Questions on running or cycling or other ways to lose excess fat ?

Question

I'm not overweight by far and I'm not even fat, but I'd like to start either running or cycling, to help remove any excess fat so I can have a more 'toned' look, as well as the benefit of being healthier. However which one out of cycling and running is better? Really when I mean better, most effective (possibly being quicker in seeing results). And for one or the both:

How many times a week should I do it?

How long should I do it for? Or how many miles/km should I cover in one session.

When is the best (most effective?) time of day, morning or evening?

And a trivial question, do I need proper or decent running shoes for running?

I know I should probably build up, so if so where should I start and then aim for, and how frequently should I progress in distance and time?

Again sorry for the long post and any ignorance I may have shown. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Running is a great way to lose weight, tone up and increase your stamina.  It is essential that you wear good quality trainers and not fashion trainers for the job because if your feet are not supported properly when you are pounding the pavement or the treadmill then it can cause injury.  Asics, adidas, reebok all make good running shoes.

Build up your running times so start with 5 min walk and then 10 min run and then try to do it 3 times a week.  build up by 5 mins every time if you can manage it and aim to finally be running for 45 mins.  That may take a few months but always makes sure you do a long enough warm up at the beginning.

The most effective time is whenever suits you. If it is safe to run in the evening before it gets too dark, that's great but equally, a morning run is excellent for setting up your day.  neither has more fat burning than the other.  Its just about what suits you.

When you've decided you like it, try doing interval runs which is when you go at a moderate pace for 1 mins, then really fast for 1 mins and then moderate for 1 min etc.  This is the most effective way to get fit and burn fat fast.

Good luck!