Running and Weight Training

by Chantal

I need to lose 70 lbs, and I have started to run. What weight training exercises should I include in my beginners running program so that it doesn't tax my body too much... Thx.



Answer by Dominique:
Hi Chantal,
Thanks for your question.

Good on you for starting a running and fitness program to lose some weight. Stick with it, slowly build up your mileage and implement some good eating habits and your success is almost guaranteed!

I am not a weight lifting expert, although I do a little bit of it as well. I think I can still give some sensible advice.

As when you start running, if you want to start lifting weights, you need to ease into a training program. Start with light dumbbells. Have a search on the net for dumbbell exercises and you are bound to hit a site that will list a series of exercises that will show you how to train different muscles / muscle groups.

You want a leaner, fitter version of you so I would recommend light weights and many reps (10-15), rather than heavier weights and less reps which you would use if you want to build big muscles.

For this purpose I can also recommend body weight exercises, so where you only use your body, e.g. push ups, burpees, lunges, star jumps etc. Again, a search for body weight exercises should do the trick if you require extra info.

Hope this helps.
Best of luck with the weight loss.
Also check out the running for weight loss page for some running and weight loss tips.


Cheers,
Dominique