I have recently discovered a newfound enthusiasm for working out and sweating up a storm all in the name of fitting into my skinniest jeans. I’m all about getting maximum results in minimum time so I’ve been doing my research...
Found this article online by Peta Bee courtesy of The Guardian online and thought you guys might find it’s content interesting:
Running or aerobics? Yoga or Pilates? Making the decision to get fit is the easy part - choosing how to go about it is the difficult bit. Peta Bee offers some advice...
Running v aerobics
Running
How quickly will it make a difference?
After two to three weeks if running three or more times a week.
How many calories does it burn?
Around 612 per hour if you run six miles per hour (a 10-minute mile). You will burn more calories running off-road as your legs have to work harder on soft ground.
Will it keep me motivated?
Treadmill running, hamster fashion, can be tedious: run outside, changing your route and terrain whenever you can. As you get fitter, challenge yourself more by entering fun runs.
Specific benefits:
The basic running action strengthens the hamstring, quadriceps, iliopsoas muscles at the front of the hips, calf and the gluteus maximus muscles each time you take a stride forward. The pumping action of your arms will strengthen the upper body to some extent. And it's among the best forms of aerobic exercise.
Risk factors:
Your feet absorb three to four times your body weight every time they strike the ground and a shock reverberates up through your legs and into your spine. Good shoes help to cushion the blow and reduce the risk of injury to the knees and other joints.
Aerobics
How quickly will it make a difference?
After four to five weeks of twice-weekly classes.
How many calories does it burn?
374 per hour.
Will it keep me motivated?
It depends on your instructor. Classes that stick to exactly the same format every week can become too predictable for both muscles and mind. As with all class-based workouts, there is little scope for progress, so there will come a time when you will want to try something different.
Specific benefits Aerobics classes incorporate an element of dance that will improve coordination and spatial awareness.
Risk factors:
Low-impact aerobics - at least one foot remains in contact with the floor at all times - are preferable to high-impact classes for anyone prone to back and joint problems.
Victor: RUNNING
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