running

[bedHead]

is running twice a week (on my "off" days or days I don't go to the boxing gym) for 3-4 miles enough for a beginner? I'm trying to up my endurance and lose fat. I've been able to run 3 miles for a while, but my time was kinda sucky up at 27 mins, last time I tried, when I was in my "prime." Haven't run in a while, so I doubt I'd do that well, but back then my goal was getting it down to 25 mins. I know I most likely can't do that right now, but I'll start running again next week, most definitively. Just wanted to know if that and a clean diet were enough to shed fat and get in shape. I just feel like if I were lighter I'd be able to do so much more in the gym.

[..........]

is running twice a week (on my "off" days or days I don't go to the boxing gym) for 3-4 miles enough for a beginner? I'm trying to up my endurance and lose fat. I've been able to run 3 miles for a while, but my time was kinda sucky up at 27 mins, last time I tried, when I was in my "prime." Haven't run in a while, so I doubt I'd do that well, but back then my goal was getting it down to 25 mins. I know I most likely can't do that right now, but I'll start running again next week, most definitively. Just wanted to know if that and a clean diet were enough to shed fat and get in shape. I just feel like if I were lighter I'd be able to do so much more in the gym.

Running and a good diet is the best way to lose weight. If you're just starting, running twice a week at 3-4 mile intervals is very good. Don't worry about your time just yet, but just get your body used to running and working on your cardio, as you keep running your time will eventually come. I'd try to keep running as your only exercise on your off days, as your body does need a chance to rest, which is what off days are for. But good work, keep it up.

[bedHead]

So, you'd suggest no pushups or pullups or crunches, etc on non boxing gym days? What if I feel I could've done more on my gym days? Should I just do those extras during my gym days instead?

[Unanimous]

I'd try to keep running as your only exercise on your off days, as your body does need a chance to rest.

Hmmm, I may be doing something wrong then. I pretty much excercise every day. I always feel guilty if I have a day off and on running days I also incorporate the heavy bag & weights as soon as I get home after my run. How important is it to "rest"? Could I be doing more harm than good by running (30 mins), hitting the heavybag (30 mins) & pushing weights (30 mins) in a single session?

[jessesmit]

question: why is running better than skipping? when you have the exact same motions?

[markeeta]

This is just based on my own experience and probably has no scientific basis... but I train 6-7 days a week without fail and about three hours each day. The other people I train with have different strategies that work well for them, but I personally need the routine and would feel unhuman if I didn't train every day.

With consideration for this though, my training isn't always about going hard. It includes a lot of light shaddow boxing or working on a specific technique repetitively. I don't do heavy weight training and recover well. The most important thing about this type of training is to know your own body. If you're injured, sick or extra sore then take a day or two off, or tone down your training. I sprained my foot really bad but still went to training without missing a day, however I just focused on my arms and skipped one leg for a few weeks. I was slow and my technique was crap, but it kept up my motivation and I never pushed myself or felt guilty. Just don't set your standards too high.

[Bombz]

Hmmm, I may be doing something wrong then. I pretty much excercise every day. I always feel guilty if I have a day off and on running days I also incorporate the heavy bag & weights as soon as I get home after my run. How important is it to "rest"? Could I be doing more harm than good by running (30 mins), hitting the heavybag (30 mins) & pushing weights (30 mins) in a single session?

I was once told that, in order of importance, relevant to training where:

1) Genetics
2) Diet
3) Rest
4) Training

The first one you can't do a lot about, but it massively influences everything. Without proper nutrition and rest you won't grow and develop to your genetic potential. If you get that right, training will enhance your potential.

I'd say training every day is over-training and that's a bad thing.

Do you get lots of minor injuries, niggles or cold type bugs/lethargy. All symptoms of doing too much.

Just my opinion.

[Nacho_Analstain]

question: why is running better than skipping? when you have the exact same motions?

Good question.

Skipping probably is a better work out.

[DA1CATAS]

I was once told that, in order of importance, relevant to training where:

1) Genetics
2) Diet
3) Rest
4) Training

The first one you can't do a lot about, but it massively influences everything. Without proper nutrition and rest you won't grow and develop to your genetic potential. If you get that right, training will enhance your potential.

I'd say training every day is over-training and that's a bad thing.

Do you get lots of minor injuries, niggles or cold type bugs/lethargy. All symptoms of doing too much.

Just my opinion.

HEY i get those symptoms all the time.. but i keep increasing on my times....


what do you think?

[Unanimous]

Do you get lots of minor injuries, niggles or cold type bugs/lethargy. All symptoms of doing too much.

Just my opinion.

Yeah, I do get things like that. I think I'll start having a day off a week. And maybe, no other training on the days that I run.

Cheers bombs.

Oh, and that list of order of things in importance - pretty amazing how training is last on the list. Then again, I know with body building it is 80% diet, 20% training.