Running, The Best Body Weight Exercise?

If we were to ask ten people walking into a gym what they thought about running, I’m almost positive we would get 10 different answers. Opinions on running vary from one extreme to another but could it possibly be the best body weight exercise available to you?

Like most body weight exercises, the only equipment required for running is yourself and a pair or running shoes (and even that is optional) http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/1WhyConsiderFootStrike.html

Some of the most common views of running would be putting in endless miles either around a track, a treadmill or through neighborhoods side streets and roads. Even those that I know who enjoy running will admit it’s not something they are always looking forward to but know they will feel great once it is done.

If we made a list of the benefits of running it would be a very long list but its not commonly looked at as a body weight exercise. Running is load bearing, it can challenge your aerobic capacity as well as your anaerobic capacity, it burns calories, it will help raise your metabolic rate, improves your endurance and it can build muscle throughout your body not only your legs. Sounds pretty effective doesn't it!

Okay maybe running doesn't seem as bad now but how can we use it most effectively without committing ourselves to training for a marathon. Here are a few suggestions.

• Sprint Intervals. These can be done almost anywhere and you do not need much room to be effective. Distances from 50 to 400m can be run at a pretty intense pace for most people. Pick a distance, if you can access a track just pick two landmarks outside your house. Run 6-12 intervals trying to increase your intensity each time.
• Hills.  If you are lucky enough to live in an area with them you are at an advantage when it comes to getting the most out of your running workout. Each step up a hill in like doing a mini single leg squat. Approach these the same way you would the sprint intervals and you will feel the burn.
• Intermediate Distances. I’m going to classify this as being anything from 800m (½ mile) to 5k (3.1 miles). These are great distances for training endurance and you don’t have to log a ton of miles to get better at them.

Now if you are a serious runner or training for a specific event you’ll want to examine what's really the best routine for you, but if you are just trying to improve your current fitness level just pick one of these suggestions and RUN with it!