How to Run to Burn Fat

By Lisa Marie Mercer

Back in the 1970s, LSD was popular amongst fitness enthusiasts. In case you're too young to remember the 70s, in this case, LSD stands for Long Slow Distance; not the hallucinatory drug developed by Timothy Leary. Back then, it was believed that low intensity long duration running was the best way to burn fat. While this sounded good in theory, eventually, people began to wonder why the marathon runners from the back of the pack had seemingly high body fat. In recent years studies performed at the University of South Wales showed that interval training can burn more fat than long, slow distance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

How to Run to Burn Fat

Things You'll Need:

Running shoes Running clothes
Running shoes
Running clothes

Step 1

Begin with a five minute warmup run, performed at a moderate pace.

Step 2

Run as fast as you can for 60 seconds.

Step 3

Follow your fast interval with 60 seconds of running at an easy pace.

Step 4

Perform six intervals which alternate between 60 seconds of fast running with 60 seconds of slow running.

Step 5

Cool down with five to ten minutes of slow running or walking.

Tips & Warnings

Beginners can substitute walking for running during the slow intervals.

Wear proper running shoes Stay hydrated during hot weather

Wear proper running shoes

Stay hydrated during hot weather

Resources

Fat Loss Exercise Program

About The Author

Lisa Marie Mercer authored "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and "101 Fitness Tips for Women." She's worked as a fitness professional, tour guide and ski resort employee. Her work has appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "The Professional Skier," "Pregnancy Magazine," and "Wired."

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