Is running necessary for weight loss?

The answer to the title would be: Not Really.

You would have known by now that exercise and diet is the key to successful weight loss program, but have you ever question what kind of exercise do you need? Most of us would assume it is running, but it can be simple physical activity such as your weekend sports,  gardening, or even simple housework like carrying groceries as long as there is increased energy output.  

Running, if it is not taught and done correctly can be very taxing on your knee joints which can developed into a common condition called runners knee. A good running gait would involve proper landing technique, cadence (stride length and frequency) and breathing technique best taught by an experienced coach.

Running can be catabolic in nature if it was done repeatedly over a long period of time which is ideal but once overboard, the body will break down muscles instead of fats and carbohydrates and that's not something that we would have like. This would mean slower resting metabolism and increased body stress as explained by Livestrong. 

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So when do you need it?
1. When you are joining an aerobic competition such as 10 km run, 5 km fun run etc.
2. When you are looking to reduce your final percentage of body fat. This would mean that you have done all that is needed to bring your body fat level to a low percentage.
3. When you need to improve cardiovascular health as recommended by your doctor.  

Biologically speaking, human body is still designed to walk and run. If you love running, just do it!
Always enjoy what you do and don't force yourself to run if you don't like it. 

Cheers,
JG Fit