There are two main reasons why people will run as a form of exercise. They generally run in order to burn fat and improve their cardio. However, running impacts the body in many ways, one area overlooked is the impact it has on muscles.
Running can have either a positive or negative impact on the body depending on how you go about the process. When you run, you will want to use the proper method of running that will enhance your muscles in a positive manner.
When you run, you engage an impact every muscle group in the body. Running does not merely impact or affect the legs as some erroneously assume. So, when you make running a regular part of your daily workout regimen, you will be developing your body a significant degree. Also, the excess body fat on your frame will melt away because running has a tendency to completely shred fat like few other exercises can. This is why many runners have a ripped to shreds physique that is so desirable by so many.
However, it is important to point out that when you overdo it with running, you can end up burning your own muscles as fuel. This means you will end up decreasing the amount of muscle mass you carry. Why does this occur? The reason is that when you run for too long of a duration or with too elevated of a heart rate, your body will opt to shift from primarily burning carbs and fat and into the realm of burning muscle.
When this happens, the result can be catastrophic on the physique. Usually the runner can end up with a very thin physique with little to no muscle mass. This is most definitely not the physique people want as their appearance.
There are ways to avoid burning muscle when you run. Cutting back on the duration of you workout helps. Also, training in aerobics heart rate stage instead of anaerobic stage is advisable since the anaerobic stage results in a really high heart rate.
It is also advised that you increase your protein intake when doing a lot of running. Since muscle is a form of protein, adding protein will aid in ensuring muscle mass is maintained. Just do not overdo it with protein shakes since they have a high calorie count.
And it does not hurt to add a little weightlifting to your workout routine. If running burns up muscle, you can always lift heavy weights to rebuild some of the muscle mass that has been lost. You do not even have to lift an enormous amount of weight as even moderate amounts can deliver excellent results.
Cliff Pape is an elite Houston Personal Trainer who can give you quick and fast healthy results. Cliff has been a personal trainer for many years now and he will work with you in your exercise routine and diet in order to get in the best shape of your life. So follow the link to his site where you can get the body you have always desired! Certified Personal Trainer Houston