed by running.
So, why is running so popular? It is healthy and helps the body fight illness by boosting immune system. It is much healthier to run outside than on a treadmill while watching TV. Breathing fresh air and seeing different sceneries while running helps both, our physical and mental health. While running, the body also releases endorphin, the hormone of happiness.
Running, however does not burn as much calories as we would expect.