I don’t know about you, but I’ve played around with jogging, running, speed-walking, normal walking, biking – all with an aim to lose weight and burn off that last stubborn 10-lbs I have around my waist.  

Here’s what would happen, I would finish running and it would be so painful that psychologically I would keep myself from running again that week.  Maybe if I was really eager I would get out for a power walk – but something always seemed to come up to ruin the consistency.

It’s been about 60-days now and I’ve been on a very consistent jogging schedule where I get in 30-45-minutes of quality jogging time.  I started out slow, at about a 5Mph pace and have gradually increased the pace to where I figure I’m now burning about 500-600 calories each jogging trip and I’m feeling much stronger, less out of breath, less overheated and a whole lot more energetic after the run than before.

What’s the difference…

1. I took it slow and gradual.  Instead of trying to run a 10-min mile full out for 30-minutes I’ve slowed it down and listened to my body understanding that it takes time to build your stamina and losing the weight will come.

2. Being consistent.  This is the MOST important thing.  Ideally you can get out 3-4 times a week, but if it’s only twice, then that’s ok – just be consistent about it week in and week out.  You will find after 3-4 weeks a significant improvement in your stamina and after 6-weeks another big leap in energy and stamina until you are running faster and farther than you ever though possible just 6-weeks before..  Oh, and you WILL notice some significant weight coming off as long as you maintain a healthy diet along with your exercise.

3. Wear comfortable shoes.  I made this mistake, wearing a $40 pair of running shoes WILL have an impact on your knees, hips, back or some other part of your body.  Running is shocking to your body, so you need to absorb as much of that shock as you can and good shoes are the way to do it.  If you don’t wear quality shoes you will hit an injury which throws off your consistency and weight loss goals.

4. Find your best time and place to run.  By running at an optimal time of day for you and mixing up your routes you can keep the exercise fresh and enjoying not allowing it to get boring.

Try it…and stick with your jogging or running campaign.  Not only will you lose more weight but you’ll find you will notice the fat burning off, leaner core muscles, more energy and stamina and an overall happier outlook on life.

Jeff