The Impact of Running on the Muscles
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.
It is important to note though, when you overdo it with running, you can end up burning your muscles as fuel. Meaning you will decrease the amount of muscle mass you carry. The reason this is, is that when you run for too long, your body will shift from burning carbs and fats to burning muscle.
The result on the physique can be bad when this happens. Usually the runner can end up with a very thin physique with pretty much no muscle mass. This is clearly not the look people want to have as their appearance.
Of course, there are ways to avoid burning up muscles when you run. First, cutting back on the duration of your workouts will help. Additionally, training in the aerobics heart rate stage as opposed to the anaerobic stage is advisable. In addition to preventing unnecessary burning of muscle, this is a safer way to train since anaerobic training results in an enormously high heart rate.
Also, it is advisable to increase your protein intake when performing a lot of running. Since muscle is a form of protein, adding protein either from food sources or supplements will aid in ensuring the muscle mass is maintained. Just be sure not to overdo it with protein shakes since they can come with a high calorie count.
It also doesn’t hurt to add some weightlifting to your routine. Weightlifting can help rebuild some of the muscle mass you could have lost during running, and you don’t even need to lift a huge amount to get 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