The Running Conspiracy. How Brainwashed are you?
by Marcus Martinez
The reason for the Running Conspiracy is unknown, but the brainwashing methods are obvious: how many times have you seen a sexy couple run along the beach in commercials? Or seen the main character in your favorite 80’s movie get into shape during a glam-rock fueled training montage? Or been drugged, strapped to a chair, had your eyes taped open, and been forced to watch someone tell you that the only way to get into shape is to run? About a million times? That’s what I thought.
In a world overflowing with fitness training options, millions of people have been brainwashed into thinking that there is only ONE WAY to lose weight and drop fat. These well-meaning and hopeful (albeit ignorant) individuals are convinced that they must perform hours of daily cardio through jogging and running if they hope to get results. Alas, they are wrong and will suffer a fate worse than death (not really): fitness failure.
We’ve had countless clients come to us after failing their cardio/running programs. With zero results, they crawl into the gym with confused expressions, wondering why they were beaten. We do our best to nurse them back to life and help them to see the light: there are far more efficient and effective ways to reach your fitness goals than running.
There is a dark side to running that can only be seen by digging up controversial research or by personally experiencing the effects of running countless marathons at the expense of your knees and hips. Too many clients have been given doctors and chiropractors orders to stop their long distance running or start prepping for knee replacement surgery.
This is not meant to take away from people who love to run. Far be it from me to naysay on their idea of an enjoyable activity. This article is meant for those who think that running will get them into the best shape in the shortest amount of time, even though they might hate running.
Why Running Sucks for Most People
Running will get you lean, but at the expense of muscle. Running is a very catabolic activity, meaning that it will not differentiate what king of tissue it burns, muscle, fat, etc.; it’s all fair game.
Running does have some pros and for experienced athletes who are free of cardiac issues or joint problems, but for the rest of society who go out for a morning run every so often it might not be the best choice of exercise.
Running is a high impact activity that puts the lower extremities through a beating. The only way to strengthen the joints to endure the pounding of a long run is to perform weight bearing exercises. Again, those who are just looking to lose some weight are probably not performing their squats, putting them at a greater risk for ankle, knee, and hip problems.
Even though the majority of people who have dropped dead from a run had some sort of congenital malformation of the heart, a recent Medical Journal of Australia reports that men are seven times more likely to die of a heart attack on a run than from more moderate activities.
So You Want Better Results in Less Time?
An easy way to get your cardio and put less strain on the heart is circuit training with weights. Kettlebell circuits will not only work your heart but also strengthen your muscles and give your joints a much needed break from the hard asphalt. You will tone up, drop fat, and maintain the muscle mass you would have destroyed on your running binge.
Running has its place, but for the inexperienced, instant-gratification-seeking people of the fitness world, running all day every day is not the answer. A well-planned fitness and nutrition program that is followed consistently will provide the best results in the shortest amount of time.
So, no need to crowd the streets when you feel the sudden urge to get into shape or lose some weight. Think it out, do the research, and start moving. No more mindless running. You are not a hamster.
The reason for the Running Conspiracy is unknown, but the brainwashing methods are obvious: how many times have you seen a sexy couple run along the beach in commercials? Or seen the main character in your favorite 80’s movie get into shape during a glam-rock fueled training montage? Or been drugged, strapped to a chair, had your eyes taped open, and been forced to watch someone tell you that the only way to get into shape is to run? About a million times? That’s what I thought.
In a world overflowing with fitness training options, millions of people have been brainwashed into thinking that there is only ONE WAY to lose weight and drop fat. These well-meaning and hopeful (albeit ignorant) individuals are convinced that they must perform hours of daily cardio through jogging and running if they hope to get results. Alas, they are wrong and will suffer a fate worse than death (not really): fitness failure.
We’ve had countless clients come to us after failing their cardio/running programs. With zero results, they crawl into the gym with confused expressions, wondering why they were beaten. We do our best to nurse them back to life and help them to see the light: there are far more efficient and effective ways to reach your fitness goals than running.
There is a dark side to running that can only be seen by digging up controversial research or by personally experiencing the effects of running countless marathons at the expense of your knees and hips. Too many clients have been given doctors and chiropractors orders to stop their long distance running or start prepping for knee replacement surgery.
This is not meant to take away from people who love to run. Far be it from me to naysay on their idea of an enjoyable activity. This article is meant for those who think that running will get them into the best shape in the shortest amount of time, even though they might hate running.
Why Running Sucks for Most People
Running will get you lean, but at the expense of muscle. Running is a very catabolic activity, meaning that it will not differentiate what king of tissue it burns, muscle, fat, etc.; it’s all fair game.
Running does have some pros and for experienced athletes who are free of cardiac issues or joint problems, but for the rest of society who go out for a morning run every so often it might not be the best choice of exercise.
Running is a high impact activity that puts the lower extremities through a beating. The only way to strengthen the joints to endure the pounding of a long run is to perform weight bearing exercises. Again, those who are just looking to lose some weight are probably not performing their squats, putting them at a greater risk for ankle, knee, and hip problems.
Even though the majority of people who have dropped dead from a run had some sort of congenital malformation of the heart, a recent Medical Journal of Australia reports that men are seven times more likely to die of a heart attack on a run than from more moderate activities.
So You Want Better Results in Less Time?
An easy way to get your cardio and put less strain on the heart is circuit training with weights. Kettlebell circuits will not only work your heart but also strengthen your muscles and give your joints a much needed break from the hard asphalt. You will tone up, drop fat, and maintain the muscle mass you would have destroyed on your running binge.
Running has its place, but for the inexperienced, instant-gratification-seeking people of the fitness world, running all day every day is not the answer. A well-planned fitness and nutrition program that is followed consistently will provide the best results in the shortest amount of time.
So, no need to crowd the streets when you feel the sudden urge to get into shape or lose some weight. Think it out, do the research, and start moving. No more mindless running. You are not a hamster.
