Jogging to Lose Weight

Many people ask me if it's ok to jog for weight loss.
Any exercise can be good to lose weight, it really depends on the person and their preferences as well as the present fitness level. Someone who is less fit, will probably be better off doing an exercise that is less intense, and one that doesn't place as much strain on their joints.

I think some of the best exercises for most dieters are rowing or swimming. The intensity for both these exercises can easily be controlled and balanced to match the individual's physical ability. Also, they do not place as much strain on the knees and ankles like jogging would.

Some tips for jogging.

• Try to jog on grass rather than concrete paths. Grass will give a softer impact and may help reduce the potential for injury. Although, BE AWARE that jogging on grass could result in a minor accident if your foot lands awkwardly on a lump, small hole, mud patches or debris from trees, so you may need to find a flat field to jog on as well as keep aware of the terrain ahead!
• Do not jog on consecutive days. You need to give the joints and muscles plenty of time to recover fully. So jogging every day is NOT recommended, it would be better to jog on alternate days, and preferably jog only twice each week or less. If you need to burn extra calories you could always complete a different exercise that doesn’t strain the joints as much, rowing or swimming are good examples.
• Always wear the correct footwear when jogging. Some trainers are better suited for running than others. Make sure you pick the best footwear designed for running.
  Preferably jog on a treadmill with a training partner nearby. Treadmills are better suited for running as you can do the session indoors (or at gym) and away from pollution (in cities), dangers on the roads, and danger of uneven grounds, as well as other potential problems. A training partner will help encourage you and also be there if anything bad does happen.
• Always warm up thoroughly before a jogging session!

Jogging can be a great way to lose weight, however, you'll need a certain amount of fitness before jogging every workout. You want to avoid possible injuries, as it will stop your workouts until recovery!

Learn why recovery is important when exercising to lose weight